MaryLynn in Long Beach said... Gorgeous, Gigi, just gorgeous. 11/9/05 1:42 PM
Elona said... It's beautiful, Gigi! I love the pretty smooth line over the waist and hips, beneath the gathers above the band. It's a nice contrast, and somehow suggests an earlier era. 11/9/05 1:54 PM
els said... Gigi, congratulations on your gorgeous elegant looking dress. 11/9/05 1:58 PM
MickeyFan said... Looks great Gigi! Your experience with this pattern is very similar to my experience with the Miss Moneypenny No. 5 suit. Sleeves very slim, but the shaping of overall piece is superb. Thanks for sharing this. 11/9/05 2:00 PM
jlg said... Very pretty and great review. 11/9/05 2:00 PM
GorgeousFabrics said... Beautiful! Gigi, did you do a muslin? I am curious about the armscye. Is it very high? -Ann 11/9/05 2:01 PM
lmg said... Just scrumptious! Thank you for the great review. I have this one on order and can't wait for it to arrive. The brown/black is very sophisticated IMHO. 11/9/05 2:04 PM
Nancy K said... I have been waiting for my Hot Patterns pattern to come. Glad to see you were happy with the drafting of this dress. It is beautiful. I think that there is plenty of contrast in the color. Can't wait for my pattern and I too wish I had ordered more! Thanks for the great review 11/9/05 2:06 PM
Ruth C said... Lovely dress! I want my patterns to come (maybe today). I've got to say I don't think much of the name of this pattern. The first image that came to mind was a fat chicken (LOL), then a pear-shaped lady. It took me a moment to realize that they mean a 60's left-over. 11/9/05 2:15 PM
beangirl said... oh yay! A happy review for Hotpatterns... I was starting to get nervous since I haven't recieved mine yet and bought three. Gigi, it looks brilliant and the brown and black show very nicely. Very elegant. I'm curious about the armscye too, high or low-ish? 11/9/05 2:15 PM
Asa Hagstrom said... I love it! Wish I could go to NY and see it in person... Thank you for the detailed review (and no, it was not too long :) ) 11/9/05 2:20 PM
Gigi Louis said... Thanks for your very kind comments, ladies! The armscye is high. In fact, I was thinking how easy it would be to make this dress sleeveless if one was so inclined. 11/9/05 2:20 PM
Debbie Cook said... Beautiful! It looks like a very feminine and flattering dress. How cool is it that this, one of your most-anticipated reviews, is also your 100th pattern review! 11/9/05 2:22 PM
Sue_WA said... Stunning Gigi! I would love to see it on you. Your sewing advice (in every facet of PR) has inspired me to try harder. 11/9/05 2:23 PM
Cambric Tea said... Nice! I love the back too.
Thank you so much for this great review. 11/9/05 2:23 PM
Peggy L said... Gigi - great review and the dress is gorgeous. The black and brown show up great in the pic of the back BUT we want to see a picture of it on you. Maybe in New York!! 11/9/05 2:25 PM
HawkeMorningStar7 said... Fabulous , gorgeous dress Gigi. I have almost finished the Mongolian jacket and just love the HP drafting and "finishing" details. Ditto Mickey Fan , the sleeves are fitted. Bet you cant wait to wear this dress in NY ! Its one beautiful dress, the velvet flows so nicely with the design lines. 11/9/05 2:26 PM
licarritc said... Yay! you got it done! It looks amazing! I can't wait to see it in person (on person?) Good to know these are drafted well with all the hulabaloo I would hate to see them be all concept and no execution! 11/9/05 2:29 PM
Lori V said... Beautiful dress, Gigi. Have fun in NYC 11/9/05 2:41 PM
drsue said... Great review! Lovely dress!! Be happy you got your pattern, I think those of us who ordered many were the least likely to receive them. 11/9/05 2:43 PM
Diane E said... Gigi, this is a stunning dress. Any chance to see it on you? I love empire waists. The fabric is gorgeous. Ooh ooh ooh!! 11/9/05 2:44 PM
PhyllisC said... This is a great dress - we have to see a shot of you wearing it! 11/9/05 2:54 PM
Eli said... It is very pretty! I am glad you are happy with the how the pattern was drafted. Maybe we will see a photo of you wearing it? Gigi, just a side note, if you got the stretch velvet from an online source, would you share where from? 11/9/05 2:59 PM
touran said... Absolutely gorgeous - as always. I would love to be in NYC to see the dress on you. Thanks for the great evaluation of the pattern. 11/9/05 3:01 PM
jemgirlca said... I love it!! I am now going to have to order this one, too. I love the brown and black combination, too. Now, I'm even *more* excited (if that's possible) to get my patterns! 11/9/05 3:05 PM
milwaukee_kelly said... Yay. What a beautiful dress. Can't wait to see it in NY! 11/9/05 3:10 PM
Mlle Laura said... Your dress is wonderful Gigi! I'd love to see a piccie of you wearing it! Have a great time (you and everyone else) at the PR weekend. 11/9/05 3:12 PM
Mary Stiefer said... As usual, gorgeous. 11/9/05 3:24 PM
SuzanM said... Woohoo Gigi! That is one great dress! Thanks for the wonderful review. 11/9/05 3:25 PM
sewlily said... what a great dress. I am a little intimidated by all the adjustments people have had to make. These don't sound like something I can handle just yet. 11/9/05 3:25 PM
MarilynB said... Your dress is just lovely. I can't wait to see it on you in NY this weekend. Thanks for a comprehensive review. 11/9/05 4:06 PM
Nickle said... Loved your review. Boy you sew fast! Your dress is beautiful and I bet it looks fantastic on you. 11/9/05 4:18 PM
ConnieBJ said... BBBBBeautiful!!! You will look fabulous in NY. Echoing the the "why did I not order it, where are MY patterns" chant.
11/9/05 4:21 PM
TarheelSewer said... Gigi, it's gorgeous! Thanks for reviewing it. 11/9/05 4:41 PM
ndesimon said... SWOOOOOOOOON! Oh Gigi you ROCK! (note to readers: I promise to sneak a picture of Gigi this weekend) 11/9/05 4:46 PM
Ann Smith said... Much prettier than I imagined from the drawing. Ditto the desire to see it on you. Scrumptious colors. 11/9/05 4:53 PM
CarrieA said... Uh oh, Hotpatterns is going to have another flood of orders! Beautiful job, as always Gigi. I'm getting my name on the waiting list for sure. 11/9/05 4:54 PM
Patti B said... I love black and brown together. Your dress is so lovely. I wondered how that style would look on someone who needs an FBA -- thanks for answering the question. Have fun in NYC! 11/9/05 5:03 PM
sew obsessed said... Absolutely wonderful Gigi. I love the fabric. Thanks for the very comprehensive review. I can't wait for my patterns to arrive. Michelle 11/9/05 5:58 PM
CarolynGM said... Very chic hippy chick dress..... or as a real hippy would say..groovy!! 11/9/05 6:05 PM
Sew4Fun said... This is one gorgeous dress Gigi! Now you have me wishing I had purchased this pattern, but I don't have a Nirvana Twinset to swap with you. :) 11/9/05 6:11 PM
MaryBeth said... Scrumptious! Yummy! Velvet is perfect and black and brown velvet is even better. There's enough contrast for my taste :) I'm sooo going to regret not seeing you in this dress! 11/9/05 6:16 PM
Gigi Louis said... Omigosh, I'm sooo overwhelmed by all of your comments! <> I'm sure our designated photographer can take a picture of me in this dress at our Friday night dinner. :-) 11/9/05 6:35 PM
sewkal said... So gorgeous, Gigi! I loooooove the black & brown velvet combo. Thanks for the great review. 11/9/05 6:43 PM
Liana said... What a great dress! You'll be wowing them in NY!!! 11/9/05 7:00 PM
Danvillegirl said... All I can say is "ditto to all of the above comments". Glad it turned out so well. Enjoy your dinner in NYC. I am enviouse of all who are going. Maybe next year for me. 11/9/05 7:12 PM
Linda E. said... lovely dress. now I am going to go off in a corner and cry cause you have the pattern and finished the dress. 11/9/05 7:24 PM
Barbara at Cat Fur Studio said... I bet the designer of this pattern would be so gratified to see your execution of it! This looks fan, fan, fan-tastic. Elegant and sexy at the same time. I am so glad I have this pattern on order. 11/9/05 7:38 PM
luvzdogz said... This is a beautiful dress - and shows why I love this site so much too. When I saw the picture of the dress on the HP website I had a very different vision in my mind. I would never have thought of sewing it out of stretch velvet but this fabric creates a rich, expensive and classy look. Doesn't sound too much like a hippie dress anymore, does it! Anyways, it's a gorgeous dress, have fun at the PR dinner. I'm jealous and maybe if I win the lotto I can make it next year! 11/9/05 7:40 PM
Mary Reed said... WAHHHHH!! I want one! Actually, I did order this pattern and have not been bothered by the wait. UNTIL NOW!! Gigi - is there any indication of yardage requirements that I am overlooking? I emailed Trudy, but have found a fabulous stretch velvet on-line.... 11/9/05 7:42 PM
QuickFade said... Beautiful! Now I want that pattern too! Thanks for the great review! 11/9/05 7:43 PM
ClaireC said... What a beautiful dress Gigi. I can't wait to see this Friday night. You will be the belle of the ball. I do see a contrast and love it. 11/9/05 7:50 PM
2BSewing said... Absolutely beautiful! Thanks for a wonderful review as always. Have fun in NYC. 11/9/05 7:52 PM
Lorna C. Newman said... ENVY!!!!! I am going to take the time I have waiting for mine to arrive by searching for just the right fabric ... I love the brown/black combo and can't wait to see you in it! 11/9/05 8:22 PM
Rhonda Noah said... Wow, that dress turned out fantastic. I, too, love the vintage look of the gathered back. Wish I could see it in person this coming weekend. 11/9/05 8:23 PM
bunz said... what a cool back!! Great dress. I'm fired up on this one. Thanks for working so hard to let us all know how it is. 11/9/05 8:28 PM
Sherril Miller said... Wow! 11/9/05 8:39 PM
GoSewGirl said... Great dress! Wish I could be there to see it in person. After Hot Patterns gets things settled, I'll definitely be ordering this one! And what kind of stretch velvet did you use? Rayon? Is it a knit or a woven w/ lycra? Well, sorry for so many questions! I know you're busy trying to get things done before NYC. You're going to look great in this dress! 11/9/05 8:49 PM
JDpenelope said... Trudy owes you big time! Great review and beautiful rendition. 11/9/05 8:52 PM
Leora said... Amazing! The contrast is perfect, not too much, not too little. You'll be drop dead gorgeous Friday night! 11/9/05 9:28 PM
mudcat said... Beautiful dress, Gigi. I wasn't sure about this one but you've convinced me that it's a definite yes. 11/9/05 9:44 PM
KarmenG said... Yes - I'd love to see you in this dress! Great review and gorgeous dress! Have fun in NYC 11/9/05 10:11 PM
MarshaD said... Wow!!! 62 positive comments and I can see why. Bravo to Gigi and to Hot Patterns! 11/9/05 10:23 PM
Katharine in BXL said... Gigi, this pattern is so YOU! Then the realization in stretch velvelt--brilliant for traveling and omitting a zipper (and a sewing step!) I luvit. Looks great! BTW I love tall brown or black boots too. 11/9/05 10:47 PM
FeyFaerie said... Great review - VERY informative!! Needless to say... Beautiful Dress! 11/9/05 11:22 PM
hongkongshopper said... Ditto everyone else! Much better than the pattern picture. Yes the back is really nice! 11/10/05 1:15 AM
Maychi said... Gorgeous! Very feminine! I too would love to see you wearing it! Once again you made a very beautiful garment! 11/10/05 2:25 AM
ryan's mom said... Oh, it looks so beautiful, especially with that stretch velvet! Excellent review--I'm glad you posted about the sizing for you since I'm more of a ruler-with-boobs-shape too. Helps give me insight as to what size to buy in the HP line. 11/10/05 5:21 AM
SouthernStitch said... I just have to add a comment -- this review could be the one with the most comments ever! Great job Gigi. It's just super cool. I love black and brown together. Wish I could see you in it at PR Weekend. 11/10/05 9:31 AM
xela said... Your dress is beautiful. I'm so happy to finally see a review for a HP garment. Thank you so much for your inspiration. 11/10/05 10:14 AM
Georgia said... So their directions have no pictures or diagrams? That would pretty much seal it for me... I can't follow directions without illustrations. It's just not how I work. 11/10/05 12:33 PM
Julia Graham said... Whoa... I didn't even realize this company _existed_ (and I'm a total pattern lover, but don't spend much time in chat rooms). It's true that whoever owns this company "owes you big time", as a previous commenter said -- they're going to be bowled over by the orders. Awesome color combination, tres sophisticated. 11/10/05 1:18 PM
Tailypo said... Gigi -- your dress looks great, although I am pea green with envy as I wait for my order to arrive. I love the back, love the color, and appreciate the detailed review. Can't wait to see a photo with you in the dress!
11/10/05 6:01 PM
ktsews2 said... Love the sophisticated color combination. I'm patiently waiting for my HP patterns, but after seeing your photo and review, I have just become impatient. Great looking dress... very elegant hope we get to see a picture of you in it. 11/10/05 8:16 PM
Elisabetha said... Gigi what a beautiful elegant dress; love the back and the black/brown combination; so smart. Do hope we see picture of you in it at the PR do. 11/11/05 4:46 AM
dressaday said... Wow! I am so envious, I want this pattern desperately! Can't wait until HP starts taking orders again. Black and brown stretch velvet is just genius. 11/12/05 6:55 PM
PVA said... Don't know how I missed this review when it was first posted, but I tracked it down because of all the mentions in posts on the message board. Thanks for all the helpful construction details you've shared. It's a wonderously beautiful dress & I'd just love to see it on you in real life. Thanks so much for the review! 11/14/05 7:28 PM
Karla Kizer said... The dress, up close and personal, looks gorgeous. The fabric choice makes it elegant and versatile (one less holiday outfit to worry about) and you looked fantastic in it. Trudy will be very pleased with your version of her design. 11/14/05 7:38 PM
AngelaD said... Love the back of the dress! Great and helpful comments. Thanks! 11/19/05 3:29 PM
Barbara R said... Thanks for all the sizing-related comments on your review. I've been leaning toward GG although I'm not really curvy either, for the bust size. Now I think I might go SG instead; I'm also very narrow through the shoulders, etc. Also, I also appreciated the comments on shortening - I'm also about 5'4". Beautiful dress! You must feel glorious when you wear it. 12/2/05 11:38 PM
Julia Graham said... Gigi, I'm in the process of constructing my muslin for this dress and am (so far!) wondering two things: one, was your back shoulder line noticeably longer than your front shoulder line, and if so did you gather the back on or just lop it off; and two, when you stitched the CF seam of the neckband, did you stitch the whole length, or stop your stitching 5/8" from the top to allow for stop-and-pivot type stitching when you attached the inner neckband to the outer neckband? Hope that makes sense... Thanks! 2/9/06 9:26 AM
Gigi Louis said... Julia, I stopped the stitching at the CF 5/8" from the upper edge just as you suspected. :-) It's just neater, easier and less bulky that way, IMO. I eased the back shoulder to fit the front shoulder. 2/9/06 8:22 PM
Gorgeous, Gigi, just gorgeous.
11/9/05 1:42 PM
It's beautiful, Gigi! I love the pretty smooth line over the waist and hips, beneath the gathers above the band. It's a nice contrast, and somehow suggests an earlier era.
11/9/05 1:54 PM
Gigi, congratulations on your gorgeous elegant looking dress.
11/9/05 1:58 PM
Looks great Gigi! Your experience with this pattern is very similar to my experience with the Miss Moneypenny No. 5 suit. Sleeves very slim, but the shaping of overall piece is superb. Thanks for sharing this.
11/9/05 2:00 PM
Very pretty and great review.
11/9/05 2:00 PM
Beautiful! Gigi, did you do a muslin? I am curious about the armscye. Is it very high? -Ann
11/9/05 2:01 PM
Just scrumptious! Thank you for the great review. I have this one on order and can't wait for it to arrive. The brown/black is very sophisticated IMHO.
11/9/05 2:04 PM
I have been waiting for my Hot Patterns pattern to come. Glad to see you were happy with the drafting of this dress. It is beautiful. I think that there is plenty of contrast in the color. Can't wait for my pattern and I too wish I had ordered more! Thanks for the great review
11/9/05 2:06 PM
Lovely dress! I want my patterns to come (maybe today). I've got to say I don't think much of the name of this pattern. The first image that came to mind was a fat chicken (LOL), then a pear-shaped lady. It took me a moment to realize that they mean a 60's left-over.
11/9/05 2:15 PM
oh yay! A happy review for Hotpatterns... I was starting to get nervous since I haven't recieved mine yet and bought three. Gigi, it looks brilliant and the brown and black show very nicely. Very elegant. I'm curious about the armscye too, high or low-ish?
11/9/05 2:15 PM
I love it! Wish I could go to NY and see it in person... Thank you for the detailed review (and no, it was not too long :) )
11/9/05 2:20 PM
Thanks for your very kind comments, ladies! The armscye is high. In fact, I was thinking how easy it would be to make this dress sleeveless if one was so inclined.
11/9/05 2:20 PM
Beautiful! It looks like a very feminine and flattering dress. How cool is it that this, one of your most-anticipated reviews, is also your 100th pattern review!
11/9/05 2:22 PM
Stunning Gigi! I would love to see it on you. Your sewing advice (in every facet of PR) has inspired me to try harder.
11/9/05 2:23 PM
Nice! I love the back too. Thank you so much for this great review.
11/9/05 2:23 PM
Gigi - great review and the dress is gorgeous. The black and brown show up great in the pic of the back BUT we want to see a picture of it on you. Maybe in New York!!
11/9/05 2:25 PM
Fabulous , gorgeous dress Gigi. I have almost finished the Mongolian jacket and just love the HP drafting and "finishing" details. Ditto Mickey Fan , the sleeves are fitted. Bet you cant wait to wear this dress in NY ! Its one beautiful dress, the velvet flows so nicely with the design lines.
11/9/05 2:26 PM
Yay! you got it done! It looks amazing! I can't wait to see it in person (on person?) Good to know these are drafted well with all the hulabaloo I would hate to see them be all concept and no execution!
11/9/05 2:29 PM
Beautiful dress, Gigi. Have fun in NYC
11/9/05 2:41 PM
Great review! Lovely dress!! Be happy you got your pattern, I think those of us who ordered many were the least likely to receive them.
11/9/05 2:43 PM
Gigi, this is a stunning dress. Any chance to see it on you? I love empire waists. The fabric is gorgeous. Ooh ooh ooh!!
11/9/05 2:44 PM
This is a great dress - we have to see a shot of you wearing it!
11/9/05 2:54 PM
It is very pretty! I am glad you are happy with the how the pattern was drafted. Maybe we will see a photo of you wearing it? Gigi, just a side note, if you got the stretch velvet from an online source, would you share where from?
11/9/05 2:59 PM
Absolutely gorgeous - as always. I would love to be in NYC to see the dress on you. Thanks for the great evaluation of the pattern.
11/9/05 3:01 PM
I love it!! I am now going to have to order this one, too. I love the brown and black combination, too. Now, I'm even *more* excited (if that's possible) to get my patterns!
11/9/05 3:05 PM
Yay. What a beautiful dress. Can't wait to see it in NY!
11/9/05 3:10 PM
Your dress is wonderful Gigi! I'd love to see a piccie of you wearing it! Have a great time (you and everyone else) at the PR weekend.
11/9/05 3:12 PM
As usual, gorgeous.
11/9/05 3:24 PM
Woohoo Gigi! That is one great dress! Thanks for the wonderful review.
11/9/05 3:25 PM
what a great dress. I am a little intimidated by all the adjustments people have had to make. These don't sound like something I can handle just yet.
11/9/05 3:25 PM
Your dress is just lovely. I can't wait to see it on you in NY this weekend. Thanks for a comprehensive review.
11/9/05 4:06 PM
Loved your review. Boy you sew fast! Your dress is beautiful and I bet it looks fantastic on you.
11/9/05 4:18 PM
BBBBBeautiful!!! You will look fabulous in NY. Echoing the the "why did I not order it, where are MY patterns" chant.
11/9/05 4:21 PM
Gigi, it's gorgeous! Thanks for reviewing it.
11/9/05 4:41 PM
SWOOOOOOOOON! Oh Gigi you ROCK! (note to readers: I promise to sneak a picture of Gigi this weekend)
11/9/05 4:46 PM
Much prettier than I imagined from the drawing. Ditto the desire to see it on you. Scrumptious colors.
11/9/05 4:53 PM
Uh oh, Hotpatterns is going to have another flood of orders! Beautiful job, as always Gigi. I'm getting my name on the waiting list for sure.
11/9/05 4:54 PM
I love black and brown together. Your dress is so lovely. I wondered how that style would look on someone who needs an FBA -- thanks for answering the question. Have fun in NYC!
11/9/05 5:03 PM
Absolutely wonderful Gigi. I love the fabric. Thanks for the very comprehensive review. I can't wait for my patterns to arrive. Michelle
11/9/05 5:58 PM
Very chic hippy chick dress..... or as a real hippy would say..groovy!!
11/9/05 6:05 PM
This is one gorgeous dress Gigi! Now you have me wishing I had purchased this pattern, but I don't have a Nirvana Twinset to swap with you. :)
11/9/05 6:11 PM
Scrumptious! Yummy! Velvet is perfect and black and brown velvet is even better. There's enough contrast for my taste :) I'm sooo going to regret not seeing you in this dress!
11/9/05 6:16 PM
Omigosh, I'm sooo overwhelmed by all of your comments! <
11/9/05 6:35 PM
So gorgeous, Gigi! I loooooove the black & brown velvet combo. Thanks for the great review.
11/9/05 6:43 PM
What a great dress! You'll be wowing them in NY!!!
11/9/05 7:00 PM
All I can say is "ditto to all of the above comments". Glad it turned out so well. Enjoy your dinner in NYC. I am enviouse of all who are going. Maybe next year for me.
11/9/05 7:12 PM
lovely dress. now I am going to go off in a corner and cry cause you have the pattern and finished the dress.
11/9/05 7:24 PM
I bet the designer of this pattern would be so gratified to see your execution of it! This looks fan, fan, fan-tastic. Elegant and sexy at the same time. I am so glad I have this pattern on order.
11/9/05 7:38 PM
This is a beautiful dress - and shows why I love this site so much too. When I saw the picture of the dress on the HP website I had a very different vision in my mind. I would never have thought of sewing it out of stretch velvet but this fabric creates a rich, expensive and classy look. Doesn't sound too much like a hippie dress anymore, does it! Anyways, it's a gorgeous dress, have fun at the PR dinner. I'm jealous and maybe if I win the lotto I can make it next year!
11/9/05 7:40 PM
WAHHHHH!! I want one! Actually, I did order this pattern and have not been bothered by the wait. UNTIL NOW!! Gigi - is there any indication of yardage requirements that I am overlooking? I emailed Trudy, but have found a fabulous stretch velvet on-line....
11/9/05 7:42 PM
Beautiful! Now I want that pattern too! Thanks for the great review!
11/9/05 7:43 PM
What a beautiful dress Gigi. I can't wait to see this Friday night. You will be the belle of the ball. I do see a contrast and love it.
11/9/05 7:50 PM
Absolutely beautiful! Thanks for a wonderful review as always. Have fun in NYC.
11/9/05 7:52 PM
ENVY!!!!! I am going to take the time I have waiting for mine to arrive by searching for just the right fabric ... I love the brown/black combo and can't wait to see you in it!
11/9/05 8:22 PM
Wow, that dress turned out fantastic. I, too, love the vintage look of the gathered back. Wish I could see it in person this coming weekend.
11/9/05 8:23 PM
what a cool back!! Great dress. I'm fired up on this one. Thanks for working so hard to let us all know how it is.
11/9/05 8:28 PM
Wow!
11/9/05 8:39 PM
Great dress! Wish I could be there to see it in person. After Hot Patterns gets things settled, I'll definitely be ordering this one! And what kind of stretch velvet did you use? Rayon? Is it a knit or a woven w/ lycra? Well, sorry for so many questions! I know you're busy trying to get things done before NYC. You're going to look great in this dress!
11/9/05 8:49 PM
Trudy owes you big time! Great review and beautiful rendition.
11/9/05 8:52 PM
Amazing! The contrast is perfect, not too much, not too little. You'll be drop dead gorgeous Friday night!
11/9/05 9:28 PM
Beautiful dress, Gigi. I wasn't sure about this one but you've convinced me that it's a definite yes.
11/9/05 9:44 PM
Yes - I'd love to see you in this dress! Great review and gorgeous dress! Have fun in NYC
11/9/05 10:11 PM
Wow!!! 62 positive comments and I can see why. Bravo to Gigi and to Hot Patterns!
11/9/05 10:23 PM
Gigi, this pattern is so YOU! Then the realization in stretch velvelt--brilliant for traveling and omitting a zipper (and a sewing step!) I luvit. Looks great! BTW I love tall brown or black boots too.
11/9/05 10:47 PM
Great review - VERY informative!! Needless to say... Beautiful Dress!
11/9/05 11:22 PM
Ditto everyone else! Much better than the pattern picture. Yes the back is really nice!
11/10/05 1:15 AM
Gorgeous! Very feminine! I too would love to see you wearing it! Once again you made a very beautiful garment!
11/10/05 2:25 AM
Oh, it looks so beautiful, especially with that stretch velvet! Excellent review--I'm glad you posted about the sizing for you since I'm more of a ruler-with-boobs-shape too. Helps give me insight as to what size to buy in the HP line.
11/10/05 5:21 AM
I just have to add a comment -- this review could be the one with the most comments ever! Great job Gigi. It's just super cool. I love black and brown together. Wish I could see you in it at PR Weekend.
11/10/05 9:31 AM
Your dress is beautiful. I'm so happy to finally see a review for a HP garment. Thank you so much for your inspiration.
11/10/05 10:14 AM
So their directions have no pictures or diagrams? That would pretty much seal it for me... I can't follow directions without illustrations. It's just not how I work.
11/10/05 12:33 PM
Whoa... I didn't even realize this company _existed_ (and I'm a total pattern lover, but don't spend much time in chat rooms). It's true that whoever owns this company "owes you big time", as a previous commenter said -- they're going to be bowled over by the orders. Awesome color combination, tres sophisticated.
11/10/05 1:18 PM
Gigi -- your dress looks great, although I am pea green with envy as I wait for my order to arrive. I love the back, love the color, and appreciate the detailed review. Can't wait to see a photo with you in the dress!
11/10/05 6:01 PM
Love the sophisticated color combination. I'm patiently waiting for my HP patterns, but after seeing your photo and review, I have just become impatient. Great looking dress... very elegant hope we get to see a picture of you in it.
11/10/05 8:16 PM
Gigi what a beautiful elegant dress; love the back and the black/brown combination; so smart. Do hope we see picture of you in it at the PR do.
11/11/05 4:46 AM
Wow! I am so envious, I want this pattern desperately! Can't wait until HP starts taking orders again. Black and brown stretch velvet is just genius.
11/12/05 6:55 PM
Don't know how I missed this review when it was first posted, but I tracked it down because of all the mentions in posts on the message board. Thanks for all the helpful construction details you've shared. It's a wonderously beautiful dress & I'd just love to see it on you in real life. Thanks so much for the review!
11/14/05 7:28 PM
The dress, up close and personal, looks gorgeous. The fabric choice makes it elegant and versatile (one less holiday outfit to worry about) and you looked fantastic in it. Trudy will be very pleased with your version of her design.
11/14/05 7:38 PM
Love the back of the dress! Great and helpful comments. Thanks!
11/19/05 3:29 PM
Thanks for all the sizing-related comments on your review. I've been leaning toward GG although I'm not really curvy either, for the bust size. Now I think I might go SG instead; I'm also very narrow through the shoulders, etc. Also, I also appreciated the comments on shortening - I'm also about 5'4". Beautiful dress! You must feel glorious when you wear it.
12/2/05 11:38 PM
Gigi, I'm in the process of constructing my muslin for this dress and am (so far!) wondering two things: one, was your back shoulder line noticeably longer than your front shoulder line, and if so did you gather the back on or just lop it off; and two, when you stitched the CF seam of the neckband, did you stitch the whole length, or stop your stitching 5/8" from the top to allow for stop-and-pivot type stitching when you attached the inner neckband to the outer neckband? Hope that makes sense... Thanks!
2/9/06 9:26 AM
Julia, I stopped the stitching at the CF 5/8" from the upper edge just as you suspected. :-) It's just neater, easier and less bulky that way, IMO. I eased the back shoulder to fit the front shoulder.
2/9/06 8:22 PM