Pattern Description:
Misses' dresses with sleeve variations and seaming details. Cynthia Rowley Pattern Collection. I attempted to make view B with piping
Pattern Sizing:
I cut a 12
Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?
I never finished it, I suspect it will not end up like the photo, see below.
Were the instructions easy to follow?
Not really, they mix up the instructions jumping between dresses A, B and C, it is not clear when they change back to the dress option you are working on.
What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?
I stopped and gave up after spending a month trying to fit the bodice. I believe there are some serious drafting flaws in this pattern. The photographed dress on the envelope does not appear to be made using the drafted pattern provided, the bodice appears longer in the photo so that the diagonal shaping lines cross over the bust point but the patterned bodice is shorter so these lines cross too high and do not provide any shaping at all. I ended up with puffy extra fabric above the bust.
The bodice is lined so it is disappointing that the instructions for attaching this lining will leave you with exposed internal seams at the sleeve and waistband.
Fabric Used:
Cotton
Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:
If you really really want to make this dress then you will need to make up a muslin and be prepared for some serious corrective re-drafting.
Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?
Never, no
Conclusion:
I wrote a bit more about this disastrous project on my blog
the curious kiwi
Renren said... Curious kiwi, I tried to go to your blog but I got a 404. Well, I'm sorry you had such a difficult job with this pattern. That is so frustrating, especially after all that good work you did with the piping. 1/23/13 5:48 PM
facesunderwater said... Sorry to hear it. The last two tops I tried to make were epic fails. At least they were just muslin. 1/23/13 6:58 PM
kaituikiwi said... Sorry I have fixed the link, I should have tested it :/
Thank you for your encouragement. I'm glad I've moved on.I have enough fabric so that I can have a different dress pattern out of this beautiful print :) 1/23/13 9:23 PM
ChristmasHills said... What a shame about your wasted fabric but glad to see on your blog that you bought some more. I think it is lovely. And what a very nice husband you have too. I'm sure the next dress will be fabulous. 1/24/13 1:28 AM
Jessamaka said... That's really too bad, but I agree, sometimes you just need to cut your losses and move on. 1/24/13 8:13 PM
ak21 said... i was hankering after this pattern....now im not going to bother! thanks for the review - i think you have saved many a heartache. 2/3/13 8:43 AM
littlepinkkiwi said... Thanks so much for posting this review, and blogging too. Your comments and photo are really helpful. I love this dress and I'm dying to make it but I'll try it in muslin to see if I can overcome the problems first. I had a wee chuckle about your Global Fabrics shopping comments, I love that shop soooo much! I went to the Auckland branch last month thinking it would be better than Wellington but it wasn't. Wellington is the best :-) 2/13/13 1:14 AM
Curious kiwi, I tried to go to your blog but I got a 404. Well, I'm sorry you had such a difficult job with this pattern. That is so frustrating, especially after all that good work you did with the piping.
1/23/13 5:48 PM
Sorry to hear it. The last two tops I tried to make were epic fails. At least they were just muslin.
1/23/13 6:58 PM
Sorry I have fixed the link, I should have tested it :/ Thank you for your encouragement. I'm glad I've moved on.I have enough fabric so that I can have a different dress pattern out of this beautiful print :)
1/23/13 9:23 PM
What a shame about your wasted fabric but glad to see on your blog that you bought some more. I think it is lovely. And what a very nice husband you have too. I'm sure the next dress will be fabulous.
1/24/13 1:28 AM
That's really too bad, but I agree, sometimes you just need to cut your losses and move on.
1/24/13 8:13 PM
i was hankering after this pattern....now im not going to bother! thanks for the review - i think you have saved many a heartache.
2/3/13 8:43 AM
Thanks so much for posting this review, and blogging too. Your comments and photo are really helpful. I love this dress and I'm dying to make it but I'll try it in muslin to see if I can overcome the problems first. I had a wee chuckle about your Global Fabrics shopping comments, I love that shop soooo much! I went to the Auckland branch last month thinking it would be better than Wellington but it wasn't. Wellington is the best :-)
2/13/13 1:14 AM