From the Designer: "The Ether Dress design was inspired by a light puffy cloud-like, seersucker fabric gifted to me. With simple construction, maximising volume and texture, the Ether will make you feel like you are from another world.
The structure is anchored by a rope that ties off at the centre front split. The rope crosses at the centre back into a loop radiating gathers. The loop detail lowers the centre back volume for an elegant silhouette. The pattern includes two views, one with sleeves and one without. And yes it has pockets."
Sizes: 6-30 (view Pattern Fantastique's size chart).
The Ether dress is drafted two sizes to a grade with the flexible gathering to be used to adjust the fit. The mid-centre front and back are adjustable for width, the armholes ungathered sitting smoothly against the body. The centre back neckline sits approximately 11-14 cm • 4 ⅜" - 5½" below the centre front neckline. The necklines can be raised and lowered to your preference but keeping the depth ratio will maintain balance and keep the side seam and hem straight. The body and sleeve lengths are graded for each size. The centre front neckline to finished hem lengths are written on the pattern for each size.
Fabrics Recommendations: The construction of the Ether is simplified for textured and speciality fabrics. If you are concerned about rope casings or binding pieces being difficult to handle, use a plainer contrast fabric for these parts. The Ether works well in light to mid weight fabrics that gather well including silk, cotton and linen. Fabric weights that are generally below 200gsm and compress well are advised.
Fabric Requirements for the Dress (fabric width 135cm or 54"):
No sleeve - 270 cm • 106 ⁵/₁₆"
Sleeve - 340 cm • 133 ⅞"
This is available from many haberdashery stores - Often sold as a macrame rope and at
hardware stores.
Rope ends (optional) - Electrical shrink-wrap tubing
20 mm • ¹³/₁₆" wide x trim to desired length
This can be found at most hardware and electrical suppliers.
Skill Level: Intermediate