Self Drafted Pattern: 281988-1004 (Elegant Escape Dress) - Type:Dresses  | | Viewed 265 times
| 1 more reviews | Review rated Very Helpful by 9 people | | Reviewed by: | MNBarb | 
 | About MNBarb | | MN USA | | Member since: 4/3/10 | | Reviews written: 122 | | Sewing skills:Intermediate | | Favored by: 61 people | | patterns reviewed: 113 | | Bio: more... |
 | | Posted on: | 12/25/12 10:28 AM | | Last Updated: | 12/25/12 8:16 PM | | Project Photo: |  | | Pattern Photo: | Pattern Info | | Pattern Rating: | Highly Recommend | | | | Fabric: | Cotton Twill [See other projects in this fabric] | | Related Links | Click on  to add a link |
| Pattern Description: A simple above-kneee shift with mock pocket flaps. All seams are top-stitched, including the centered back zipper. Bateau neckline. The dress moves around the body with easy grace and simple structure, not too loose, not too tailored.
Pattern pieces after downloading and taping
Pattern Sizing: One size for 36 inch bust.
Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it? Let's just say I don't look like Romy Schneider and leave it at that.
Were the instructions easy to follow? Yes. Just enough detail. The instructions for the order of topstitching was especially helpful.
What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?
Loves:
- TOPSTITCHING!
-EV - ERY - THING !
-No-bra-show armscye
-Not to difficult to alter.
Dislikes:
-Nothing.
-You will notice there are some diagonal folds of fabric on side view. That's me, not the pattern. I might try to resolve this in 2013.
Fabric Used: A very soft cotton twill weave, white with grey/green large floral print. Dress is lined with same fabric. Topstitched with grey Gutermann topstitching thread using topstitching needle.
Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:
Alterations:
-Since the pattern wasn't my size I made a muslin . Some changes were needed to make it look less like I was wearing a pillowcase.
-Narrowed neckline front and back.
-Decreased width at the bustline on front and back.
-Shifted the angle of the pocket flap.
-Added two sets of darts for total of only about one inch to snug up the back a bit.
A sketch of changes
Construction changes:
-I'm opposed to hand sewing so machine stitched lining to dress at neckline and arm openings. Here's a tutorial for this method from Nice Girl
-I did insert the zipper but have not removed the basting since I can slip the dress over my head. This may, of course, be due to the fact that I have a minuscule to non-existent bust. No hang-ups.
-When turned, wrong sides together, I glue-basted all of the lining seams to the dress seams to keep them aligned. Turned up the hem of the lining and dress and also glue-basted. All seams were topstitched attaching the lining to the fashion fabric. The dress is completely reversible except that I used white bobbin thread.
outside
Inside
Wouldn't it be perfect for travel? If you spill a little wine (or gelato, in my case) you could just find the nearest toilette and reverse the dress to look all fresh again!
Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others? Yes. I'll be making this again since this was really just a muslin. I have some eggplant linen calling to me.
Conclusion: Coco did great job of re-creating this holiday dress. It would have been the perfect daily travel garment to wear on my trip last fall to the French Riviera. It's like wearing sunshine and the warm waters of the Mediterranean.
You will just have to believe me that this dress looks better if you're in the room with it. I couldn't get a good photo.
Since there aren't any online still photos of the dress I've included all photos here
|
|
 Pattern with more than 5 reviews!
<< Previous Next >>
13 Comments
Login to Add a Comment |
|
|Login|Help]
Super cute dress, Barb! I'm a topstitch lover too...looks great.
12/25/12 11:02 AM
Oh, how cute!! Fits like a dream!
12/25/12 11:27 AM
Great job - nice pick in fabric. Looks comfy to wear - cute!
12/25/12 12:16 PM
Love the lines of this dress. Thanks for the review.
12/25/12 12:58 PM
Such a cute dress - love the style.
12/25/12 4:20 PM
This is Fantastic on you! You did a terrific job. Thanks for testing the pattern!
12/26/12 0:04 AM
Very pretty! Looks great on you!
12/26/12 9:32 AM
Great fit on you. Your redrafting is perfect. I love shift dresses for summer, but so often they can look boxy. No worries about that for this one.
12/26/12 4:01 PM
This is adorable!! I got this pattern from Coco and intend to make it. Thanks for the tutorial tip on lining. Too cute!
12/26/12 5:20 PM
Cute dress ,love the details and that it is reversible!
12/27/12 11:07 AM
Very pretty! Looks very comfortable too.
12/27/12 2:26 PM
Fabulous! It's a statement in casual elegance, and I love the idea of reversing a dress. On a long African overland trip many years ago, a friend turned his T-shirts inside out when they needed a wash to get more life out of them, saying, "Only dirty people wash." It's a great idea if you don't push it too far. I am sure you will always look smarter than he did. Thanks for the link to Nice Girl's tutorial - I need it myself.
12/27/12 3:51 PM
Very nice! Love the print and topstitching!
12/30/12 12:02 PM