Introducing Trina

January 06, 2018

Introducing Trina

Home The Victory Patterns Blog Introducing Trina

For a long time now, I’ve been in a bit of trouble with my sister. She’s given me big lectures about having not named a pattern after her as yet. After all, I’ve named Nicola and Hannah after her two best friends, but not one after her. What kind of sister am I ?!? Well, to tell you the truth, it’s kind of like naming a baby. The pattern has to feel like the person that it’s named after. Then along came this little number.

This pattern was designed to be my dream dress come true. Personally, I can’t think of anything more comfortable, comfortable to wear and flattering than a wrap dress. I wanted to add a little bit of drama, and one way to do that is with a fabulous sleeve. For mood, I wanted to create something that had that natural romantic feel of a silk morning robe. You know, when you’re making your morning coffee and looking absolutely fabulous in a silk, drapey kimono? One can only dream! So put it all together and what have you got? Trina, my dream dress named after my favorite girl and my dream sister!

Trina kimono wrap by Victory Patterns

Trina is a classic wrap dress or tunic with kimono sleeves that add simple elegance. The raglan construction of the sleeves makes them a cinch to sew. The crossover front bodice creates a V-neckline and features gathers above the bust. I wanted to create a fun and pretty way for the tie to exit from the inside when wrapping around the body, so there’s a sneaky design detail at the side bodice where the front overlaps the back, allowing the tie to exit here. This is one of those details that’s a bit of personal satisfaction, as it’s very subtly noticeable.

On a side note: When I was a little kid, I used to have these Clarks Magic Steps shoes. There was this whole mystical story behind the shoe. It involved a princess, an evil witch, a treasure box and a magic key. Anyhoo, underneath the shoe on the sole, there was a little key hidden by the heel, and it was soooo amazing because only I (feeling like the princess herself) knew about it. So this little side detail in the bodice gives me the same satisfaction. So hopefully you’ll know what I mean when you sew it up!

Trina kimono wrap by Victory Patterns

Version 1 allows you to create a tunic with the hemline ending just below the hip. The tie in this version is made with a contrasting fabric. For version 2, you can create a dress with a hemline ending just below the knee. You may choose to line the skirt portion of this dress.

Trina kimono wrap by Victory Patterns

Easy Construction:

I’ve categorized this pattern as easy instead of beginner or intermediate because it’s one of those styles that is quite simple to make but fabric choice will have a hand in dictating the complexity. It is suitable for an experienced beginner, in which case I would suggest using fabric such as lightweight voile or double-gauze with a soft drape. However, using a lighter weight fabric such as chiffon, georgette, charmeuse, crepe de chine or rayon challis will add a layer of difficulty to this pattern and may be more suitable for an intermediate sewer.

If you opt to make Trina in a light cotton or voile, it will be a great style for the day or even as a glamorous beach wrap! A fancier fabric will catapult this lady into a night-on-the-town territory.

I hope she soon becomes one of your dream dresses too!

Trina kimono wrap by Victory Patterns

Comments

Tasha

This is wonderful! Anyway to get this pattern in the larger size?
———
Victory Patterns replied:
Hi Tasha, thank you for the kinds words, I’m so glad that you like the
pattern. We are working towards expanding our sizes and Trina is a priority
pattern for us. Stay tuned for updates on this blog or our IG channel.

March 25, 2022

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