• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Sweet Red Poppy logo
  • Cricut
    • Free SVG Files
    • Paper Flowers
    • Mandala
    • Iron-On
    • Vinyl
    • Maker
    • Explore Air 2
    • Joy
  • Sewing
    • Baby
    • Kids
    • Accessories
    • Christmas
    • Blankets
    • Womens
    • Learn to Sew Tips & Tricks
    • Face Masks
  • DIY Crafting
    • Paint
    • Paper
    • Food
    • Kids
  • Holiday Crafts
    • Valentine’s Day
    • Easter
    • 4th of July
    • Halloween
    • Thanksgiving
    • Christmas
  • Books
    • Cricut Printed Book
    • Cricut E-Book
    • Cricut Joy Printed Book
    • Cricut Joy E-Book
    • Sewing Printed Book
    • Sewing E-Book
    • Face Mask E-Book
    • Mandala E-Book Bundle
    • Mandala E-Book - Inkscape
    • Mandala E-Book - Adobe Illustrator
    • Mandala Printed Book - Inkscape
    • Mandala Printed Book - Adobe Illustrator
    • Baby Pattern E-Book
  • Courses
    • Cricut Course
    • Sewing Course
    • Serger Course
  • Shop
    • E-Books
    • Printed Books
    • Sewing Patterns
    • SVG Files
    • Baby Patterns
    • Subscribe to Emails
  • Search

Itch to Stitch Holiday Blog Tour

Written by Kimberly Coffin · This post may contain affiliate links · 29 Comments

405 shares

Classic Dress PDF Sewing Pattern

I'm the first stop on the Itch to Stitch Holiday Blog Tour featuring Style Maker Fabrics and I'm so excited to share this outfit with you!

Ever since I saw velvet hitting the runway this year, I've been dreaming up the perfect merlot-colored velvet dress. I wanted it to look like it was straight out of a high-end designer store. The kind of dress I would have found, tried on only to tease myself, swooned over and begrudgingly parted with because I couldn't afford the steep price tag.

Bodice view of Itch to Stitch Davina Dress PDF Sewing Pattern

I checked several fabric stores for the right fabric and I went through each selection with a fine-tooth comb, leaving no stone unturned in hunt of the perfect velvet fabric to no avail. I was sorely disappointed in the quality of fabric I came across so I kept on hunting. Then, as fate would have it, the stars aligned and an invite for this lovely blog tour appeared in my inbox. Once I saw that the tour would feature Itch to Stitch patterns and that Style Maker Fabrics would be supplying the fabric, I knew they would have the perfect, high-quality velvet that I was looking for!

Back view of Davina Dress Itch to Stitch

I was giddy with excitement when I opened my package from the mail just a few days later and pulled out the loveliest shade of merlot-colored velvet. The color of this fabric is quite rich and the texture can only be described as heavenly. One thing to note about velvet is that it has a nap. That means it has an obvious up and down direction of the pile, which means you will need to cut all pieces of the pattern in the same direction. You can find the difference by holding the fabric up to the light and turning it. I wanted the dress to really catch the light so it wouldn't lose its beautiful color, so I chose the direction that was the lightest in color.

img_3737

I scoured the Itch to Stitch pattern selection looking for the perfect pattern. When I came across the Davina dress pattern it definitely wasn't love at first sight. I was distracted by the pockets in the listing photo and I don't normally love v-necks on myself. But once I imagined the dress without the pockets (there's a simple way to omit them) and in my rich velvety, fabric I knew I had a winner.

img_3628

To really put me over the top, I found this gorgeous statement necklace at Target. Madeline has preschool twice a week so I usually head to Target with my two younger kids to pass the time. We stroll the aisles and I pretend that I'm "working out" I've got to get my steps in somehow! 😂 Every time I visit, I seem to leave with a pretty new trinket. It's like pretty things magically place themselves in my cart. I just can't help myself.

PDF Sewing Pattern Itch to Stitch Holiday Blog Tour Style Maker Fabrics Velvet

It was like the stars aligned yet again when my soon to be sister-in-law told me that she wanted me to wear a burgundy-colored dress to her wedding in December because that worked perfectly with my plans for this beautiful dress. Since they live in Idaho, which is like a perma-blizzard, I knew the velvet fabric would keep me nice and warm.

Itch to Stitch Davina Dress PDF Sewing Pattern Velvet Fabric Style Maker Fabrics

I somehow managed to melt my gorgeous fabric as I was setting the hem. I was being such a good seamstress using the iron on low heat and ironing with a pressing cloth when lo and behold I melted my skirt. Cue crying... or sobbing. Luckily it didn't look nearly as bad from the right side as it did the wrong side. I'm still not entirely sure what happened. Though I'd wager it had something to do with the rather interesting scene of an episode of "Call The Midwife" that I was watching.

Itch to Stitch Davina Dress

I made up a muslin of this dress using a liverpool knit and took off an entire inch from the bodice to get it to sit squarely at my waist. I did the same with my final dress but it ended up just a tad bit higher than my natural waist. I think my original fabric had a bit more stretch to it in both directions. It also ended up being just a tad bit shorter than I had hoped. For the sake of modesty and the fact that I don't particularly love my knees because they are riddled with stretch marks from all of my pregnancies, I decided to add a few layers of tulle. I love the added drama that the tulle lends to the dress. It's now the perfect length!

img_3604111

After falling madly in love with the quality of this velvet fabric I took advantage of Style Maker Fabrics Black Friday sale and I stocked up on some pretty fabrics. I got a beautiful sparkly blue sweater knit (no longer available), this red ponte knit, some of this blue and white jersey, a few yards of this yummy flannel and a bit of this lovely floral rayon. One of my favorite parts about Michelle's website is the section where you can shop "The Trends" this includes all the latest colors that are on trend for the current season. I loved looking through her lovely selection of fabrics!

img_3733

Use discount code "holiday16" for 16% off of all Itch to Stitch patterns! The discount will run December 3rd - December 11th Midnight CST.

Purchase the Davina Dress HERE.

Make sure to stop by all the other blogs on this fabulous tour! There are some really wonderful bloggers lined up for this tour.

ITCH TO STITCH HOLIDAY BLOG TOUR 2016
DECEMBER 6th
FA SEW LA | SWEET KM | SWEET RED POPPY
DECEMBER 7th
FAIRIES, BUBBLES & CO. | LACE & PINE DESIGNS | THREADBEAR GARMENTS
DECEMBER 8th
FRÖLEIN TILIA | NÄH-CONNECTION | PEAR BERRY LANE | SEW MARIEFLEUR
DECEMBER 9th
COOKIN' & CRAFTIN' | DANDELION DRIFT | THE SARA PROJECT | THE WILD STITCH
DECEMBER 10th
JUST ADD FABRIC | SEW CHARLESTON | STYLE MAKER FABRICS | SUNFLOWER SEAMS
Velvet Davina Dress Itch to Stitch Style Maker Fabrics Velvet Dress PDF Sewing Pattern

SaveSave

« Get The Look Blog Tour with Simple Life Pattern Company
The Bridget Top »

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Fleurine says

    December 05, 2016 at 10:42 pm

    Wow, what an amazing dress! I like how you fixed it with some tulle instead of just accepting that it's too short. And I loved reading your post - so funny! Thank you so much for participating!

    Reply
    • Kimberly Coffin says

      December 06, 2016 at 9:42 am

      Thank you, Fleurine! I knew if I left it as it was I wouldn't end up wearing it, which would be a waste of such a pretty dress. I was glad I was able to find such a simple solution!

      Reply
  2. Becca says

    December 06, 2016 at 12:10 am

    This dress is gorgeous and the merlot velvet looks amazing on you! I have a beautiful teal velvet sitting at the bottom of my piles that I bought for a project and never used it. I just may need to make a Davina for myself. 🙂

    Reply
    • Kimberly Coffin says

      December 06, 2016 at 9:43 am

      Teal velvet would be amazing on you! You totally need to make this dress and then post a million photos!

      Reply
  3. Meg says

    December 06, 2016 at 12:17 am

    Gorgeous! That fabric is so lush and rich! Perfect pattern choice, too!

    Reply
    • Kimberly Coffin says

      December 06, 2016 at 9:45 am

      Thank you, Meg! It is such a beautiful fabric! I used my leftover to make matching dresses for my little girls. Now I just need to convince them to take some photos.

      Reply
  4. Sharon S says

    December 06, 2016 at 7:47 am

    This dress is perfect & so beautiful. Timeless. Love seeing what everyone is making.

    Reply
    • Kimberly Coffin says

      December 06, 2016 at 4:02 pm

      Thanks so much Sharon! I had hoped it would look timeless so I'm glad to hear you say that. I paired the dress with my Great Grandmothers clutch to give it a little bit of sentimentality.

      Reply
  5. Cassy Gobin says

    December 06, 2016 at 8:22 am

    As always you look amazing and runway ready! Your necklace is a perfect accessory! Total bummer on the melting of the fabric with the iron. I am really getting sucked into the velvet craze, so I will keep this in mind.

    Reply
    • Kimberly Coffin says

      December 06, 2016 at 4:03 pm

      Seriously, you are too sweet! Thank you a million times! You must try velvet. I promise you will love it. But your girls will totally be jealous of your fabric. Ha!

      Reply
  6. Sandy says

    December 06, 2016 at 10:08 am

    Awesome

    Reply
  7. Teri says

    December 06, 2016 at 10:31 am

    This dress is stunning! You look so pretty in this color and silhouette. I love the tulle-- it looks totally intentional to me so I never would have guessed it wasn't planned in the beginning.

    Reply
    • Kimberly Coffin says

      December 06, 2016 at 4:05 pm

      Thank you so much, Teri! I'm glad it looks intentional. I feel like it totally goes with the look of the dress and I'm almost glad it turned out too short in the beginning.

      Reply
  8. Audrey says

    December 06, 2016 at 11:37 am

    Absolutely stunning! This dress is fantastic, and I'm so glad velvet is back too!

    Reply
  9. Diane says

    December 06, 2016 at 12:46 pm

    It's gorgeous! I've never been a big fan of velvet but I absolutely love this dress and now want one of my own! I already have the pattern but no time for dresses now. Maybe next year...

    Reply
    • Kimberly Coffin says

      December 06, 2016 at 4:07 pm

      Thank you, Diane! At first I was a little shocked to see velvet again. I feel like for awhile it was super cheap looking... but once I saw this fabric I was sold!

      Reply
  10. Abigail says

    December 06, 2016 at 1:07 pm

    Absolutely gorgeous, Kimberly! This colour suits you well and Davina is honestly a winner all around, with or without the pockets. It's instant feel pretty for me.

    Reply
  11. Anya says

    December 06, 2016 at 2:14 pm

    Your dress is simply stunning!!! I passed this pattern so many times without even a double take. You dress is definitely pushing me to buy it! And the fabric combo is to die for. Great job! Was it hard to sew with velvet?

    Reply
    • Kimberly Coffin says

      December 06, 2016 at 4:10 pm

      Thanks, Anya! I always adore your creations, so that means a lot coming from you! This pattern really didn't catch my eye at first either, but I'm glad I tried it! I didn't find velvet very hard to sew with. When your sewing with right sides together it can stick to itself a little bit, so it takes some careful arranging to get everything lined up right.

      Reply
  12. Emily says

    December 06, 2016 at 3:54 pm

    So gorgeous!!! Love the tulle. And lol at permafrost. It was 1 this morning.

    Reply
  13. Emi says

    December 06, 2016 at 4:00 pm

    It's so gorgeous! I love that color on you and I love how you solved the length issue. Wonderful!

    Reply
    • Kimberly Coffin says

      December 06, 2016 at 4:22 pm

      Thanks so much, Emi! I took a few days trying to decide on the perfect way to lengthen it, but I'm so happy with the end result.

      Reply
  14. Kimberly Coffin says

    December 06, 2016 at 4:12 pm

    Thanks, Serena! I'm not sure I completely understand what you mean by walking? I'd love to help though!

    Reply
  15. Charity says

    December 06, 2016 at 9:39 pm

    Oh, my goodness, this is absolutely gorgeous! I really love the tulle at the bottom... it makes the whole dress more interesting. And the color is amazing on you!

    Reply
  16. LisA says

    December 06, 2016 at 11:04 pm

    This dress is so gorgeous on you! I love velvet too xx

    Reply
  17. Shana says

    December 08, 2016 at 6:26 pm

    I am inspired. Pattern purchased! Thank you!

    Reply
  18. Charity says

    December 11, 2016 at 5:14 pm

    In addition to stabilizing it, try 1. Using a walking foot 2. Sewing with the velvet next to the feed dogs, and the lining on top 3. Pinning every centimeter or even closer, and don't remove the pins until they are just barely in front of the needle, and all of the way under the presser foot. Another idea is using wonder tape or a washable glue stick (as long as your velvet is washable) to stick the pieces together in addition to using pins.

    Reply
  19. Kimberly Coffin says

    December 11, 2016 at 7:11 pm

    Sorry, I'm just now getting back to you Serena! My Blog didn't notify me of your follow up comment. 🙁 Charity listed some really great ideas above. All of which I would highly suggest. I find that pinning is your best friend when using a lining fabric that's slick. A walking foot also works wonders and going slowly making sure not to stretch out either fabric. Charity made a great suggestion about the washable glue stick. Sometimes that's just what you need or wash away wonder tape. What pattern are you using for this dress? My advice for attaching a gathered skirt is to use two or even three rows of gathering stitches to make sure you end up with nice, even gathers. Don't be afraid to use lots of pins to put the bodice and skirt together. Go slowly and adjust your gathers as you are sewing to make sure they are evenly spaced.

    Reply
  20. Tyrell Planty says

    May 17, 2022 at 4:37 am

    So Funny I Forgot to Laugh

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Primary Sidebar

Ready, Set, Sew! An online sewing course for beginners by top US sewing blogger, Sweet Red Poppy.

Hello, I’m Kimberly, the creator of Sweet Red Poppy!

I’m a wife, mother to 3, seamstress, and lover of all things crafty! Sweet Red Poppy is my creative outlet where I find and create inspiration. It’s a place where I can share my never-ending sewing projects and my love of learning!

Read more about me →

The Latest

  • 5 Useful Tools to Help You Organize After the Holidays with JOANN
  • How to Make Christmas Gift Tags with Your Cricut Machine
  • How to Make Sock Gnomes
  • How to wrap a gift step by step
    How to Wrap a Gift - Four Ways
  • How to Make Perfectly Painted Wood Signs with Cricut Vinyl Stencils
  • 5 Cricut Gift Box Template SVG Files

Footer

↑ back to top

Legal

  • Privacy Policy
  • Disclosure

Newsletter

  • Sign Up! For Emails and Updates

About

  • Contact
  • About
  • Home

Copyright © 2022 Sweet Red Poppy