Cora Sew Along – Day 1
Did you know June is maxi month at Simple Life Pattern Company? All month long you can snag your favorite maxi patterns on sale – no code needed! One of the featured maxis this month is Cora. This stunning pattern was one of the first promo pieces I sewed for SLPco and is one of my favorite and most sewn patterns. Once you sew a few of your own you’ll see why! Let’s get started with the sew-along and look at all the features Cora has to offer.
Pattern Options
First, we’ll look at the bodice. You have the option of a plain or wave pleat bodice. There are also two back strap options: v-back or strappy back. I will include a short video to show you how to tie the criss-cross straps toward the end of the sew-along. Designer tip: you can use a fun 3/8″ ribbon in place of creating your own straps.
There are multiple ways to finish your skirt. You can opt for dress length with a simple skirt, single ruffle skirt, or double ruffle skirt. You can also choose to do a maxi length with a simple skirt, single ruffle skirt, or double ruffle skirt.
For this sew-along I will sew a wave pleat bodice with strappy back and simple dress length skirt. We are currently in the middle of summer in Kansas and my girl prefers short dress lengths to stay cool.
Once you’ve chosen the pattern options you can then move to printing the pattern pieces. There are layers within the pattern pieces so that you can print only the size(s) you need. For help printing with layers, be sure to check out this helpful blog post.
Fabric
Cora is drafted for lightweight to medium weight fabrics. This means that cottons, linens, chambrays, or poplins work best. I’ve also used tulle for the skirt with success.
The solid yellow fabric used in this sew-along is a Kona cotton woven solid. The fun rainbow telephone print is a Ruby Star Society cotton woven.
Before cutting your fabrics make sure to wash them. Fabric has a tendency to shrink some during the first wash. If you wait to wash your fabrics until after your garment is complete, it can alter the final fit. This also prevents possible color bleed if you are using brightly colored fabrics. I like to wash on delicate in cold water with free and clear detergent and few color catchers thrown in for good measure. I then hang to dry.
Day 1 Progress
To finish day one, we will cut out our fabric pieces. Make sure that if you plan to make the wave pleat bodice that you cut the rectangular pieces listed in the cutting chart on page 4 of the pattern.
Take a picture of your cut fabric pieces and upload them into the Cora Sew-Along album in the SLPco Facebook Fan Group. At the end of the sew-along I will choose a daily winner from the participants that upload their daily progress photos. This is an easy and fun way to earn free shop credit! I’ll see you back here tomorrow when we will work on the wave pleat bodice.
Happy sewing,
Chauncey
