I love Named Patterns and I’ve wanted to make Kielo wrap dress from the first time one appeared on my Instagram feed. It took me years though. The pattern pieces were massive, it ‘needed’ knit fabric (there are plenty of woven versions). I finally took the plunge when pregnant & ended up with super stylish secret pyjamas.
It’s a wrap dress which can be tied at the front or the back. It was more comfy during pregnancy to wear the ‘wings’ at the back & tie at the front. I haven’t worn it post pregnancy yet as it needs a nursing hack – easy to do but I haven’t got round to it yet.
This is such an easy make. Two body pieces and two waist ties. But it took me so long to work up the courage to work with such big pieces.
The most time consuming part was the back and armhole binding. I read online that some have drafted neckbands, but I went with the pattern instructions and am pleased with the result.
I used a super soft blue jersey I managed to snap up in a destash sale by Nina Lee. It’s so comfy and just my colour.
The pattern pieces are way too long for me – I lobbed off about 10 inches from the bottom and hemmed. I also made the arm holes an inch higher than the pattern intends.
Next time, I’ll lift the ties a bit, shorten the arm holes and finish the skirt just before the back slit to make it midi-length. If I’m still feeding I’ll do the necessary hack. I might even try it in a woven.
If you haven’t made a Kielo yet, go for it. You won’t regret it.
sew slow Sarah 