Minerva + Simplicity + CLT = A Fabulous Evening at Charlotte Frocktails

There’s nothing quite like the perfect fabric to bring a sewing project to life, and when I discovered this gorgeous Minerva fabric, I knew it would be the ideal choice for a flowy maxi dress. The fabric’s lightweight, airy feel and its incredibly soft texture made it a joy to work with—and an absolute dream to wear.

For this project, I chose Simplicity 8084, a stunning maxi dress pattern that complements drapey fabrics beautifully. You can find pattern reviews here if you're interested in other sewists' experiences. This pattern features an effortlessly chic silhouette, and the fabric’s gentle flow enhances its elegant movement. I love how the dress sways with each step, creating a graceful, ethereal effect. I also found that the pattern’s sizing was very well done for plus sizes, which was a pleasant surprise. While I did have some difficulty understanding how to construct the button placket, everything else in the pattern was straightforward and enjoyable to sew. The viscose fabric worked beautifully with this design, draping effortlessly and adding to the overall elegance of the dress.

One of the highlights of this project was wearing my finished dress to Charlotte Frocktails in October 2024. This event was the perfect opportunity to showcase my handmade creation among fellow sewing enthusiasts who appreciate the beauty of fabric and craftsmanship. As I moved through the evening, I felt so comfortable and confident in my dress. I was stopped several times to receive compliments and asked if they could feel my fabric.  Which is a totally acceptable question at a Frocktails event!  

Charlotte Frocktails was amazing.  It was inspiring to see the effort put into building such a wonderful gathering, and I left feeling even more motivated to continue building our local sewing community.  It was the 3rd Frocktails event that I participated in for the year.  These events truly highlight the strength and creativity of the sewing community. The hosts do a phenomenal job organizing everything, creating an inviting and celebratory space for sewists to come together, share their projects, and connect over their love of sewing. 

Sewing with this fabric was an enjoyable experience. It handled well during cutting and sewing, though, as with most lightweight fabrics, I took extra care to prevent shifting while working with it.  And in true form, I was finishing this up to the last minute.  That last minute was in a hotel room in Charlotte, which meant my remaining black buttons were all back home in Raleigh.  What I did have, were these cute little black safety pins to add to the sleeve tabs.

If you’re looking for a fabric that feels luxurious yet breathable, this one is an excellent choice. Whether you’re making a flowing dress like mine or another elegant garment, its softness and drape will elevate your project beautifully. I can’t wait to sew with it again!

Have you worked with this fabric before? Or have you sewn Simplicity 8084? I’d love to hear about your experiences in the comments!