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New Look: 6968 thumbsup - Type:Dresses    printable version
Viewed 1059 times 16 more reviews
Review rated Helpful by 2 people    Very Helpful by 6 people   
Reviewed by:prostheticsgirl
photo
About prostheticsgirlstar
OH USA
Member since: 3/6/12
Reviews written: 12
Sewing skills:Intermediate
Favored by: 5 people
patterns reviewed: 12
Bio: more...
Report a problem with this review
Posted on:10/26/12 8:28 PM
Last Updated:1/2/13 11:08 AM
Project Photo:photo
Pattern Photo:New Look 6968
New Look Pattern Info
Pattern Rating:Highly Recommend
See other patterns in this category: Dresses    
Available for sale on PR: $4.49 (See envelope)
Current Tags What is a Tag:
Fabric:suiting  [See other projects in this fabric]
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I swear it looks better in person than in the following PICTURES Not sure why the pics make my boobs look square? I blame my husband who took the pictures

I've updated the pictures since my modifications for fit. I finally determined what was causing the creasing under the armpits and across the back sleeve: ME! When I redrafted the bodice to accommodate a long sleeve, I inadvertently widened the bodice. I ended up removing the sleeves and trimming the armscyes slightly then reinserting the sleeve. Honestly it could have used another 1/4 inch but I was afraid of taking too much. In the future I'll just lengthen the included sleeve since NL drafters have more experience than I do!


Pattern Description:
NEW LOOK SAYS: Misses' dress with collar and bodice variations.

I SAY: Basic sleeveless or short sleeve shift dress pattern shaped with darts and waistline seam. Options include neckline and sleeve darts, tie neckline, and faux welt pockets

New Look isn't very creative on their descriptions but usually offers a good deal with many options at an everyday price (I love not waiting for a pattern sale)!

Pattern Sizing:
8-18 in one envelope; I love when the don't split them up

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?
Yes, except for my few changes

Were the instructions easy to follow?
The instructions seem pretty good; however I was making so many modifications that I didn't follow them

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?
The tie neckline looked so wonderful in everyone's review that I just had to make it.

Fabric Used:
Suiting fabric that has been in my stash forever; the background color is a deep plum accented with mustard, hunter green, and blue. I lined everything except the sleeves with a navy lining fabric

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:
Given my giant broad shoulders and the decreasing temperatures, I decided modifications were necessary.

*I lowered the neckline and lengthened the ties. My hope was that this modification would open the neckline slightly and not give me as much visual width on top.

In response to godesscpsmom:

Neckline changes:
lowered back neckline 3/4 inch
lowered front neckline by 1 5/8 inches
removed 1/2 inch at inside shoulder

Finished tie measurements:
short tie- 11 inches attached, 7 inches free
long tie- 14 inches attached, 11 1/4 inches free
1 1/4 inch open space at neckline between the ties

*I applied the collar in a different way than the instructions indicated. I made both pieces pointed on the ends and applied so the ends are free and can be tied instead of just inserting through the loop created (as per the directions)

*I also redrew the armscye to accommodate a 3/4 length sleeve that I added

*I lined the bodice and skirt

*The instructions have you install a facing at the neckline with the tie AND lining. To me this seems like it would be a tremendous amount of bulk. I drew my own neckline and armhole facings in interfacing (no fabric, and about 1 1/4 inches wide) since I had changed both and fused these directly to the lining to support the weight of the tie and prevent the neckline from distorting

*I approached the back vent with lining a bit differently than I have in the past. I recently purchased a gorgeous and very well made vintage dress that I intend to alter and wear for a friend's 1950s themed wedding. I noticed that the lining was finished with a back slit but the fashion fabric was finished with a vent. They were not joined together and kept totally free. This prevented the bulk that sometimes arises when joining the fabrics and is completely invisible on the outside. It's much simpler and seems to be a better result so I think I'll be doing this in the future!

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?
This is a great basic pattern and once fitted to you would be very quick to put together in nearly endless options. I really liked how BlossomKyle's looked with a princess seamed bodice, so would like to make a future version like that. Between a princess and darted bodice, I would have a lot of sheath dress options

I had to make several modifications for fit but they are in no way the pattern's fault

*I cut a 10 but graded the bodice and waist down to approximately a 9

*I cut the hips through the rest of the skirt an 8, this was still way too much ease for my non-existant hips, so graded down to approximately a 4 resulting in a very slim fit (which will keep me from eating too much whenever I wear this)

*I think my shoulders are a little too sloped for the original pattern, so I angled the outer edge of the shoulder by 1/4 inch

Conclusion:
Happy with the result, but the fit could use some more tweaking.
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28 Comments      Login to Add a Comment
marec said...
What a great looking dress!
10/26/12 9:39 PM
Jstarr4250 said...
Very pretty. I love the fabric and your neckline options, especially the knotted one.
10/26/12 10:04 PM
Nan Kay said...
Lovely dress, it fits beautifully! Can't see the bodice crease so it must not show much!
10/26/12 10:30 PM
julibchickadee said...
I think that it looks really good! I really love the bow at the collar too, it's perfect!
10/26/12 10:57 PM
ArtAttack said...
Great dress...very retro, and especially love your circle pin! Re: the creasing, have you ever measured yourself by the Palmer Pletsch method across the bust from the creases right at your armpit/chest? Their method gives you the pattern size you need for your shoulders/chest which is the hardest to alter. You can fit the rest of it around you. Just a thought, maybe you need a pattern size smaller for the chest/shoulder area and then fit bust/waist/hips, etc. according to that. Just a thought. Adorable dress!
10/27/12 0:23 AM
SewWil said...
Your dress turned out great! I don't see any issues with creasing.
10/27/12 1:52 AM
1SewSweet said...
I agree with everyone else here...the dress fits beautifully! Sometime the perfectionist in us sewers comes out and we stress about things we should not! You have a great dress with a great fit!
10/27/12 7:15 AM
JEF said...
Very pretty dress. Very classy.
10/27/12 9:17 AM
NC Carol said...
Lovely dress! It's retro and modern at the same time. And a circle pin? Fab!
10/27/12 10:15 AM
lauraborealis said...
I've discounted this pattern because of the picture on the envelope... yours looks so much better!
10/29/12 1:50 PM
prostheticsgirl said...
Thanks! I passed by this pattern so many time too until seeing so many wonderful reviews here on PR. I think all versions here are much better than the pattern envelope. Some of my favorite patterns are ones that I never noticed until seeing others amazing results
10/29/12 3:51 PM
prostheticsgirl said...
ArtAttack, for some reason I've never read the Palmer/Pletsch book, but based on your recommendation, I just requested it from the library. I think the dress looks better in person and the picture angles and flash seem to exaggerate the fit issues. This is kind of good though, because hopefully it will help with the diagnoses. To me it appears to wide? across the front between the shoulders and maybe a little narrow in the back across the shoulder blades (or is there inadequate fullness in the sleeve bicep), or maybe my armpits are just eating the sleeves? I've been sewing for years, but advanced fitting is new to me. I've recently lost some weight so my figure isn't as "balanced" as it once was
10/30/12 11:42 AM
ArtAttack said...
That's great...I think you will find it an interesting and insightful process. The thing about this particular measurement is that it doesn't change even if your weight fluctuates. I ended up working through the book and making McCall's fitting shell pattern #2718 and it was very helpful. You might check out the review of it that I did. If you happen to find yourself a size 12 I have an un-used copy of that pattern you are welcome to have. It sounds like you will be in a smaller size, though. Once you delve into it the fitting process can become sort of addictive...good luck!
10/30/12 12:43 PM
sugarduck said...
This dress is adorable! I like the modification you made to the collar tie (it looks really nice knotted like in the last photo), and the longer sleeves really pull the whole look together. Great job!
10/30/12 1:36 PM
imsewcrazy said...
I love this dress! Your modification looks great! The dress fits you beautifully. The fabric is perfect for this pattern. You make me want to pull this pattern out and try it again.
10/30/12 3:48 PM
prostheticsgirl said...
Imsewcrazy, that means a lot because I really liked both your versions and your Vogue 8765 inspired me to buy that pattern!
10/30/12 4:28 PM
Claverie said...
Nicely done. Looks expensive.
10/30/12 5:14 PM
godesscpsmom said...
prostheticsgirl, I love this dress. I see that you lower and lengthened the collar. Any idea how long? You seem to have the right length with it being too long. I would love if you would share that modification. So, inspiring!
10/30/12 10:10 PM
prostheticsgirl said...
Thanks Godesscpsmom, I'll try and get some measurements and pictures and post them for you
10/31/12 7:07 PM
dreamdesigner said...
Love this! Gorgeous! Gorgeous on you!
11/24/12 8:22 PM
ak21 said...
another show stopper! wonderful dress & i particularly love your brooch.
12/28/12 8:56 AM
jlg said...
This dress is adorable. It looks beautifully made.
1/2/13 12:27 PM
prostheticsgirl said...
Godesscpsmom, I posted the neckline and tie changes for you above. Sorry for the delay!
1/2/13 2:25 PM
usbeckers said...
Very nice. Great review too. Thanks :)
1/2/13 6:11 PM
norie creates said...
Beautiful dress and the fit looks perfect!
1/2/13 6:20 PM
GoodbyeValntino said...
Very nice on you! Thanks for the great review.
1/3/13 6:55 AM
Karen Carr said...
I've just bought this pattern and was so pleased to see your review. Thanks for some helpful tips and it looks great!
1/5/13 12:44 PM
charid dawn said...
That fabric and color was a beautiful choice. Looks expensive, very nice collar details and that pin!! Good job.
1/9/13 7:24 PM
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