We are really excited to have partnered with several amazing makers in our community for the launch of the Holmes Dress! These community models are going to help us showcase the pattern on various bodies and in different fabrics!
About Our Community Models: This is a paid partnership. We work with the models to help decide which size to make and which fabric to use. They are sewing the final version of the pattern and they are not pattern testers. The intention is to have them showcase the pattern in their size and in a fabric that suits their personal style. They are also welcome and encouraged to make adjustments. If you are interested in becoming a community model for our future patterns, please feel free to reach out to us at [email protected]. We would love to hear from you!
Holmes Dress Community Model: Basma
(@basmashimmies)
Basma is a bright and joyful light in the sewing community! She loves a playful and cheerful fabric, and she is always smiling ear to ear in her makes! Basma is also a Minerva Maker, and she blogs about her makes over at stitchandshimmy.com. We can’t help but smile right along with Basma whenever she pops up on our feed. Her makes are really inspiring and her fabric choices are always so fun!
Measurements: 57” bust / 51” waist / 61” hip (144.8 cm / 129.5 cm / 154.9 cm)
Height: 5’7” (170 cm)
Size: 28/30/32
Adjustments: Graded between sizes, narrow shoulder adjustment, raised neckline 2” (5 cm), added another button
Fabric: Soft-washed 100% linen provided by Minerva
View: A (longer dress)
From Basma:
Based on my measurements, my Holmes was a 28 in the chest, 30 in waist and 32 in the hip. I raised my neckline three inches and added a fourth button. I also did a 3 inch (7.6 cm) narrow shoulder adjustment. I normally don't have to make that adjustment, but the sleeves set much better after I did it. For fabric, I used a soft-washed 100% linen provided by Minerva. The color is honey and the name of the fabric design is Minerva Exclusive Keechii B Style Precious Pebbles. When sewing, make sure you have the pockets aligned the correct way. I initially sewed the pockets to the wrong side and had to fix them. That's what I get for not paying attention! 😆 The fabric feels great in linen, but I'm interested in making another out of a light challis or a soft cotton. Finally, I really love the external drawstring casing - it was so much easier to sew than regular casings!
Our Thoughts
This dress is pure sunshine!! I love that Basma chose such a bright and cheerful colour for her Holmes Dress. It looks fabulous in this linen - the drape and movement in the skirt is so pretty.
I also love that Basma brought the neckline up to where she wanted it. We include instructions for this alteration so that you can customize it to your personal preferences and I love to see it! That is what makes sewing a superpower! Because she raised it quite a bit, the addition of the fourth button makes perfect sense.
Holmes does have a bit of a dropped shoulder for a relaxed look. A narrow shoulder adjustment can be done if you would like the sleeve to sit up on your true shoulder. This may even be necessary if you are choosing your size for a larger bust but have a smaller shoulder. You can also choose a smaller size and adjust for a larger bust.
Thank you Basma! We love your Holmes Dress!
The Holmes Dress and the Lazo Jumpsuit are both on sale this week for 25% off! No coupon code required. If you purchase both patterns during the sale, you get an additional 10% off! Coupon code automatically applies at checkout. Sale ends March 18, 2026.
