Get ready for our first Rooibos Sewalong, starting next week!
The Rooibos dress is one of my favorites. It has a very flattering and fitted shape, but a nice short length gives it more of a 60s vibe. The magic is, of course, in the details: The pretty scalloped pockets and the tiny little contrasting collar.
Aside from that, I chose Rooibos because it’s a great transitional piece. You can make it in cotton or linen for the current summer temperatures, or try wool for a warm Fall dress you can wear with cardigans and tights.
Skill Level
I would rate the sewalong as advanced beginner to intermediate.
This pattern is rated as intermediate, but if you follow the sewalong, I think just about anyone can make this. We’ll go over the more challenging parts of the construction together: fitting, sewing curved seams, the all-in-one facing technique, and pockets. We’ll also talk about basics like hemming and finishing.
Getting the Pattern
To celebrate the sewalong, I’m offering 20% off on the Rooibos pattern for all participants from not until August 16. Just enter the code ROOIBOSAUGUST at checkout (make sure it’s entered in all caps like that).
ETA: We were having problems with the code earlier, but it should be working now!
The Schedule
The sewalong will run through the whole month of August, with most of the sewing done within about 3 weeks.
For the first week, we’ll talk about things like planning design variations and buying your fabric and other materials. So you will have plenty of time to get the pattern if you order soon. The following week (8/9), we’ll start on fitting.
Here’s a more detailed breakdown:
Aug 2: Design variations and ideas
Aug 5: How to choose fabric and interfacing
Aug 9: Fitting workshop
Aug 12: Sewing curved seams and seam finishing
Aug 16: How to sew an all-in-one facing
Aug 19: Assembling the pockets
Aug 23: Hemming and finishing
Aug 26: Styling the Rooibos
Aug 30: Recap and your projects
Button
If you’d like to join up, here’s a button for your blog! You can simply copy and paste the code below to add it.
Of course, you’ll also be able to ask questions and show your progress in the forum.
I can’t wait to get started! Next week, I’ll show you the fabric I’ll be using and we can talk fabric choices. So go ahead and buy the Rooibos pattern with your discount, and we’ll get started soon!
OO OOO! I just ordered a nice dark purple cotton twill for this very pattern! I chose purple cause it will go with the black velvet bolero I want to make for winter. *happy dance*
Oh, exciting!
One small thing though, the webshop is giving me a “ROOIBOSAUGUST is not a valid code” notification :S
Yay! I’m so excited! I too am getting that ROOIBOSAUGUST is not valid at checkout. I’ll try a back little later. Thanks for doing this sew along!
I had the same problem – ROOIBOSAUGUST is not a valid code.
I was just wondering if the sewalong will cover adjustements for people with less than 33” in the bust area ??
Hi Delphine… we’ll be covering both full bust and small bust adjustments!
Oh goody! I’m definitely going to need an SBA. Which is one of the reasons I haven’t dived into sewing Colette patterns yet. Looking forward to this!
Oh what a great news, I´ve just purchased this pattern last week (I think the pattern was shipped on 18th July). I hope it arrives in time for this!
Hello! I also tried to order the pattern but the code was not valid. I have a few questions. I hope you can help.
Is the sewalong free – minus the cost of pattern, fabric, etc?
Is there a time we log in or is there a video?
How do these work?
I am brand new so please forgive me if I have asked questions most of you would know. I look forward to doing this!
Also, I registered in the forum but can’t figure out how to reply to a post! Honestly I am a smart person! lol
Thanks!
Danielle
OK, I figured out how to reply in the forum! ;)
Hi Danielle. We fixed the problem with the code, sorry about that!
Yes, the sewalong is free. We’ll be posting it all here on the blog! You can follow at your own pace as we do posts on each aspect of making the dress. We’ll post a couple times a week for about 3-4 weeks.
[...] while we are at it, the little blue bird told me that Rooibos Sew Along is happening @ Colette Patterns! Oh so what am I to do! I don´t think I have any choice but to do [...]
Sorry for the trouble with the discount code, everyone. The ROOIBOSAUGUST code is now working correctly so if you try your orders again, you should see the discount applied.
How exciting! I really want to make this dress, and though I’m not sure if I will be able to follow along at the time (too many other scheduled projects – but I will really try and fit it in), it’s great to know I can go through the sew along posts when I do get round to it. Thanks!
So excited for the first sew-along! I’ve had this pattern for a while, and now let’s hope I can find the perfect fabric in my stash. I might complete the last few steps early/on my own, if I’m going to bring it on vacation :)
Brilliant news! I have had Rooibos for a couple of months now & this will be what I need to get started. Very happy Badger!
This just made my day! Cannot wait to start!
I JUST bought the Roobios with my survey discount, and I’m thrilled you’ll be doing a sew-along. Alas, I’ll have to come back and sew-along all by myself next year…unless you can include “maternity alterations” in your advice! But thank you all the same; I can’t wait!
Heya,
I too would love to see some maternity adjustments if possible?! A close friend of mine is expecting her first baby, and we live in quite a remote part of Australia – and there is a complete dearth of lovely maternity clothes! A big-bellied Rooibos would cheer her up no end :)
[...] I must add that I am hugely excited to sign up for the Colette Patterns Rooibos Sewalong. I’ve had this pattern for a couple of months, have seen so many beautiful versions of it [...]
Ooh! I would love to join in the sew along. I have the rooibos pattern. I will dig through my stash to find the right fabric. Currently I’m waiting for the pieces of my oolong dress to stretch out so I can sew them together.
Sooo, I dunno if you’ll be able to answer this, but maybe someone here can guide me. I’ve got about a 10″ difference between my waist and my hips and usually wear more full skirted things because of it. I’m still learning to sew and learning what is flattering on me; do you think this style would be flattering on a big hipped girl?
Absolutely! I definitely think it would be. There will be lots of help for fitting issues like that along the way. :)
Thank you for replying! I will try it out!
Yep! And we’ll be covering a large hip adjustment for sure.
Hell yeah! That will be great. Bought my pattern!
[...] the what?!?! Another fabulous sewalong in August??? Dare I do this? Could I possibly accomplish two dresses (plus my class dress) in [...]
I’m so excited about joinging in this sewalong, I can’t wait! This will be my first time using one of your patterns.
It’s great that you’re starting to do sew-alongs, I’m very excited for them. Sadly a weeks notice is not long enough for me to be able to do this one – for example it’d take over a week for the pattern to be shipped to Australia. Is there any chance you can give us some more notice of the next one to improve my chances of being able to join in?
Rachel, it’s actually over two weeks notice. If you look at the schedule at the top, we won’t cover anything sewing-related until 8/09.
Also, you might check out our stockists’ page and see if a retailer in Australia could ship it to you faster!
I am looking forward to participating in this sew along. I did a lot of heirloom sewing for my girls when they were little – almost 20 years ago. Now it’s time to sew for me! I tries the discount code today, and it still says invalid. Is anyone else still having trouble?
Hi Catherine… it seems to be working, as far as I can tell. Can you verify that you’re entering it exactly as shown (all caps, etc), and that you have the Rooibos pattern in your cart?
If you’re still having problems, can you just visit our contact page and let us know exactly what’s going on?
I’m really excited! I think I’m going to do 2 different dresses. I saw that someone in the flickr group (the blog Stitchy Witch) made one with a poplin, so I’m hoping that type of fabric will work out okay.
I am looking forward to the sewalong. I will need to pick up the pattern. I had just placed my order for the Oolong and Macroon. Oh well, more patterns, more dresses for me is always a good thing!
Hi, I am trying to do a ‘fabric’ plan ahead, which just mean that I want to order fabric online. I love in Madrid, and maybe ordering some nice fabric from the US, I was wondering if Silk Charmeuse (or maybe polyester charmeuse…) fabric would be suitable for this? It is not on the recommended fabric list on the pattern. Thanks :)
I think charmeuse might be a little light and drapey for this style. You’ll want a fabric that has some body, to maintain the crispness since it’s a pretty tailored style.
[...] to keep up (or slow down). Alas, I’ll give it another shot. Colette Patterns is hosting a Rooibos sew-along, and I just so happen to have that pattern from last year’s birthday (amazing family, that [...]
I am in. I was so happy when I saw this sewalong. This would be first sewalong which I am participating. I am going to sew along with you, but I will do pattern myself. So it would be my version of Rooibos dress. I will have vacation on august and litle trip, but I hope that I manage some hove.
Exciting! I have not done a Sewalong before and have been in a bit of a sewing rut. Perhaps this will get my Husqvarna purring again. I ordered my pattern on Monday – I hope it arrives on time.
I am having trouble adding the button to my blog. Help….
Can you describe the problem you’re having?
Just discovered your blog and your patterns and fell in love with both. I’m totally joining this sewalong. Need a new dress for a wedding in September with a maritime theme and a navy and white Rooibos seems like the perfect choice. Can’t wait to start!
I received my pattern on Saturday – wow, it came so FAST! Not only is the dress amazing, but so is the pattern construction. I love how the directions are sewn into the cover, and the tissue is neatly packed in its own pocket. Class act! Now I’m more excited than ever to do this sew-along. Of course, I got back to work this week (I’m a teacher who has loved every second of the past 9 weeks!) so I won’t have as much time to play with my fabric, but I think the Rooibos is just what I need to keep my sewing inspiration up and give me a break from work. Let’s get at it!
[...] the danger I suppose. Button choice is critical!Having committed myself to making this before the Rooibos sewalong gets underway, I had only managed to read the instructions (several times), nothing else this last [...]
[...] pretty thrilled with my new dress i already bought fabric to make a winter version – lipstick red fine wale corduroy. i am stuck on trying to decide on contrast fabric, though. i’m thinking a red-based plaid for the facing & pocket piping… and a matching red plaid belt! what do you think? if i can find the plaid in time, i will definitely follow the colette rooibos sewalong! [...]
I’m going to join this sewalong. I ordered my pattern today and I’m hoping to get the fabric by the end of this week.
I am working from home today and just checked the mail…Yah, just received my pattern!! Perfect timing. This is my first Collette pattern purchase and I have to say I am blown away. What lovely packaging and clearly laid out instructions. I look forward to working with the pattern and staying the course on my first sew along!!
[...] for the Beignet? I’ve been googling but haven’t found one. I’ve also ordered the Rooibos Dress pattern from Colette Patterns – hooray! I think I’ll be too late to do the sewalong but it will [...]
[...] there. I’m sure I’ll be making more clothes for me (including this fan-freakin-tastic Rooibos dress from Colette Patterns) and definitely more baby quilts, custom work when it comes in and lovely [...]
j’ai déjà cousu le modèle ‘parfait’ et je vais me faire une ‘rooibos’ pour l’hiver…
j’adore vos modèles !!!
[...] the beginning of the month I took on the Colette Rooibosh Sewalong and just last week I completed the Rooibos in muslin. Good thing too! Had I used good fabric it [...]
[...] I finished my Rooibos, just lagged a bit behind the Colette Patterns Sewalong, it being September and not August now.I wore it out last night & I swear I have never been so [...]
[...] bought this pattern quite some time ago and it recently featured in a sew-along on the Coletterie blog which I followed in spirit. I considered participating but I am terrible at [...]