Journey on a safari with the Safari dress pattern

The Safari dress pattern by Chut Charlotte is high on my list because I love quick and easy summer wardrobe pieces. Easy summer pieces are everything. Simple and straightforward forward, you could make 2-3 of these in a weekend for your summer travels and have a new look every day on your trip.  The  Safari pattern is available via download as a pdf as a letter or copy shop file.

Safari pattern features 

The Safari pattern features one base top pattern elongated to a midi length and again to a dress.  The dress and the midi top have an optional interfaced long or half belt. And the Safari dress has pockets, always a bonus! All items are unlined and include facing.
Make the Safari dress pattern out of a woven fabric, such as cotton, linen, or viscose. Unlike US patterns, the pattern designer instructs you when and where to finish the edges. These instructions are another plus when choosing a Chut Charlotte pattern.

Avoid the boobie traps here.

• Some Safari dress pattern flaws to note, the pattern pieces do not match the instructions, but it’s easy to figure out since there are only a few pieces to begin with.
• The pockets do not have “stop sewing ” dots. So I created some. Also, make sure to understitch the pockets.

Sewing Recommendations:

Stay stitch the neckline of the Safari dress before your start, so you don’t stretch the neckline applying the facing. Next time I would interface the front and back facing and understitch pockets. Simply sew straight down the pocket seam on the dress and then create a stop for a less floppy pocket.

Fitting the Safari dress pattern

Remember, US sewists; you have to convert everything to inches. My first dilemma is the sizing chart. For reference, my measurements are 36” bust, 30” waist, 41.5” hips, 91, 76, 107cm; this is a UK size 12 for the upper portion and a size 14-16 for the hip.  I imagine that this isn’t a deal-breaker for most of us, but you be aware that you may need to grade the pattern if you aren’t perfectly proportioned. Fortunately, this is one of the few patterns that clearly list the garment’s finished measurements. The Safari dress pattern designer lists the bust and hip measurements and the front and back lengths. A full bust adjustment is also illustrated. 
Of note, there are no instructions to understitch the facing or neckline. 

Safari pattern hacks:

• Line the Safari dress
• Create some darts for better shaping
• Add sleeves
• Side seam splits with a rounded hem
• With some fit adjustments, this would be a great knit dress

Petite styling tips:

• Safari midi top + leggings + flats
• Safari dress + hoop earrings + wedge espadrilles 
• Safari top + Madewell stove pipe jeans + veja sneakers

There are lots of other easy sewing patterns like the Safari dress pattern. You can check out other Chut Charlotte patterns, such as the Pretty woman top here.