The Cocoon Dress mark two

As promised, I'm catching up on writing up projects from the end of last year. I've got a couple of exciting projects on the go as part of #makenine2018 which I'm hoping to be able to update on in the next few weeks. In the meantime, I am writing up a make from November. 

I last made the Simple Sew Cocoon Dress back in the Summer. I was really unsure about how it looked, but I got some fantastic feedback. The pattern has been a real hit with loads of versions being shared online. I fancied having another go, but using fabric with more of a drape to make an evening version.  I bought some beautiful viscose from Guthrie and Ghani at the Great British Sewing Bee Live which I decided to use for this. 

The dress really is a very simple project and can be completed in a couple of evenings. I was pretty distracted while making this and ended up putting the pockets on inside out. Given that no-one can see them, I opted to leave them that way to save time!  It was slightly trickier working with this fabric, but I think it was a good choice for the style. It definitely feels more of a 'dressed up' dress than my Summer version, and I have worn it loads. The style makes it so comfortable, and it's very forgiving if you have been out for a big meal!

Super comfy but the jury's out - the Cocoon Dress

The latest issue of Sew Now magazine caught my eye when picking up some reading material for a long train journey, mainly due to the free gift - the Cocoon Dress by Simple Sew. It was quite an unusual style and I thought it would make a super-comfy and wearable day dress for Summer. 

I've had some lightweight spotty denim in my stash for ages, which I had planned to make a shirt dress with. However, I picked up some old curtains from a charity shop which I am planning to use for that project instead.  I've seen a lot of unstructured denim dresses about this Summer, so decided to use this fabric for the Cocoon Dress. 

I chose the short sleeve version, which has grown on cap sleeves bound with bias binding. My favourite design feature is the deep in-seam pockets (got to love a dress with pockets).  I actually cut two broad strips of the fabric to use instead of binding as suggested, which give the impression of turned-up sleeves. It all came together really easily, and I am pleased with the v-neck, something I have found tricky in the past. All in all, it was a couple of hours sewing. 

As predicted, the dress is super comfy and ideal for my un-air-conditioned office in the Summer. However, I'm not sure if I like the style and I'm not convinced it is very flattering. I'll keep wearing it and decide whether I love it or not....