New fave off-the-shoulder dress pattern + bias pleated bell sleeve

New fave off-the-shoulder dress pattern + bias pleated bell sleeve

• 8.23.2017

My first bell sleeve dress, and I found a new off-the-shoulder dress pattern that's much easier to wear! I was inspired by a dress I saw on Instagram last summer, and I love how mine turned out! Plus, I used a very cool double-layer organic cotton gauze and it is sooo soft and comfy!

Here's my inspiration! I thought this dress was so cute and different. 

Source/Source

I actually wasn't looking for a flat-front off-the-shoulder dress pattern when I found Simplicity 8296, since I've been using ones that have elastic all the way around, but I think they were out of my size on the other one I wanted so I decided to try this one. And I love it!! It stays in place much better than the really loose elastic styles and I like the more fitted look!

I definitely modified this pattern as you can see in the summary below. I made the bias-cut sleeves just like the inspiration! They're just bias-cut rectangles, pleated with box pleats into the upper sleeve. 

Organic Cotton Plus sent me this fabric and it's different than anything I've ever used. The double layer makes it perfect for dresses or more substantial tops since it's not too lightweight and not sheer at all.

Very easy to wear and summery!

It was suuuper windy when I wore it to dinner at the coast and the sleeves moved in the wind!

Pattern: Simplicity 8296 view B with modifications
Modifications:

• Made sleeves shorter, with ruffle beginning above elbow
• Made sleeves narrower, tighter fit
• Cut sleeve ruffle band on the bias
• Pleated sleeve ruffle band rather than gathered

If you like the look and aren't up for sewing, shop these similar dresses and tops here!

Thanks to Organic Cotton Plus for providing this fabric!