Today I attended the Sew Melbourne Garden Party, held at the beautiful Studley Park Boathouse in Kew. This year’s event had a slightly different feel—instead of the usual picnic in the botanical gardens, we were treated to catering and even had access to a bar, which, in my opinion, was a wonderful touch.
The day began with birthday drinks and cake with Nicole and friends, which was such a lovely way to ease into the festivities. From there, we made our way to the event, and it was an absolute joy to see so many familiar faces alongside plenty of new ones. As always, the frocks were nothing short of fabulous—there’s something so special about being surrounded by people who truly understand the magic of a handmade wardrobe.
For the occasion, I chose to make the Ella dress by Silver Saga Patterns, a new-to-me company, and I couldn’t be more pleased with how it turned out. I used Flower Crown Liberty Tana Lawn from the Spring/Summer 2026 Floral Rebellion collection and made a size 38/10 based on my current measurements. The only adjustment I made was to lengthen the bodice by 2.5cm, which is fairly standard for me.
I’ll admit, I had a brief moment of uncertainty while reading through the instructions, wondering how it was all going to come together—but as I worked through each step, everything fell beautifully into place. It’s always such a satisfying experience when a pattern reveals its logic like that.
The finished dress feels incredibly elegant. The low neckline is just a little bit scandalous (in the best possible way), and the A-line skirt has a lovely movement to it, catching the breeze in a way that feels both effortless and romantic. I truly love how it turned out.
All in all, it was a gorgeous day—filled with friendship, creativity, and beautiful clothes. Exactly the kind of day that reminds me why I love sewing so much.
There’s a quiet kind of magic in bias-cut garments — the way they drape, move, and mould to the body without clinging. The Alessi Dress by Tessuti captures that magic beautifully, and sewing it in a soft wool made it the perfect transition piece for cooler weather. It’s elegant, uncomplicated, and exactly the kind of dress I want to reach for again and again.
The Pattern
The Alessi is a midi-length, bias-cut dress with clean lines and minimal fuss. It features a bias-bound neckline and armhoes, shaped back darts for subtle definition, and a beautifully flared hem that sways just so when you walk. No bust darts, no side zipper — just clever pattern cutting and a flattering shape that does the work for you.
This is my kind of minimalist: modern, wearable, and gently tailored without being too fitted. A similar fit to the Sadie Slip dress which I so adore.
The Fabric
I sewed my Alessi in a lightweight wool from Tessuti that I picked up in their recent sale — warm without being heavy, with a soft hand and beautiful drape. It’s a bit of a departure from the usual Liberty I use, but it worked wonderfully. The bias cut gives it fluidity, while the wool adds structure and warmth — ideal for layering in winter.
The Sewing Process
This is a project that rewards slow, mindful sewing. I let my wool rest flat overnight before cutting to let it settle on the bias. I stay-stitched the neckline and armholes immediately to prevent any stretching, and took my time handling the cut pieces — bias cuts love to shift if you’re not careful! I went rogue and didn’t use the tear away vilene. I successfully made two Alessi dresses in Liberty Tana Law at Sewaway on the Kings birthday weekend without it so I risked it with the wool. I think it paid off.
The neckline and armholes are finished with a clean bias binding (one of my favourite details), and the instructions were, as always with Tessuti, clear and well-paced. The back darts provide just enough shaping to avoid the dreaded “sack” look, while still letting the fabric drape naturally around the body.
And — one of the best parts — no zipper! The dress slips on easily, especially in a fabric with a bit of give. Fewer fastenings, more elegance.
I chose to overlock my seams instead of French seaming due to the bulk of the wool which in hindsight was the right decision. The directions have you overlock them, I prefer to French seam bias dresses. I hand stitched the hem listening to Gene Harris live at Maybeck Hall. A lovely way to finish of a cosy dress.
And can we pause for a moment to appreciate the pattern placement on the front. Complete fluke as I wasn’t paying any attention to detail when laying out my fabric, but a happy coincidence none the less.
Adjustments
I didn’t add any length to the pattern, I found it was long enough for my liking without alteration but note it looks longer on the models.
I let the hem hang for a day before finishing, just to allow the bias to settle evenly.
No alterations to fit — the pattern is beautifully drafted.
One thing I would note was that the pattern was copy shop only not AO so I couldn’t print it at OfficeWorks and when I tried to print it at home on A4 I couldn’t get the 100% to match up with the test box so I gave up and went into Tessuti and bought a hard copy of the pattern.
Final Thoughts
This wool Alessi has quickly become one of my favourite handmade pieces. It feels grown-up but unfussy, tailored but easy to wear. I can layer it with a fitted body suit or long-sleeve tee underneath, throw on a cardigan or coat over the top, and head out feeling instantly put together. I’ve even got to the nana stage of wearing a slip under dresses and yes they were onto something!
It’s proof that simple shapes, when paired with the right fabric, can be the most chic. I’m already planning another one for spring — maybe in a washed silk or cotton lawn. Did someone say Liberty?
Tips for Sewing the Alessi in Wool:
Let your fabric rest before cutting — bias cuts love to shift.
Stay-stitch early to avoid neckline or armhole stretching. I went rogue and didn’t use the tear away vilene as recommended.
Handle your fabric gently and press as you go — wool is very responsive.
Let the dress hang before hemming for the most even finish.
Have you thought about making the Alessi dress this winter? If you do, comment below or tag me when you have completed your dress at @magdalenesmuse.
Happy sewing, Pips
Dress Pattern: the Alessi bias dress by Tessuti Patterns
the girl in a tea cup 