We think the Torrens is an especially hack-able pattern! Including the short sleeve-band pictured, the pattern comes with a narrow and wider long-sleeve option, and we've also got a bonus gathered-sleeve as a Patreon Pattern Bonus.
To make this Torrens Box Top Dress, after making sure the finished hip measurement would give me a comfortable amount of ease (I make a Size F and am 57" (145cm) at my largest point), I lengthened the pattern straight down to as long as my fabric could accommodate. If I wasn't constrained by fabric, I probably would have measured where I wanted the dress to hit, added a generous amount extra for a wide hem and gone from there.
I toyed with the idea of adding in-seam pockets or patch pockets to the dress, but didn't want to complicate things. Next time, I would use the pocket piece from our Waikerie Dress, since the design of the pocket spreads the weight of the contents and means that putting stuff in your pockets doesn't distort the shape of the skirt.
The fabric I used is Mirren Blue silk noil from A+R Fabrics in Australia. It's no longer in stock, but the hot pink or marigold are 2 of my other favourites! Of course, this simple boxy dress also looks great in a statement print! Below, are two lovely Torrens Box Top Dress hacks which look amazing in a bold print!
Gathered Waist Torrens Box Dress
You can also easily add a gathered skirt to your Torrens Box Top! You could use the gathered skirt & pockets from the Waikerie Dress (View A), or you could just sew 2 rectangles together (maybe add patch pockets to the front), and gather the skirt into the waistband.
Below are some lovely versions of the Torrens with an added gathered skirt, which shows just how versatile the hack can be! Keep it minimalist with a small amount of gathering, or add lots of gathers (and even an extra ruffle) and you've got a great vehicle for a bold print!
Want 15% off the Torrens Box Top?
Become a Muna and Broad Maker or Insider and support our work on Patreon and you'll get 15% off any pattern at any time. You'll also get access to monthly pattern bonuses, and all our previous monthly bonuses (including the bonus gathered sleeve for the Torrens)!
2 comments
Great question Margs! I had 3 metres of quite narrow fabric, but I think I could have squeezed it out of 2.5metres- it really depends how long you want the dress to be (I also have a very generous hem).
I hope that helps!
How much do you recommend adding to make a dress? I’ve got some fabric set aside 😁😁