Made by Me: Heavenly Helmi

If you've been reading this blog a while you'll probably know that I've mentioned several times that I don't like shirt dresses.  On me, that is; I love them on other people.



Why then, was I compelled to make one recently?

I don't know, but I have to say I love it. 

This dress came about when I was randomly browsing the Minerva Crafts website as you do.  Some gorgeous black and white star print fabric came up in their new in section and before I knew it 2 metres had jumped into my basket.  When it arrived I wasn't sure what to do with it, I knew I wanted to make a dress - I always want to make a dress - but I wasn't sure what style.

Then all of a sudden I had the idea of a shirt dress in mind.  Not just any shirt dress though, it had to be the Named Clothing Helmi tunic dress.  I ordered the printed pattern and as soon as it arrived I started making a muslin, fully prepared to hate it. 

But I loved it!  Completely and utterly.  I've been trying to work out why, because I don't like things with collars normally, but the collar on this is small and curvy and neat.  It's not big and pointy and flappy like some collars are; I think big pointed flappy collars remind me of school uniform.  




I made a couple of changes to the pattern before I cut this out:
  • Shortened the bodice by about an inch and lengthened the skirt by the same amount.  The dress remains the same overall length, but the waist seam is now slightly higher.
  • Added darts to the back waist.  I realise that this is supposed to be a loose fitting design, but it was just that little bit too loose on me and sat weirdly at the back.  I think that's down to the fact that I have quite a pronounced swayback.


  • I omitted the concealed placket as I'd found some lovely glittery star shaped buttons and I didn't want them hidden.


  • Lengthened the sleeves by around 6 inches and made the additional length into turn back cuffs with buttoned loops to hold them in place.  Is there a proper name for the loops?  If so I can't think of it!



This dress feels so nice to wear, the fabric is lovely and soft and drapy, but not too lightweight so it hangs beautifully and I absolutely love the way the collar fits and sits.  I think I'm going to make a shirt version next to wear with jeans and possibly at least one more dress. 




11 comments

  1. Looks fab Sam, glad you decided to give it a go, well worth it.

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    1. Thanks Manju. I'm really glad I gave this one a try.

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  2. love the way you made yours - star buttons so cute - its everything thats great about making it your own, in that you make it yours!

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    1. Thanks Eimear. Yes, I love being able to put my own individual touches on things.

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  3. Its great Sam! I love the buttons you teamed with the print! Its one of those lovely handmade details that really elevates the dress!

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    1. Thanks Stevie, yes once I'd seen those buttons there could be no other choice!

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  4. Love all the little details on this dress. So glad you decided to give this pattern a try. Looks fab.

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  5. Lovely! I'm not a shirtdress type either but something about the Helmi won me over too. We've both got star-print ones!

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    1. Thanks Katie. Yours was actually one of the ones that gave me the push to make this one.

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  6. Just found your blog and wanted to say how much I'm enjoying it. This dress looks so great on you; love your sleeves.

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