Pattern Description:
Misses' Dress. Easy.
Pattern Sizing:
A5(6-8-10-12-14),E5(14-16-18-20-22)
Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?
Yes! But I only used the lining pattern as I was using it as the base for my RTW contest piece, so I didn't want the side seam ruching.
Were the instructions easy to follow?
I didn't really use the instructions, but yes, I'm sure they were.
What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?
I liked the pattern! It didn't fit me perfectly at first because i have a slight sway back and I have no hips really. I also didn't like the whole sleeve and armscye (I just found it to be too low), so I tried to alter the pattern, and I may have made the fit worse (but still wearable).
Fabric Used:
I made this dress 5 times. The first was the trial of the pattern in black acrylic sweater knit. When I adjusted for my narrow hips, sway back and armscye, I made another version in striped jersey. I, then tried to adjust sleeves and armscye again and so made a 3rd version in another acrylic sweater knit (in polkadot).
Since this dress was for my RTW contest piece, I then spliced up the pattern to replicate the original (dress that I was copying) and tested the drafted pattern pieces using old (but unused) t-shirts. When that seemed to work out, I then made my contest piece using 6 pieces of fabric: black interlock (for side seam pieces, neckline binding, piping cover and bias-tape), and then 4 knits: polka dot, 2 houndstooth, and zebra print.
Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:
On the original pattern, I took in the hips 6-8 inches and removed the bust darts. I created a cb seam to shorten the lower back area for my slight sway back. On the spliced muslin and final RTW look, I inserted an invisible zipper. I also adjusted the shape of the sleeves and raised the side seam numerous times.
Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?
I would sew it again as it's so easy! And so easy to modify (sleeve length, hem length, adding zippers). I haven't tried the ruching version but I'm sure it is just as flattering!
Conclusion:
I would totally make this again many times (as I already have!) 
360 views of the finished dress
Please check out my blog post about it all:
http://eleynagomez.wordpress.com/2013/02/26/the-big-reveal-pattern-review-rtw-contest/ |
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LOVE IT! The fabric choices are perfect. It was a smashing idea to use the lining part of the pattern- I'm not sure I would have thought of that! Of course I hate that you have no hips though!
2/26/13 4:16 PM
Thank you ConnieBJ! I would absolutely kill for some hips and curves! But thank you for the compliment :)
2/26/13 4:26 PM
That is so awesome!!! I love the way you worked polka dot fabric in. I like yours better than the original.
2/26/13 4:38 PM
Oh wow. Thank you so much blessedtosew! One of the things I cried about was not finding a white on black cheetah print, so that makes me feel so much better about the polka dots.
2/26/13 4:50 PM
I really like your version better than the original! Love your fabric choices & placement & the dots really are a great addition.
2/26/13 4:52 PM
Thank you Dee2!!! You guys are so nice, you're slowly gonna make me love the dots, too. :)
2/26/13 4:55 PM
Great job on your RTW knockoff!
2/26/13 4:59 PM
What a knock off!! You did a fantastic job and what a detective getting the picture of the dress back and finding your fabric pieces! Really cute!!!
2/26/13 5:20 PM
Using the lining pattern was a great idea for this dress.I would have never thought of it! I love everything about this project. Your fabric choice, the fit and of course the photo shoot :)
2/26/13 5:33 PM
Fantastic dress. Love it!!!
2/26/13 5:48 PM
Absolutely awesome! Hard to tell the original from yours - really great looking dress
2/26/13 6:10 PM
WOW!! This is a showstopper! What a fantastic dress and much cuter than the original! Love your fabric combos! Great job...good luck with the contest!
2/26/13 8:01 PM
Wow, a really stunning knock-off, looks just like the original (or better) and great idea to use the lining.
2/26/13 8:30 PM
Fabulous dress!!! Great job on re-creating the Ribkoff dress.
2/26/13 8:44 PM
I so enjoyed reading your blog post describing the making of this fabulous dress. You had a vision and saw it through to the end. How fun to have your family's help with the photo shoot. Congratulations on a knock out knock off.
2/26/13 9:55 PM
What a sensational knock-off! Wow! I just went to your blog and girl, I don't think I'd have the patience you did, I'm amazed! Great photo too! Looks like you had a lot of fun! :)
2/26/13 10:03 PM
Great knockoff-I love the combination of patterns.
2/26/13 10:18 PM
Perseverance and patience you must have in spades. What a mammoth task but you completed it so fabulously. Congratulations on your wonderful dress. Super matching on the back seam. Actually I can't believe they would advertise their own dress so mismatched! I just love it and I am really glad you are so thrilled with it too. This is why we sew.
2/27/13 2:13 AM
What a good knock-off
2/27/13 2:22 AM
What a fantastic knock off. You should be very proud of yourself. I really enjoyed reading your blog. Best wishes in the contest.
2/27/13 5:47 AM
So nice, I couldn't decide which was the model and which was you lol.
2/27/13 6:03 AM
Fabulous on you!
2/27/13 9:58 AM
You did a beautiful job!! Love your little tee-shirt dress too. So cute.
2/27/13 1:24 PM
I'm so overwhelmed and humbled by your comments. Thanks so much everyone!
2/27/13 2:06 PM
Awesome!!
2/27/13 4:51 PM
Your fabric choices were very good ones. Great knock off dress. Really like it.
2/27/13 6:38 PM
I love it! I don't think I would try it..it sounds like a lot of work!
2/27/13 8:12 PM
Great job getting the feeling of the dress you were copying!
3/7/13 0:09 AM
Incredible Knock off! Really well done
3/7/13 5:21 PM
Wow. I'm just speechless. Um. I think what I want to say is that it's amazing that you overcame all the challenges involved in making this dress - losing the inspiration photo, placing the seams, 29 pattern pieces, matching the fabrics, doing a photoshoot that looks just like the model... Well done.
3/9/13 6:23 AM
Amazing knock-off. Your fabric choices are spot-on, and this dress looks fab on you!!
3/9/13 1:20 PM
Congratulatons!
3/11/13 2:20 AM
Congratulations! This was a great contest! Your blog and dress are great!
3/11/13 5:25 AM
I'm very pleased you won. You put a lot of effort in this dress and result is awesome! Congratulations!
3/11/13 4:35 PM
Oh wow! Thank you all sooo sooo soo much! This is very exciting!!!!!!!! :)
3/12/13 1:47 PM
Gorgeous dress! If I saw it on the street I would never imagine it was a knockoff. Congratulations!
3/12/13 6:47 PM