Pattern Review: The Red Wiggle Dress - Gertie's New Book For Better Sewing
Pattern Description: from the book- "Here is a dress that's meant to show off your curves, yet you'll still be office appropriate The sheath style, kimono sleeves, boat-neck front, and a V-neck back are all borrowed from a time when work attire was a lot more exiting than today.." I made this version to wear to our friend's wedding in Paris, so it was upgraded into a Joan Holloway. I think Joan would actually easily wear this one to work too, maybe just for a good enough reason .. 
Pattern Sizing: I am size 8 (bust)-10 (hips) in Gertie's chart (yes, and me like it)).
Actually the fact we have a similar body shape helped a lot, since the pattern almost did not require any fitting adjustments. I took off about half an inch length in the waist, and add a bit more ease in the belly area (midway between the waist and the hips).
Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done with it?
Yes it did. I was pretty amazed to try the dress for the first time, cause I haven't made a muslin. I guess the fact it's very fitted makes you see the shape right away.
Were the instructions easy to follow?
Yes, mostly. At first I got a bit stressed out since I only found some pattern pieces on a page. The usual story with me- missing the small print. Most of the patterns are printed out on a few sheets, and it says which in a little box on the garment page, under supplies.
Other than that the instruction worked for me almost all the way through. I used Gertie's blog tutorial with for a more detailed gussets instructions (it has bigger pictures), but it was only since it was my first time doing that. I made the dress in the second version already and didn't even need the instructions anymore.
I did a little change with the gussets- didn't feel the need to transfer the stitching lines to the right side, just pined the organza in place, around the lines and stitched on the wrong sides (I think that's also Gertie's technique from the Starlet Suit Jacket course, she used on bound button holes)
One thing I really missed here were some instructions on the lining. I could not find any reference else where to making a lining for a dress with underarm gussets. Since I didn't believe you have to make the whole organza strip of fabric-gusset procedure again on the lining, I just left the sleeves unlined for this version.
If anybody knows what to do with the lining in this case- please let me know, I finished the second version and it's still unlined..
What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?
Well that's easy- I love the pattern, the fit is "mine", this is a classic Kimono sleeve, that can be used over and over in many variations.. Whats not to like?
Fabric Used: Red wool crepe I brought back from Toronto. I had 2 yards, but it was enough, may be cause I'm a bit shorter than Gertie. I lined it with some satin quality and a bit stretchy fabric, that feels like rayon. The stretch makes the lining more comfortable to wear, and the satin feels pleasant against the skin.
Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:
*** For this version I changed the neck line into a scoop neck, for a more evening look. This was easy (I just followed the new line of the front bodice neckline to draw the new facing. BUT (And Gertie talks about that in the book) if you do that- be sure to STABILIZE the neckline seam with some good organza stripes or a ready made stabilizer. It is not enough just to make a stabilizing row of stitching I did that and had to fight the gaping quiet a lot later. With my second version (soon to be posted) I did follow the more strict instructions and it worked.
Would you sew it again?
Hell yeah, already did. Post about it soon.
Would you recommend it to others?
Yes definitely, if you like this style.
More pictures and details on the blog- http://thehomeblues.blogspot.co.il/2012/12/the-red-wiggle-dress-gerties-book-for.html |
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Pattern with more than 5 reviews!
Truly a stunning and flattering dress on you!
2/23/13 5:54 PM
thank you Heatherrique! It's nice to have a dress like that as a secret weapon :)
2/23/13 6:00 PM
I may have to make this one soon! It looks great on you and I love the scooped neckline
2/23/13 10:05 PM
Ooh, la, la!! This is hot and looks fantastic on you! Especially love it in red!
2/23/13 10:54 PM
Thank you for the very helpful review... This is so so pretty on you.. very Mad Men & current too!
2/24/13 3:00 AM
Wow! Hot hot hot... Looks great, really helpful review. Thanks.
2/24/13 6:04 AM
Love it. Great fit!
2/24/13 11:19 AM
You certainly wear your wiggle dress well. Beautifully fitted and a lovely colour on you.
2/25/13 4:57 AM
Thank you all! So nice:)
2/25/13 5:36 PM
Hot dress!
2/27/13 4:59 PM
Thanks to you I ordered this book and I'm eagerly looking forward to some "better sewing"! Awesome dress! Can't wait to see your next version!
3/1/13 3:27 AM