Tag Archives: Dresses

Love Notions Presents…… The Palmer Dress

…………… A New Pattern From Love Notions!

Presenting the Palmer Dress

I am so excited to share the new Palmer Dress with you! I was lucky enough to test this pattern~ and I’m really smitten with it! If you need a quick~ and I mean QUICK~ dress for the holidays this is the one you want! Oh~ btw it’s so comfortable to wear too!!!

The Palmer is on sale today, 12/5/25 through Thursday 12/11/25 for just $9.50. You can use my code 10MACSEWS45 (or 10MACSEWS) to receive 10% off. If the first code doesn’t go through, simply use the second one. NOTE: You can not get 45% off the Palmer Dress.

The Details

The Palmer Dress is such a classic and clean dress that’s perfect anytime of the year but it makes an awesome holiday dress! Depending on the options you choose and your fabric~ this dress can take you through all 4 seasons! Fabric choice can make the Palmer either dressy or casual~ the choice is yours! It’s a great versatile pattern that we should all have in our library! Personally, I can’t wait to make a version for spring! I simply adore the structured V-notch neckline (which is much easier to sew than you may think!). Simply put~ the Palmer Dress is a must have!

  • Sizes XS-5X
  • Full Bust Option
  • 4 Sleeve Options
    • Short pleated
    • Flutter
    • Bishop
    • Long fitted
  • 2 Skirt lengths~ knee and midi
  • Inseam pockets (optional)
  • Waistband panel with elastic channels
  • 2 Waistband panel heights to choose from
  • Designed for knit fabrics
  • Skill Level: Confident Beginner

Sizing & Fit

The Palmer Dress is available in sizes XS-5X. Choose your size based on your high bust measurement. If between sizes, choose the smaller size. Use the full bust piece if your full bust minus your high bust is 4″ or greater. Remember that using the full bust piece will add 2″ the the waist of the bodice.

All Love Notions patterns are designed for the average 5’5″ woman. The back length of the dress is 38″ or the knee length version and 48″ for the midi length version.

My Palmer Dress~ Sizing & Modifications

For my Palmer Dress I sewed up and XL with the FBA and graded to a 2X for the waist and hips. This is exactly where my body measurements fall on the chart. It truly is important to go by your high bust measurement, as this insured that I got a nice fit at the neckline and shoulders. I sewed up the flutter sleeve with the narrow waistband and midi skirt.

You may notice that my version seems just a tad short in the front bodice. This was my final test version and I suggested to Tami (the owner and designer of Love Notions) that the Full Bust version needed a tad bit more length in the front. I suggested this based on my version and versions of other testers that had sewn the full bust option. (They agreed with me). This is was is so great about Love Notions and the way that pattern tests are run. As testers, we help make decisions for changes to the fit of a pattern as well as construction techniques.

Another note about the fit of my Palmer Dress. I did cut my elastic a tad longer than the chart indicated. This was just a personal preference as I didn’t want the elastic to be as tight as it is designed. I suggest you check this before sewing your waistband.

I am only 5 feet tall and I did not shortened the midi skirt at all. I do prefer my midi skirts a tad longer, so when I made this I will add an additional inch. (Note: I am not short-waisted so I never need to shorten patterns above the waist.)

Fabrics & Notions

The Palmer Dress was designed for medium weight fabrics with at least 20% horizontal stretch. Fabrics such as:

  • Ponte (not too heavy)
  • Stretch Velvet
  • Interlock
  • Double Knits

Lighter weight knits such as Double Brushed Poly and ITY would work nicely as well, but they may give you a slightly different finished result as they tend to be thinner and would have more drape. I highly recommend doubling the interfacing on the placket for stability when using these fabrics.

NOTIONS

  • Fusible Interfacing ( I suggest Tricot Knit interfacing)
  • Thread
  • 3/8″ elastic, 3 yards for sizes XS-L, 4 yards for sizes XL-4X, and 4 1/4 yard for 5X.

MY FABRIC

For my Palmer Dress, I dove deep into my stash. I had this wool double knit that I was gifted to me back in the 1980″s!!! Back in my 20’s I was the Fabric Library Coordinator at SPC (IYKYK). Often fabric manufacturers would gift me fabric so that I could feel it (and sew it up) so that I could then recommend it to the pattern designers. This was one piece that I held onto not knowing exactly what I wanted to make with it. The company is Everex Textiles, who today only sell to RTW manufacturers.

Sew Mary Mac’s Tips For Sewing The Palmer Dress

  • Page 9, Step 1~ Double the placket interfacing if you are using a lighter weight knit interfacing.
  • Page 9, Step 2~If sewing the full bust version, you may need to stretch the back bodice to fit the front bodice. Stretch the back bodice front the bust point marking up to the armscye
  • Page 10, Step 5~ After pressing the seam allowances outward, I did a row of top stitching so the sam allowances laid nice and flat. This may not be necessary on some fabrics, but on my double knit it was.
  • Page 10, Step 6~. Sewing the channels evenly and straight is very important for when inserting the elastic. When sewing channels like this I like to put tape on my throat plate to help be guide the fabric.
  • Page 10, Step 7~ Check the fit of your elastic before proceeding!!
  • Page 10, Step 8~ Mark the center front of your waistband to help you align it up with the center front seam of the bodice. Also mark your 1/4 points as well. Two things to note about this step:
    • You must stitch close to the last row of elastic channel stitching
    • If using the FBA front you will need to stretch the waist band to fit the bodice since the bodice will be slightly wider.
  • Page 11, Step 9~ USE Tricot knit interfacing for the collar pieces!
  • Page 13, Step 16~If using a thicker fabric grade the top edge of the seam allowance
  • Page 13, Step 17~I highly recommend hand stitching here for a neater more professional looking finish.

Thanks for stopping by my blog! To follow me on my sewing journey and see all I’m planning and sewing up consider subscribing to my blog! Each Friday I send out my “Weekly Stitch Report”.

Mary Anne 🙂

Follow me over on Instagram to to see all of my makes!  @sewmarymac

You can purchase the Palmer Dress pattern HERE. This is my affiliate link. It costs you nothing to purchase from this link, it just helps fund my fabric addiction(and helps me to test more patterns).

Use my coupon code 10MACSEWS45 for an additional 10% off (yes even off the sale price!). Note: this is just a 10% code.

Fabric used for this make was gifted to me over 35 years ago from Everax Textiles in NYC. They do not sell to the public but only to manufacturers. Long Long ago I was the Fabric Library Coordinator at Simplicity Pattern Company.

As a Love Notions Ambassador this pattern was given to me during the testing process. However, all thoughts and opinions are my own.

The New Bluegrass Shirt ~With A Coastal Twist

…..A New Pattern Release From Love Notions

The Bluegrass Shirt and Dress is HERE! Are you as excited as I am?!?!?! Well, let’s get real here. The Bluegrass was intended to be a western style shirt. A Western style shirt doesn’t call your name? Well, If you follow me, then you know that I’m not a western shirt kinda girl. BUT~ this new shirt is THE perfect princess seamed shirt and as you can clearly see~ my version is casual, coastal and classic!!

When I signed up to test this new pattern from Tami (designer of Love Notions Pattern) I honestly really wasn’t that excited about it. While I do love testing patterns, this wasn’t a typical style for me. I have never worn princess seams~ most likely because I have always been fuller busted. But I have to tell you~ having a princess seamed button-down that I can actually button-down is amazing!!! I LOVE the fit I was able to get with this pattern! This pattern is definitely worth a try~ even if it take some trial and error.

Continue reading →

Fall Inspiration With Style Maker Fabrics + Love Notions

I was so honored to be asked to participate in Style Maker Fabrics Fall Inspiration Tour!!! Since I LOVE Style Maker Fabrics AND Love Notions patterns, I thought it would be a perfect time to combine them to create a perfect Fall ensemble.

A Little About Style Maker Fabric

 Style Maker Fabrics is one of my go-to fabric shops. I’ve been a loyal customer since 2018. If I had to pick ONE reason I love Style Maker Fabrics it would be the quality! This small family owned business goes above and beyond to make sure ALL the fabrics they sell are top quality.

To me, buying fabric and sewing are two completely separate hobbies. I LOVE fabric, always have always will. I often buy fabric just because it’s pretty and I like it~ with no intended purpose. It often winds up in my stash and eventually will get used. BUT~ my purchases from Style Maker are very different. This is the shop I go to when I’m looking for something for a specific project. Whether it’s a new Oakley Vest and Aria Shirt combination, or a “Faux Dress” and vest, I can always find exactly what I want at Style Maker. You can purchase samples for a small fee, or even ask them for actual photos of two fabrics together if you’re unsure.

Continue reading →

Sew A Vacation Wardrobe With Love Notions & Mary Mac

…Spring 2024 40% Off Sale

This week, April 29 – May 3, 2024, all Love Notions patterns and courses(excluding the Crescendo Jeans) will be 40% off! This doesn’t happen very often, so I highly suggest grabbing any patterns(and courses) you really want to sew up soon! You can use my code 10LOVEMARY which will give you an additional 10% off the sale prices.

Which Patterns Should You Buy?

Need help deciding which patterns to grab during this sale? First, I recommend buying the recent new releases (except Crescendo Jeans) such as the Encore Skirt, Clef Coat ( Bass and Treble Clefs too), and the Aurora Tunic and dress. These patterns may have released during the Winter months, however they all work perfectly for Summer too!

This is also a great time to pick up any of the recent $5 Feature Friday patterns that you may have missed. Patterns are only featured for $5 once a year, so if you missed one~ now is the time to grab it! The Willow Wrap Dress, Vivace, Aria Button Down and Tinley were all recently featured and are so perfect for Summer!

I’m so excited for Summer to get here, and I’ve just about finished all the sewing for my vacations. My husband and I tend to stay home during the winter months (he’s a New Englander and loves the cold). When June comes I am ready to visit my favorite summer spots!

Continue reading →

Create a Coastal Preppy Wardrobe with Me and Love Notions Patterns

…Spring 2023 Love Notions 40% off sale

This week, May 1-5, 2023, all Love Notions patterns and courses will be 40% off! This doesn’t happen very often, so I highly suggest grabbing any patterns(and courses) you really want to sew up soon! You can use my code 10LOVEMARY which will give you an additional 10% off the sale prices. I will also be giving away one Love Notions pattern to one of my blog readers. Make sure you read to the end to learn how you can enter!

The “Coastal Grandma” aesthetic has been getting a lot of attention the past year or so. This is mainly due to a TikTok trend. But, where I live (and where my family is from) ~ it’s been around for a long time and it’s always how we dress!

For this year’s Spring Sale, I thought I would put my own spin on this trend and talk about creating a “Coastal Preppy” wardrobe with Love Notions patterns.

Continue reading →

Patiently Waiting In The Willow Wrap Dress

Spring is officially here~ now someone needs to tell the weather that! Here on the Northeast Coast the weather has been so fickle. Regardless, I’m sewing for warmer weather! My first official sew of Spring is a brand new pattern for me! I can not believe I waited so long to make the Willow Wrap Dress from Love Notions!!

What better way to celebrate Spring than with an amazing dress for the $6 Feature Friday Pattern! Today, 6/13/25 you can grab the Willow Wrap Dress for just $6. Use my code LOVEMARY10LN for an extra 10% off.

If you don’t have it already, I highly recommend grabbing it today. I never thought this was a style that would be flattering on me~ but boy was I pleasantly surprised!!!

Continue reading →

Sewing Up Swim With Raspberry Creek Fabrics

…The New 2023 Swim Collection

DISCLAIMER: If you’re expecting to see cute swimsuits sewn up in beautiful Raspberry Creek Fabric swim fabrics- you won’t find them here.  BUT– you will see some other ways you can use this awesome swim fabric from RCF! Hopefully my blog post today will inspire you to grab some of these awesome swim fabrics and make something other than a swimsuit! Because we all know swim fabric isn’t just for bathing suits anymore!!! The fact that Raspberry Creek Swim fabric is UPF 50+ makes it great for any day/activity out in the sun.

Continue reading →

Sew Scallops For Summer

The Saltwhistle from Love Notions

The Saltwhistle peplum top and dress is such a cute and flirty sew! It’s just perfect for summer( and Fall)! I didn’t test this pattern, but as a Love Notions Ambassador I was able to get my hands on it a few days early so that I could whip one up. In just a couple hours, I had this cute little summer peplum top with an adorable scalloped hem!

Continue reading →

The Cadence Got Updated~ My Mindset Did Too!

The Love Notions Cadence just got an update a couple years ago,~ and to my surprise my mindset got an update as well! I’m going to be totally honest here. I planned to make this a post simply about the updated Cadence, its options and how I made it to fit my pear shape. I made a top version and then a knee length dress. I was happy with them both. Then I went outside with my trusty tripod and took photos. And that’s when it hit me. Everything I thought before about fitting my body changed. Be sure to read down to the Sizing and Alterations section to learn what I discovered!

Oh yeah, and the Cadence is only $6 today, Friday 7/25/2025. Seriously go grab it~ you won’t be disappointed. This breezy shift style dress deserves a place in everyone’s closet! Remember to use my code 10MARYMAC for an additional 10% off.

Continue reading →

Aria + Linen = Summer Perfection

EDIT: The Aria is on sale today 4/4/2025 for just $6. You may use my code LOVEMARY10LN for an additional 10% off.

Have you heard? Love Notions has released a new blouse pattern, the Aria Button-down, and it’s LOVE! I received the pattern a few days ahead of it’s release (as a Love Notions Ambassador) and I’ve already sewn up 3 versions in my favorite fabric for summer ~ LINEN and I’m not done! (I also made a muslin which turned out to be totally wearable!)

Continue reading →
1 2
Blog at WordPress.com.