I decided to do some sewing for spring break.
You can see that my kitty likes to help me take pictures. She also loves to help me sew.
Back view. The top has elastic, so there is a little extra give.
I hate pleating. I does look pretty though!
Also a review I posted else were because I'm too lazy to write something new here. I figured it would be useful to you guys!
Pattern Description:3 dresses and a jacket. I made view B.
Pattern Sizing:I used the 6-14. According to the back, I'm supposed to be somewhere between a 10 and a 12. I made the 10 and didn't have to make any fitting changes.
Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?Exactly.
Were the instructions easy to follow?Honestly I only used the instructions minimally.
What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?
I liked the fit when I was done. I made a size smaller than I usually make and it fit like a glove. The elastic across the back make the fit even more forgiving.
I didn't like the instructions so much. Starting from the top:
The instructions have you sew the bodice contrast together and the bodice together, then sew the two pieces together. I could not get the seams to match this way. I just sewed each half of the contrast and bodice, and then sewed up the center seam. Matched perfectly this way.
The pleats were a total pain. If you have never done pleats from a pattern, you may want to skip this, or at least do a practice run. Also, to keep them flat until you sew it all together, baste the pleats down all of the way across. Otherwise it will be like working with an accordion. There was much cursing on this step. It does look really lovely now that it's done.
I'm not certain if it's because I altered out the pocket, or if there is just something wrong with the pattern, but the pattern seemed to be missing a pleat in the skirt. It was a really easy fix though. The skirt still came out too big for the bodice in the back, so I added a little to the pleats there. Not even noticeable when it was finished.
None of the fixes were particularly complicated.
Fabric Used:Broadcloth on the contrast and quilters cotton for the dress itself.
Pattern Alterations or any design changes you made:I altered out the pockets. Who needs pockets in an airy sundress?
Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?I think I would now that I have worked out the bugs.
I would recommend this pattern for people who are comfortable with not following the instructions exactly.
Conclusion:The dress came out really lovely. I'm glad that I toughed out the pleats as it really gives the dress a "store-bought" feel. It's a really nice detail. It's also really comfortable and the ties in the back give it an extra bit of give.
