When I first saw the Lenox dress pattern by Love Notions, I knew it was my kind of dress. There was just one little issue. It didn’t have pockets. No problem! Let me show how I added pockets to my Lenox Dress using a pattern I already had, with just a few simple tweeks. The great thing about this is you don’t have to have these specific patterns. You can do this with any knit dress patterns you might have in your stash already. The idea is the same. You just adjust it for you particular pattern.

The Dress pattern…

The Lenox Top & Dress will be the most versatile garment in your
wardrobe. Use it as a dress, a shirt or a cropped top! So many
options. Choose from the square neck or sweetheart neckline and
four different sleeve options. We did the math and this one pattern
gives you more than 30 different options!
This pattern comes in sizes XS-5X and includes an optional full bust
piece. The Lenox is meant for knit fabrics.

The Pocket pattern…

The Sybil Illusion Skirt Collection is the only skirt pattern you’ll need. Meant for knit fabrics,
the Sybil comes with seven variations: pencil, A-line, swing, drop yoke with swing, gored,
asymmetrical wrap and pleated. All versions, with the exception of the drop yoke, also have
knee and midi length options as well as inseam pockets. All skirt waistbands can include
the optional control panel or a yoga-style waistband, no closures needed. The tutorial is
optimized with clickable links that will help you navigate easily. This pattern features layers +
trimless assembly which means less time piecing & cutting and more time sewing!

Altering the Pocket pattern…

The first thing  I did was trace my Sybil inseam pocket pattern piece onto another piece of paper. Then, using my French curve ruler I rounded off that top part of the pocket.

I cut the pattern piece out and labeled it “Lenox Pocket, cut 4.” Now I can just store it with my dress and always have a pocket piece for it.

Installing the Pockets…

I cut all my dress and pocket pieces out then sewed it together as the direction instructed.  However, before I sewed the sides I installed the pockets. I’m a size medium and I usually install my pockets 8 inches below the armpit as shown in the picture above. Which, for this dress, was 1 ¼ inches below the seam where the skirt attaches to the bodice.

Just look at the pocket!

Once the pockets were attached to the sides I finished my dress! The pockets fit perfectly with this pattern and I’m so glad I was able to remember to install them. I don’t know about you, but my outfits with pockets get worn way more than the ones without.

Reasons I love this Dress…

Necklines!

The sweetheart neckline and princess seams are what sold me on this dress. It’s so flattering and cute,but it also has a square neck option if you need something else. I made the square neck option in a crop top which I adore. But the sweetheart one is the one that stole my heart.

The Slit!

How cute is this little side slit peep?! I completely love that little detail. Without the slit it’s just a regular knit dress. With the slit it take it to a whole other level. If that’s not for you, just sew it up and forget it was ever a suggestion. You probably won’t want to do that though.

Sleeves!

It has 4 sleeves options! Yes, FOUR. Long, ¾, short and puff short. Elbow length is typically my favorite but ¾ length is a close second. I did make my crop top in the short sleeve option to wear under my overalls. I will post pics of that on my instagram so stay tuned.

Let’s be friends!

If you are looking for a pattern suitable for more than one occasion, hopefully this post helps you figure out what will work best with your wardrobe needs. Let’s be friends on all the socials! Come follow along on Pinterest, Instagram and Facebook so we can chat about all our sewing projects!