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Melrose Top & Dress, New From Itch to Stitch

With the completion of my dress this morning, I now have 2 versions of Melrose Top & Dress to share with you in this post!  
When I have a hard time fitting sewing into my schedule, it's important to select patterns that give me a big impact without needing too much in the way of fitting and that don't have complicated techniques demanding my concentration. That's where I'm at lately and so Melrose Top & Dress, the newest release from Itch to Stitch Designs, is just the pattern I needed this spring! 

Pattern Details

Designed for wovens, Melrose Top & Dress has just the right amount of ease to be a comfortable dress without overwhelming my frame EVEN though I'm large busted. (No tents here!). Because this is a minimalist design with a modern silhouette, you have the potential to create everything from an elegant and classic garment to something super impactful depending on the fabric you choose. 

Design Features

-Drafted for A, B, C, D & DD cups WITH darts for C+cup sizes
-Wide, bias bound neckline still covers bra straps
-Elastic waist has no raw edges on the channel (View A&B)
-Dress option with large in-seam pockets (View A)
-2 Top options: 
*View B with a gathered peplum, 
*View C semi-cropped box top with bottom band

Muslin Work

I made a super quick muslin for this, just to double check the dart placement.
 It felt a little low for for me compared to my apex.
Otherwise, everything looked good.
Gotta love those patterns that don't really need any big adjustments to fit well. I only made 2 fitting adjustments: my standard 1/2 forward shoulder adjustment and raising the dart by 1 inch. 

Version 1

My first Melrose was one of the top versions, View B with the elastic waist and peplum. I added 2 inches to the length of the peplum using the method described in the pattern instructions. The fabric is a "silky" poly I bought at Joanns a few years back.

 
 I have my Melrose Top paired with my wool suiting Seville Skirt.
 
 Melrose Top also looks great with my North Point Trousers.
My favorite combination is pairing my Melrose Top with my Lindy Petal Skirt (hacked to have a straight hem).
It's still a bit chilly here in Michigan, so I toss on my wool ponte Paro Cardigan when I'm headed out.

  Version 2

I finished my Melrose Dress this morning and it came out just the way I hoped! I used the same bodice pattern as my top, and chopped 4 inches off the skirt to accommodate my shortness. My fabric is another poly woven, but the print is super interesting. I found it at Haberman Fabrics several years ago, before it changed owners and moved location.
I only had 1.5 yards of it... it barely fit!
 

Final Thoughts

I've got more than a few fabrics in my stash that are now cued up to become a Melrose. What about you? Which of your fabrics are calling out to be a Melrose? If you are stuck for inspiration, check out the other testers versions HERE.

You can get Melrose Top & Dress HERE for 20% off through Tuesday, April 16th!
What was that? You already got it? SAH-WHEET!


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Comments

  1. Nothy LaneAugust 6, 2020 at 12:01 AM

    I have always thought you are great about making patterns that suit you. But you hit the ball out of the park with the peplum top. I love the colours on you, the fit and the length. Bravo!

    ReplyDelete
  2. AnonymousMarch 10, 2026 at 2:35 AM

    Those skirts make me hard

    ReplyDelete

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