Pattern Description: MISSES' DRESS: Dress has close-fitting, lined, boned bodice with right front pleats, inset, pleated drapes, inside belt, semi-fitted, underlined skirt, left front pleats, lined sleeves, invisible back zipper and slit.
Pattern Sizing: A5 [6-8-10-12-14] I used a size 12 for the bodice and a size 14 for the skirt. I ended up taking the skirt in a bit, so a straight size 12 would probably have worked just fine. The draping on the skirt and the diagonal darts give more room than I was expecting.
Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it? Sort of - if you look past the sleeve alteration.
Were the instructions easy to follow? The instructions are easy to follow, although the construction is not basic - but that is exactly what I love about it.
What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? I do not like the way that the bodice is finished. I just hate having raw edges all the way along the zipper seam because there is no great way to finish things. So I made a few changes.
The draping on the skirt created a few drag lines all the way down the skirt front. My fabric is not extremely lightweight so this does not show. But I am not sure if it is a part of the design or a fitting issue.
The skirt is a bit shorter than I like, so I added 1" at the hemline. If no addition is added, this skirt will sit above the knee on most people, not like the pattern illustration.
Fabric Used:
*Rayon blend crushed velvet
*Bemberg lining
*22" zipper
*Pastic boning
*Hug Snug seam binding
Pattern alterations or any design changes you made: I made my standard 3/4" addition to the torso length (this is not marked on this particular pattern, FYI). I could have added another 1/2." So be aware that the bodice is drafted for a shorter than normal torso.
The most obvious alteration is that I added sleeves. With my velvet fabric, I thought that sleeves would make the dress much easier to wear. I borrowed the sleeves from a pattern I had on hand, Simplicity 9025 (yeah for pattern hoarding).
The muslin of the dress looked a bit shorter than I had hoped, so I added 1" to the hem. That is almost 2" that I added if you include the bodice alteration, and the dress ended up at knee length with a rather narrow hem. As printed, this dress is going to end above the knee on most people.
I substituted a regular zipper and lapped application for the recommended invisible zip.
I also added a underlining layer of silk organza to the back skirt pieces to help keep the skirt from bagging at the bottom. It seems to have been successful, so I plan on doing this with pencil skirts from now on.
Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others? I really do like the bodice on this dress, so I may just have to come up with another project.
I would highly recommend this pattern. Congratulations, Gertie, on a wonderful pattern!
Conclusion: I just love my new red dress!
More pictures may be found over on my blog, Lilacs & Lace. |
|Login|Help]
to add a link
Fabulous dress.
12/14/12 5:20 AM
It is lovely!
12/14/12 8:39 AM
Wow, such a flattering dress! I may have to make this one. The reviews look so great
12/14/12 10:14 AM
It is just beautiful on you what a fantastic job! Like the sleeves you added and can just picture a pair of back seamed nylons with the look! Love the jacket too!
12/14/12 10:55 AM
Stunning!
12/14/12 11:26 AM
This is absolutely gorgeous! The sleeves make all the difference. And I love the changes you made to the inside finishing as well. Great work!
12/14/12 11:45 AM
Gorgeous!
12/14/12 11:59 AM
What a beautiful fit. Another breathtaking result.
12/14/12 2:21 PM
stunning
12/15/12 5:06 AM
OMG, I'm speechless!!! Unbelievable how you made this work with so little yardage and all the changes!!! Stunning! And yes, I am with you, down with mending...
12/15/12 5:04 PM
Va-va-VOOM! Well done! It's a head-turner!
12/16/12 1:07 PM
Oh, I want to make this in silk jacquard! Did you like those front pieces on the skirt? They seem a little odd to me, but you look like you did them well.
12/17/12 7:07 PM
Hot Damn! You look fab. Going to take another look at that pattern, for sure! Great review, too, as always!
1/17/13 2:45 PM
absolutely lovely!! superb fit!! WOW
2/8/13 1:44 PM