Sewing School: Take A Twirl With The Peppermint Somerset Swing Dress
- Words by Peppermint
If you’re in the business of stealing shows and owning dance floors, there’s someone we’d like you to meet: our newest pattern, the vacay-ready Peppermint Somerset Swing Dress! The best bit? Beneath that flouncy skirt lies a supportive, twirl-friendly layer that won’t let you down when it’s time to bust a move.
We created this beauty in collaboration with Jasmin Henzi of Sewing Patterns By Masin, an independent Swiss designer beloved for her feminine creations (think: ruffles, ruching and Bridgerton vibes). While the Somerset is designed to be a mini-dress, the hemline can be easily lengthened should your heart desire. And you’re really going to love this bit: there’s not one zip or button to contend with, making this a perfect pattern for adventurous beginners.
As for fabric, you want a lightweight material for this one (she’s all about the drape) – silk or satin would be just lovely. We went with Spoonflower’s Organic Cotton Sateen and the dopamine design we used is Paint Splashes Big Navy by Project Runway alum and #WearHappyColor creator Katie Kortman. Gorgeous, right?
Many thanks to our sewing partner Spoonflower for helping to make our much-loved patterns possible! From fabric to wallpaper to home decor, Spoonflower is one of the largest marketplaces for designs by independent artists from around the world. They are committed to taking steps to reduce environmental and negative impacts as much as possible, making their products with water-based inks and thoughtfully sourced materials using their innovative, on-demand printing process. Each order is printed and made in the USA by their team of manufacturing experts, and when you make a purchase, an independent artist earns up to 15 per cent royalties on their design. Pop over to Spoonflower for inspiration for your next me-made project.
Good news subscribers! You’ll receive this digital pattern for free, so keep an eye out for the email with your special code, and you’ll also receive a free printed pattern with Issue 61, delivered in May. For everyone else, the digital pattern is free when you buy a digital copy of Issue 61, or you can purchase it here under our ‘pay-what-you-like’ initiative – how cool is that?!
We can’t wait to see your creations – don’t forget to tag #PeppermintPatterns and #PeppermintSomersetSwingDress to share your makes!
photos KELLEY SHEENAN model SHOSHANA WILLIAM location ILLUSION BY NO. 5
You might also like
JOIN OUR MAILING LIST
Brighten up your inbox with our not-too-frequent emails featuring Peppermint-related news, events, competitions and more!
explore
More articles
Hang out with us on Instagram
Between 2000 to 2015, global clothing production doubled... while the duration of garment use decreased by 36%.
We are throwing away clothing at a faster rate than ever before. How can we tackle this problem?
✨️ WEAR
Be an outfit repeater - wear your items of clothing as long as possible. Learn to style your garments in various ways. Loved clothing lasts.
✨️ SHARE
If you really need to move it along, share the love with friends - hold a clothing exchange night! Or organise a timeshare with a friend where you swap a few favourite pieces of fashion. If you really can`t find a new home for it, then donate to an op shop or charity.
✨️ CARE
The care of your clothing – washing, drying and ironing – can account for approx 30% of a garment`s total carbon footprint. Hand wash, line dry, wash in cold water, and only wash when necessary.
✨️ REPAIR
Mending – and making – slows down fast fashion buying habits. Repairing used to be common practice, until disposable fashion took over. Extending the life of clothing by just nine months can reduce carbon, water, and waste footprints by 20–30%. Fixing doesn`t need to just be utilitarian – get creative with visible mending!
*Fact from The United Nations Environment Programme
#PeppermintMagazine #WearShareCareRepair #SustainableFashion
Have you whipped up the Acacia A-Line Skirt yet? 🪡
Accessible to beginner and experienced sewists alike, its classic style makes this skirt a wardrobe staple and a pattern you can happily play on repeat. Curved front pockets and the fun exposed-zip detail at the centre back make this style pop! The Acacia is a blank canvas, awaiting inspiration – add contrast top stitching, trim the pockets with bias binding or even change the length. We’ve chosen the smooth, clean lines that come from facing the waist, with back darts to ensure a neat fit on the hip. *chef’s kiss*
This pattern was made with the support of the lovely folk at @WeftAndWarpFabrics 🫶🏼 The team at Weft and Warp graciously sent three sewists the fabric of their choice to whip up their own Acacia A-Line – the results are super sweet!
Head to our website to see the makes from @The.Sewcialite @HandmadeByCarolyn and @You_CanSew - link in bio!
#PeppermintAcaciaAlineSkirt #PeppermintPatterns #WeftAndWarpFabrics #MeMade
Polka dots for days…
We love this Tansey Top by @_Rubys_Threads_ - the ultimate simple but stylish top you need in your rotation now!
Pattern: #PeppermintTanseyTop
Fabric: Japanese cotton @RawFibre
#MeMade #PeppermintPatterns
How`s your long weekend going? Working hard on your PhD? 🪡✂️🧵
Image from JoellsLeatherWorks on @Etsy
#ProjectsHalfDone #SewingPile #ProjectPile
In case no-one has told you lately, Emma Giacalone says you`re a good egg. (And we happen to agree).
This incredible mini egg embroidered 3D artwork was created by @Emma_Giacalone_Textiles, a textile artist in Gloucestershire, UK.
"When we buy an item of clothing, a label is attached telling us how to look after it to keep it at its very best. My mission is to create little care instructions to help to remind us to lead our happiest life."
INGREDIENTS: Freehand machine embroidered onto 100% cotton, using Egyptian cotton thread, and wool felt backing.
#EasterArt #GoodEgg #TextileArt
No ordinary wrap dress! 💃
Wrap dress wardrobe malfunction? Not with the Peppermint Waratah Wrap Dress pattern! We designed the Waratah to make sure this never happens.
Enjoy a few BTS videos from this super fun shoot. Maybe some inspo for Easter weekend sewing?
MODELS/SEWISTS: @Melt.Stitches, @KatieMakesADress @Tricky.Pockets @Laura_The_Maker
Head to the link in bio for the #PeppermintWaratahWrapDress 🪡
#PeppermintPatterns #SewingPattern #MeMade #WrapDress
