It was impossible to resist Liz Haywood’s zero waste Ursa dress pattern when it was released – zero waste and a cowl neck? In a sack dress style perfect for a hot summer day? Exactly what I love!
The hard part was working out which of the several drapey fabrics in my stash I should use for my first version.
I settled on a rayon from Spotlight in my favourite colours of turquoise and blue in a smallish Moroccan tile pattern.
The fabric was 130 cm wide so I cut off 20 cm to make it 110 cm before drawing up the pattern directly on the fabric as per Liz’s excellent instructions. It seems a bit like magic doing this.
After construction, the dress seemed a bit long so I cut off another 7.5 cm before turning up 2.5 cm into the hem. It could probably go even shorter.
I cut out a size 16 even though my measurements suggested a size 18. It was very loose. I removed 1 cm in width by running in the front dart from hem to waist dart a bit. It is still looser than it needs to be.
I’ll size down to a 14 for the next version.
Liz’s written instructions for the underarm gusset are brilliant as is the video clip
It is a very clever pattern.
Don’t be put off by my comments about its looseness. Its an absolute delight to wear on a hot day.
This dress was made in those magical days between Christmas and New Year. I am a bit early for the Sewcialists theme for February of zero waste sewing.
If you’re wondering if you should try zero waste sewing I say go for it. I’ve been very happy with both this and the other zero waste project I’ve made. I also have Liz’s zero waste sewing book* so I have plans for more..
* I am not affiliated with Liz Haywood in any way and I purchased my patterns and the book. I’m just a happy customer.
He Cooks... She Sews! 
That’s awesome! It reminds me of one of my favourite dresses ever. I do like Liz Haywood’s stuff
Thank you. It’s a terrific design.
Very honoured that you made one! It looks beaut, and the fabric is perfect.
Yes, it is a loose fit and just right for hot weather, as you say. Have you experimented with a belt? – you could make one from the trimmings.
I can belt it in but it seems like that’s not the point of this dress. At least to me. I’m happily wearing it loose.
Brilliant. love the way the detail of the underarm gusset elevates it from simple sack dress (thinking Burda), to cleverly designed garment. Think I need one of these in my wardrobe!
[…] UPDATE: Take a look at Sewing Elle’s Ursa dress here. […]
I think the dress looks wonderful on you! The length is nice for a summer dress that you can freely move around in. The fabric is a great color on you! I’ve been sewing for over 60 years, but I am new to zero waste sewing, It’s fascinating to me, proving you can always learn new things! Thank you for your share!
Thanks! I’ve found the zero waste process such fun and I’ve loved the way it made my mind approach sewing in such a different way.