Compagnie M hack

I do not need an excuse to perform a sewing hack, still the competition of Compagnie M got my creative juices flowing (even quicker). You will surely have heard about the big competition in which sewists can compete in three different leagues. I was planning a Mix and Match entry (not changing any pattern piece, just a different combination), but in the end my project did became a hack.

The base of the dress is the Ileana, I had a well fitting pattern due to the pattern test. Both the bodice and skirt did not get any alterations. Most of you will immediately recognise the Lotta flaps on this garment. I love those flaps  (I used them here) I used both the neck and the pocket flaps for the current dress. For the pockets I had to perform a small pattern hack. The circle skirt called for different shaped base pocket, I did keep the outside look of the Lotta pocket, only the "inside" was changed.

I love front closures (keeping in mind gym classes etc). After already hacking the button placket during testing, I went for a front visible zipper this time. I was inspired by the zipper Nina that I sewed (and wrote a tutorial for). I was planning to let the zipper end mid skirt, but when I realised the zipper was long enough to run over the entire dress, I changed my mind.

The second part of the hack are the sleeves. I started with the length of the Mara combined with the shape of the Louisa (so that wasn't a hack yet right, just mixing), but when I put the sleeves on my daughter's arm the sleeves were too wide of my liking. I made the sleeves narrower towards the wrist.

Both fabrics are from Soft Cactus and the flowers have a nice retro Compagnie M feel. The flower buttons are again the flower snaps, I still love them a lot.The zipper is a separating zipper that I bought in a multi colored set through Ali-express once. I finished the hem with some home made bias tape, just as Marte advises.

The circle skirt twirls perfectly, if you want a happy daughter, just make her a dress with a circle skirt.

This last picture is too white, there was too much sun because she ran from the shade. I had forgotten to turn my camera to Raw, so I couldn't make the picture better than this, I still love it though. She was running and twirling so happy, I had to share. For my daughter, and therefore for me this dress is already a winner.

I love to hear what you think of my creations. Feel free to leave a comment in the language you prefer (although Google translate might have to assist me if you choose something different than English, German, Dutch or Hungarian).