Pattern Description:
A T-shirt dress cut on the bias.
Pattern Sizing:
S (75-87cm bust) to XL (115-121cm bust)
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?
Yes. Nicole Mallalieu's instructions are great and she even includes photos to show finishing options.
What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?
I thought it would be a great coverall type dress for summer. The blurb says "comfortable and stylish....flatters wide range of figure types" so I thought I'd give it a go. The pattern was very easy to sew and the instructions were great, but I just don't like the finished product.
As it is designed to be "loose fitting" I decided to make the size corresponding to my high bust and didn't do a FBA or my other usual alteration (more hip room). The finished dress was very loose around my neckline and I kept pulling at it and was always aware of how the dress was hanging on my body. The bias cut I think is just not for me.
Fabric Used:
Rayon modal
Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:
Shortened it by at least 15cm (6") as I'm only 5'1" and it still looked like a sack on me. I kept shortening it until it was "tunic" length.
Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?
No I am not going to sew this again. In fact, I've already cut the seams and plan to reuse the fabric, which I love. I'm not sure whom I would recommend this pattern to.
Conclusion:
This dress clearly isn't for me. I'm not going to try it again with alterations as I think the style just doesn't suit me and I don't feel good in it.
Dilliander said... The fabric drapes so beautifully, what a shame you are disappointed in the pattern. Glad you could save the lovely fabric for something you will enjoy wearing. Thanks for the review. 1/26/13 6:37 AM
rivergum said... What a s shame you don't feel good in this tunic. I actually think your version looks better than the pattern pic. I like the fit around the shoulders and neck, only the sleeves would need a bit more work to tame all that loose fabric. But if you don't like it there is no point hanging onto it. Anyway, you're on a roll with your reviews, so keep them coming! Even the ones that don't work are valuable to other people, maybe even those especially. My first thought at looking at the pattern pic was that I would not attempt this without recutting the neck, shoulders and sleeves based on a much more fitted TNT tee-shirt. I do like the drape at the hem. 1/26/13 3:23 PM
nicolemall said... I think it looks lovely on you! To me (I made the pattern), if anything, it looks like you could widen the hem a tad, to let it drop and put some weight on the neckline (which helps it to sit around the neck). The pattern shape of the neck is made to be a bit loose if you want it (I prefer it dropping off the shoulder a little bit, with fluid sleeves) or there are instructions for putting a band around it if you want a closer fit. Please give it another go...? Most patterns for garments require a bit of personal-fitting. 1/31/13 4:18 PM
The fabric drapes so beautifully, what a shame you are disappointed in the pattern. Glad you could save the lovely fabric for something you will enjoy wearing. Thanks for the review.
1/26/13 6:37 AM
What a s shame you don't feel good in this tunic. I actually think your version looks better than the pattern pic. I like the fit around the shoulders and neck, only the sleeves would need a bit more work to tame all that loose fabric. But if you don't like it there is no point hanging onto it. Anyway, you're on a roll with your reviews, so keep them coming! Even the ones that don't work are valuable to other people, maybe even those especially. My first thought at looking at the pattern pic was that I would not attempt this without recutting the neck, shoulders and sleeves based on a much more fitted TNT tee-shirt. I do like the drape at the hem.
1/26/13 3:23 PM
I think it looks lovely on you! To me (I made the pattern), if anything, it looks like you could widen the hem a tad, to let it drop and put some weight on the neckline (which helps it to sit around the neck). The pattern shape of the neck is made to be a bit loose if you want it (I prefer it dropping off the shoulder a little bit, with fluid sleeves) or there are instructions for putting a band around it if you want a closer fit. Please give it another go...? Most patterns for garments require a bit of personal-fitting.
1/31/13 4:18 PM