No doubt about it, when the team discovered the new Maison Fauve collection, we fell for the Linger dress! 

So, we took on the challenge of making a sewing project as a quartet with Céline, Marie, Ségolène, and me.

As usual, each one made it her own way, according to her desires, what she likes to wear, resulting in 4 very different dresses starting from the same model. 

So, ready to discover our 4 versions?

Let's go! 

The model

LINGER is the dress that combines femininity and elegance.

The pattern features precise cutting thanks to a panel construction that hugs the silhouette without marking it. The silhouette is slender, light, and ultra comfortable thanks to its wide straps.

The pattern offers 4 variations:
- irresistible with a deep neckline that reinterprets the racerback,
- more everyday with a small neckline (bra compatible!),
- unforgettable in the long version
- playful in the short version.

Its clean cut suits all desires and occasions! 

By the way, Ségolène plans to wear her version to a wedding! As for Céline and me, it's clear that you will see us in the shop wearing our respective dresses because it is super comfortable. It will be perfect for summer! 

Practical information for sewing this model

The Linger pattern is available in printed from size 34 to 52, and that's pretty great. I find that this model suits both small and larger sizes thanks to the ease it has at the waist and the adjustment of the panels. 

Moreover, this dress was designed for beginner sewing levels; it is therefore accessible for those who want to try sewing a dress and inserting an invisible zipper. More advanced sewers can have fun modifying it, hacking it... and using it as a base for other sewing challenges! As for me, I already have plenty of hack ideas!

Note that the seam allowances are included, which makes tracing the pattern easier. 

In the seamstress's basket

Maison fauve suggests sewing it in a lightweight to medium weight fabric (100 to 200 g/m2), soft, with a nice drape like a poplin, a satin, a crepe, a fine jacquard, a twill of viscose, cotton, linen, or tencel... The cut will be enhanced by soft and flowing fabrics. You can also consider cotton lawn, broderie anglaise... and why not Japanese fabrics! 

The yardage is (for a 140 cm width):
- Long dress: 34-40: 240 cm, 42-48: 270 cm, 50-52: 290 cm
- Short dress: 34-44: 170 cm, 46-52: 200 cm

You will also need a few supplies:
- a 40 cm invisible zipper 60 cm
- some fusible interfacing
- Needles for sewing machines suitable for your fabric (microtex for finer fabrics)
- some matching threads
- some overlocker cones matching if you use your overlocker

Our supplies

Céline chose to sew her version in our washed linen. She chose the sapphire blue color. 

For my part, I selected a 3m coupon from our joly coupon in floral stretch viscose because I loved sewing my version of the Kallima dress by Laetietlea in this type of fabric. I loved the result and thought the L dress would look great in the same type of fabric. 

Ségolène chose a pretty viscose floral called porcelain. 

As for Marie, she selected a pretty floral cotton, very romantic. 

Technical points

Linger is accessible at a beginner level, with few difficult stitches.

Note:
- assembling the panels
- installing an invisible zip
- attaching the facing
- assembling the straps
- the hem 

Nothing complicated and the Maison fauve guide is very clear. 

Our sewing experiences

Céline's experience

What a great project! I’m delighted! Convinced by this pattern so easy to make and so comfortable! I’m going to make it again in every color! 😄 It’s going to be so comfortable this summer to wear this beautiful dress that fits so well! According to my measurements, I should have made size 36 at the bust, 42 at the waist, and 38 at the hips, so I sewed it in 36 for the bust and 42 from the waist down.  For the front and back center pieces I drew a line between these two sizes. The front and back side pieces have a particular shape and drawing a line between the two sizes seemed complicated, so I traced only size 42. I'm very happy I did it this way, the dress could be taken in a bit at the waist, but since I like to be comfortable in my clothes I prefer not to change anything. The sewing was very quick, I didn't encounter any difficulties, especially since I made life easier by not putting in the zip 🙈 Yet I bought the zip, I was going to put it in with Marie's great technique, which is to sew the entire seam where the zip goes. Baste the zipper pull, then sew it, then finally unpick the first seam at the zip. But when I finished assembling the dress, I tried it on and decided the zip was unnecessary 😄 I sewed the hem and finito! 

Here I am with MY dress for the summer!  I was surprised at how quickly the project was finished and I can't wait to make it in black linen to start, then look for other fabrics to make lots more!

Marie's experience

Like many (many!) of us, when Maison Fauve released the Linger dress, I immediately fell for this elegant, essential model with great sewing potential! Right now, I'm revamping my summer wardrobe in preparation for my vacation in Italy. The release of Linger was perfectly timed for me to sew a (or maybe several?) little dress that's easy to wear.  

To choose my size, I looked at the finished garment measurement chart. I went with size 36 for the bust and waist, while I chose size 42 for the hips. Such a big jump was a bit of a challenge, but since the pattern is very clear, it went very smoothly.   Once is not customary, I didn't make a toile. I was quite sure of my size choice and the pattern's cuts make it very easy to make adjustments if needed. At my first fitting, I found the waist a bit loose (I had seen this from the pattern information, it allows for comfort). Now, on my side – Eugénie won't disagree – I like cuts that are really fitted at the waist. So I made small adjustments at each seam at the waist. Only 5 mm... which, combined, take off 4 cm at the waist. Since these adjustments are really just a few centimeters, you'll see that it adds dimension to the lower part of the garment. It gives my dress a little fifties vibe that I quite like!

For my fabric, I fell for one of the floral cotton lawn fabrics that Eugénie recently brought into the Ixelles store. They are 100% cotton and their weave makes them slightly stretchy in the weft direction. This gave me confidence in taking in the waist: if the adjustment was a bit tight, the fabric's flexibility would compensate for comfort! My dress is all flowery and soft, I love it! Linger is truly a beautiful model and allows you to try adjusting a garment with great ease. It also lets you work on facings and insert an invisible zipper. It's a pattern that lets a beginner sewer practice alterations and an experienced sewer easily make a little summer dress with a wow effect! We love it!  

Ségolène's experience

How can you not fall for the new collection of patterns from Maison Fauve? Among those that caught my eye: Doll, Misfit, and Linger (I'm not always sure how to pronounce it)! I chose to make it in the long version, extra long I would say. Indeed, I added 35cm to my pattern because I wanted the dress to reach the floor, even with heels. And that’s because I already have a very clear idea of when I’ll wear it: at my best friend’s wedding in September. I didn’t just change the length, I also modified the front and back neckline because I find V-necks suit me better. On the toile, I simply decided how deep I wanted the neckline and redrew it. For the back, I made sure it wasn’t too deep so the bra wouldn’t show. For the fabric choice, I truly fell in love with the Porcelaine viscose. Blue, purple, and flowers: everything I love. Viscose isn’t always easy to work with (especially when cutting) but it’s worth it! It gives the dress a fluidity and drape that I adore.

Eugénie's experience

I chose to sew Linger in size 34 for the flared bust and size 36 for the hips. I chose the short version and the more modest back because I wanted to be able to wear it with a bra. 

After the first fitting, I took in the waist by a total of 4cm. I wanted my dress to be a bit more flattering and my waist more defined.

I chose to move the zipper to the back of the dress because I don't like having the zipper under the arm. It always bothers me. In the end, I could have skipped sewing it because I can put it on without opening the zipper like Céline. To place my zipper at the back, I simply modified the back facing to insert the zipper. Of course, don't forget to add the seam allowances!

Here are the 4 superb versions of Linger by the team.

It's always great to see a design interpreted by different people. It helps to imagine and get lots of ideas. Plus, it led to an epic photo and video session full of laughter! 

And you, Linger, how do you see it?
Find all the patterns from Maison fauve here

And if you want, you can also come sew it with us in a workshop, find our courses offer here. 

All that's left to do!

Get your needles ready!