Pattern dress and top Nina by Atelier Bernie

The Nina dress is named after Nina Simone, whose real name was Eunice Waymon, who is certainly the pianist and singer I admire most, for her talent and her commitment to the fight against discrimination in the United States.

This model is characterized by a gathered neckline that is very wide, which can be worn on the shoulders or off the shoulders depending on the adjustment of the tie that passes through it and is tied at the front. The neckline ruffle is optional.

Its sleeves are puffed, ruffled, and gathered with an elastic or smocking.

Nina can be sewn in four lengths: maxi dress, short dress, blouse, or crop top.

It is fitted at the waist with a thin belt, smocking, or three rows of elastic, or it can be worn loose like a nightshirt.

Level: Beginner

Sizes: from 32 to 50

Technical skills:

• flat-felled seams
• gathers
• making a handkerchief hem
• sewing a casing
• sewing ties
• smocking

Required fabric and supplies:

• Woven fabric (see yardage in photos)
• Matching thread (200m spool)
• 8mm flat elastic:
• • Long sleeves: 2x your wrist circumference
    Short sleeves: 2x your upper arm circumference at the fullest point
    Elasticated waistband: 3x your waist circumference
  • Elastic thread for the smocked version