Pattern Description:
Partially lined dress has bias front pleated bodice, bias midriff, slightly shaped front hemline, invisible side zipper and narrow hem.
Designed for soft two-way stretch knits.
Pattern Sizing:
Sizes 8-24.
Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?
Yes!
Were the instructions easy to follow?
Not particularly. I found them somewhat confusing, especially since the accompanying drawings were sort of unclear. Step 24 is misprinted and shows the wrong picture as well. It is supposed to show sewing the skirt front and back together, but it shows sewing the midriff front and back together. Luckily the skirt is only 2 pieces so it is easy to figure out.
What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?
I have to say, in my limited knit dress sewing experience, I thought this pattern was super complicated. It has a lot of pieces. There is a front bodice, two back bodices, a front lining, a front lining facing, two back bodice linings, a midriff front, a midriff back, and midriff front and back linings. There is as much hand sewing required to sew the lining and the bodice together as a woven dress. However, the dress itself came out so nicely that all the extra hassle was worth it. One thing I don't love and I will try to figure out how to fix for next time, is that the bodice neckline and the bodice lining neckline do not connect. The drape just hangs down and covers the lining. It looks fine, but knowing it is "unfinished" drives me crazy. Also, I couldn't figure out why the heck it has a back seam for a knit dress, instead of just placing the CB on the fold. But this is actually a good feature, because it allows you to sew the lining to the bodice cleanly.
Fabric Used:
Not sure actually, it was in the bargain cuts at Denver Fabrics. It is some kind of nice, silky drapey knit. The pattern calls for two way stretch only, but the fabric I used has very minimal stretch on the lengthwise grain and it didn't seem to matter.
Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:
I did an FBA on the bodice and lining. The bodice lining FBA was straighforward, but it was a challenge to figure it out on a drapey cowl neckline! I'm not sure I could describe it, but if anyone is really curious I could show a picture. In doing so, I added a little more length to the cowl, so it drapes down lower. (Not a problem for me, I like lower cut tops.) So I scooped the lining front a little bit as well so it didn't show above the neck drape.
Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?
I am going to sew it again. It fits and looks beautiful, and to me it is worth the hassle of sewing it. I would recommend it to people who have experience sewing knits and have lots of patience.
Conclusion:
Requires some patience and skill, but makes a beautiful dress.
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Beautiful dress and love the color!
1/16/13 7:42 PM
Wow! You look awesome in that dress - great job!
1/16/13 8:07 PM
Gorgeous - hard to believe it's the same dress as the one on the envelope cover.
1/16/13 8:52 PM
Wow, this looks so much better than the photo on the pattern envelope. You have done a fantastic job.
1/16/13 9:25 PM
Beautiful dress, and great color! Drapes so nicely too. I don't know if I would have the patience for this pattern, but you did a wonderful job with it :)
1/16/13 9:56 PM
Very pretty dress! Your dress should be pictured on the pattern.
1/17/13 0:59 AM
Beautiful
1/17/13 2:46 AM
Wow! Beautiful,and the colour looks stunning on you.
1/17/13 3:05 AM
Ok, now you need to frame that and give a copy to your Mum. Home run on that one, girl!
1/17/13 9:42 AM
It is a beautiful dress and it's amazing on you!
1/17/13 10:11 AM
Beautiful dress...great job!
1/17/13 10:19 AM
Thanks, everyone! :D @ Betty B., XD Haha! Thanks - that made me smile bigtime!
1/17/13 12:43 PM
Lovely colour and you look fab!
1/17/13 12:56 PM
Beautiful dress!
1/17/13 5:04 PM
Gorgeous dress, lovely color and great photos! I just got this pattern in a swap and am totally inspired by your version.
5/30/13 11:30 AM