Laurel Dress by Greenstyle Creations

Today we take a look at a great Self Care sewing project, the Laurel Dress by Greenstyle Creations.  This versatile pattern works for all seasons and all seasons of life.  Check out what reviewers Ellen and Carrie did with this pattern!

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I'm Ellen from ellzabelle and I am so excited to share a cute and comfy dress with you today!  I proudly accepted the "Self Care Sewing" challenge and have added this adorable dress to my wardrobe.


I took the Greenstyle Laurel Dress/Tunic pattern and made it custom for ME!  I couldn't be happier with the results.


The Laurel Dress pattern really includes a cowl neck and sleeves but I decided to make it sleeveless and scoop neck for summer.  This was so easy to do and just shows how versatile this pattern is!
Pattern Details:

  • Women's Sizes XXS to 3XL with size chart on bust measurement
  • 4 different sleeves lengths (short sleeve, just above elbow, 3/4 length, long sleeve*)
  • *dare I add sleeveless too?
  • 3 different skirt lengths (tunic, just above knee, longer length)
  • 3 different torso lengths (short, regular, long)
  • POCKETS!
  • Straight back or pleated back options
  • Photos/drawings for every step in directions
  • knit/jersey fabric and can do knit/jersey top with woven bottom
  • 32 pages long total with 9 pages of directions and 23 nested pattern pieces 


 I made a size small, long torso dress which was PERFECT for my body.  I really appreciate the long torso length being included since a lot of dresses don't fit my 5'9" frame and are too short.


 I added an extra inch to the above the knee length which I think was good.  Otherwise it would be too short for me.  I chose pleats in the front and back.  Next time I will try a flat back I think and woven bottom!


And don't we all LOVE a comfy dress with pockets?  I will be living in this dress this summer.  It will be cute with leggings in spring also.


I customized this dress by adding binding strips around the arms and neck.  I actually cut out the cowl piece and when I decided not to use it, cut 2" binding strips from this.  It worked like a charm!!!!  I cut straight across, no need for diagonal cutting.

I recently organized my fabric stash and am determined to use it up before buying more fabric.  I didn't have enough fabric for the sleeves and after I tried on the top I LOVED it sleeveless.  I have seen pictures of the dress with sleeves and the cowl neck and think it is very cute and my next one will be like that.


This pattern is great for every season.  Long sleeve for winter, 3/4 or elbow length for fall/spring, and short for summer!  And don't forget there's a tunic length option so you can wear it with jeans or leggings.


I am so happy to be slowly adding to my wardrobe.  This is all new for me, especially sewing with knits and I'm loving every minute.  I used a stretch stitch on my regular sewing machine for this dress and had zero problems.  Just ordered my first serger and am excited to try it out soon.  This pattern is perfect for a beginner and is quick sew.  The dress is stylish, versatile and COMFY.  All wins in my book.  -ellen 


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Hey everyone! Carrie from Beri Bee Designs here with a little something for YOU for a change! I get in such a routine making kids clothes that I often forget about myself (or just don’t make time for any self-care sewing) but when I saw this new pattern from Greenstyle Creations I just knew I’d clear a day from my schedule to check it out!
Besides lack of time the other reason I haven’t sewn much for myself is that I struggle with items that I can comfortably wear now (with a growing baby belly) and later. I’m excited to say that this is the perfect top or dress for just that!



I did have a non-pregnant friend sweet enough to help me out with a few pictures but I wanted to also share one of myself to show you what a cute maternity top this makes (although, taken by my 6 year old so no judging! Haha!)The style features pleats in the front (and optional pleats in the back, which I did not do) and POCKETS!! I love pockets! Especially ones that are actually big enough to be useful, like these are.

This is an extremely versatile pattern with multiple arm lengths, 3 torso lengths and both a dress or tunic length. The one you see pictured is the short torso, with elbow length sleeves in a tunic.



All these options are a huge plus but also leads to my one issue on this pattern… how to choose? I’m 5’2” and usually go for petite options so I thought the short torso would be best but I question that now that its finished. Both my model and myself are larger busted so although this style looks nice, I think the standard would have just been a more flattering fit. I think a guide to help recommend options (at least for the torso) would be helpful.



This is a GREAT pattern for a beginner! The pieces went together perfectly and the directions were very easy to follow. It only ended up taking about an hour to put together after I had everything cut so I can definitely see more of these in my near future!

Thanks so much for letting me share a little insight; I hope you enjoy making this as much as I have!