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The Horizon Day Dress by Matchy Matchy Sewing Club

Matchy Matchy Sewing Club have been steadily growing their pattern range. I was converted to their designs with the Collage Gather Top and enjoyed the simple construction with smart details. 

The Horizon Day Dress is even more pared back. With minimal pattern pieces, no darts and a simple bound neckline its a super quick sew (3-4 hours including cutting out). It could be boring but it’s got some kind of magic simplicity that makes me love it. I’ve made two versions already and have been wearing them most days to work. 

While keeping it simple with construction, Matchy Matchy Sewing Club really put the effort into giving you a pattern with options. They always include a patchwork version in addition to the solid version. With the Horizon Day Dress they provide 6 different length options for the skirt, and give you all the measurement so you can decided to just cut the skirt rectangle rather than having to print it. 

Overall this is a really enjoyable easy pattern for a versatile dress. If you are a beginner looking for a dress to make I can highly recommend this pattern!

Fabric choice

The natural choice for this dress would be a linen, you can play with colour blocking or match checks in a patchwork version or do one classic solid colour.  A Merchant & Mills big check or even a check with a matching 185 linen colour were my first thoughts. For winter a Woolsey (linen + wool double gauze) would be fantastic. 
 
I’m going to do one of those next but so far I’ve made two non-linen versions. The first is the Ottoline Gingham Viscose Crepe by Fabric Godmother and the second is a glorious Fuchsia Jumbo Cotton Corduroy.

These two fabrics couldn’t be more different and the beauty of this pattern is that they both work fantastically. The Viscose Crepe is my go-to when I want to do some layering (it’s autumn right now) and will be breezy in summer. The Corduroy is warm and weighty and is a perfect winter dress, I’ve already started wearing it with tights and boots. 

Both sewed up really well. I did make some tactical choices with the Corduroy to make my life easier however. The neck is bound with a binding so I opted to switch out the self binding for a cotton lawn which made it a breeze. I also switched out the pockets for lawn too as it I wasn’t sure about the construction method and having all that bulk. On reflection it would have been ok but I’m equally happy with the hidden pop of colour in the pockets which don’t gape so it’s a win!
 
I did consider reducing the width of the skirt in the Fuchsia version to make sure the gathering still sat well but at the last minute I left it as per the pattern and it all came together nicely. 
 
The Viscose Crepe was all easy peasy with no modifications needed, I was slightly worried about how the pockets would sit but they came out nicely too. 
 
 
 

Fit

I was between two sizes as usual and I actually ended up going down two sizes. I didn’t want it to be too bulky under a jacket and I’m really happy with the fit. It’s plenty roomy and the sleeve design is forgiving too so I’m comfortable wearing this all day.

I chose the longer length skirt for both versions as per my preference and did a slightly deeper hem than indicated. 

As the Fucshia version was designed to be a winter dress I did make an adjustment to the neckline for cosiness, raising it up an inch or two and I can still get it over my head comfortably.

 

Tips for beginners

  1. Check the finished measurements chart against an existing dress or top to check your size. Personally I found this pattern on the larger size.
  2. Play with fabric and colour. This pattern is going to work well with a wide range of woven fabrics so don’t be afraid to try something new or mix and match colours and prints.
  3. But wait, if you are going to do a patchwork version stop and check out the moodboard tool included in the download. Cut out some swatches and see how it all looks before sewing it together. 
  4. If using a bulkier fabric switch out the self neck binding for something like a cotton lawn for comfort and ease of sewing.
  5. Put a tag on the back neck seam. I didn’t do this on the Fucshia one and I’m forever putting it on the wrong away around. 

Check out the pattern…

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