There's more at my blog, if you're interested!
Pattern Description:
Potato sack dress.
I don't mean that in a bad way, really. I have nothing against potato sacks. I'm Irish.
More helpful description: This is a tent-shaped, loose-fitting V-neck tunic (or dress, depending on how long you make it) with waist darts holding bands to tie at the waist.
Pattern Sizing:
Potato sack sized. (Translation: sizes 6 through 20. Go with the best size for your bust because the amount of ease elsewhere means your other measurements don't really matter.)
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?
They would have been, if I weren't an idiot. (See pattern alterations below.)
What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?
It's super straightforward, no frills, and great for beginners. It's also a perfect pattern for a finicky fabric like velvet, where it's best to go with a basic garment. (A note to beginners, though: this is good for beginners OR for velvet. Don't try velvet if you're new to sewing. You'll get there soon enough, but save yourself the trauma for now. Ask me how I learned to save the tougher fabrics for after you've mastered the basics...)
Fabric Used:
Silk-rayon panne velvet in a stunning lavender shade from the now-defunct Fashionista Fabrics. God, this fabric was delicious. I bought it for something like $6 a yard when the shop closed.
Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:
Originally, I considered wearing this to an Inauguration event, so I made it floor length. I chopped it off later so it'd be better suited for day-to-day wear. I also lined the whole thing. I did the facings in the velvet and added white silk habotai to form a full slip under the dress.
Oh, yeah. I'm a doofus and forgot to sew the ties into the back darts, so I made a belt instead and pretended I meant to do this. The secret to success in life, after all, is making stupidity look deliberate.
Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?
This is a great pattern because it's so, so basic. It's a perfect choice for a whole slew of situations: if you need to whip something up super quick, if you're looking to showcase a crazy fabric with a basic cut, if you're dying to make something with a fussy fabric and want to minimize room for error, or if you're new to sewing and want to make something that's both easy to tackle totally wearable. Definitely recommend.
Conclusion:
A cute, if ridiculously simple, pattern. Bonus: If you don't like the end result as an outfit, you can sew up the bottom and use it to haul potatoes. |
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The velvet makes it work (and makes extra work of a simple pattern). It really looks chic.
2/21/13 4:58 PM