Axis Dress in Black Denim

The Pattern

Papercut Patterns describes Axis as their “ode to Audrey Hepburn” and I can totally see it. I love how the pattern combines a sleek and timeless silhouette with some interesting details. For my version, I chose to make the pencil skirt with the front split. The versatility of the dress is also a plus: the waist ties can be wrapped around at the front, or tied at the back to form a plunging back. Paired with the appropriate styling, I think this piece shows a lot of potential for both dress up occasions and more casual wear. 

The Fabric

The black denim from Minerva has a nice substantial medium weight and it was a pleasure to sew with. I can see how that little bit of stretch (3% spandex) would work very well for many different projects and I’m thinking about ordering some more to make overalls in the spring. As with a lot of darker denims, it can bleed quite a bit at first. I pre-washed it but I still got my nails and fingers stained while sewing with it. So I’ll make sure to wash this dress separately from the rest of my laundry for the next little while. I’ll also be careful where I sit!

The neutral colours in my wardrobe have been quite soothing lately. This is probably influenced by the time of the year, filled with gray skies, snowy landscapes and early darkness. Also, being a new mother, I appreciate all the tricks that can save me some precious time, such as not having to think too deeply about matching bold colours when getting dressed in the morning. Finally, our baby is currently responding best to all things black and white, so I might as well embrace this neutral phase!

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

With the denim leftovers, I made a matching blazer for my son, Jules. I used the Baby Blazer Free Pattern by Shwin & Shwin which is available to download along with all the instructions on their website. It was a fun little project that took me an afternoon to make (interrupted by a few baby care/feedings). He’ll probably have outgrown it by this time tomorrow, but I’m happy I got to use some fabric leftovers for this “maman and me outfits” moment

• 

• 

• Pattern is Axis Dress by Papercut Patterns
• Fabric is Black Denim by Minerva
• The construction of this dress is clever and pretty quick to sew. In terms of fit, I cut a size 3. I am especially happy with how the bodice fit. I love the gorgeous straight neckline and, of course, those versatile ties which can be wrapped around at the front, or tied at the back to form a plunging back. The fit of the skirt could benefit from taking the sides in a little bit, mainly due to the medium weight stretchy black denim I worked with. With this material, I think a slightly more figure-hugging silhouette would work better.