Pattern Description:
Wrap front dress has soft pleats, side tie, and sleeve variations. Dress B has collar. I made version B Pattern Sizing:
Envelope measurements put me at a 14 but judging by the flat pattern measurements and tissue fitting, I cut a 12 and it was perfect. Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?
The pattern images show more room under the arms. Mine is a little closer to the body. And of course the skirt is different, but more about that in the alterations. Were the instructions easy to follow?
Very much so. Even to the point where I didn't know where it was leading me with the sleeve band but I followed blindly and it turned out perfect. What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?
I love the collar. This was my first one and it just falls perfectly. I'm not a fan of the facings. I ended up tacking them all down with hand stitching because they would turn to the outside.
Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:
I removed 36" from the skirt sweep. Thanks to all the reviewers who mentioned that the skirt was too full. I wanted to have the look of a DVF wrap which has a straight skirt. I slashed from the hem to the waist line 4 times on the front and 3 in the back and overlapped the sections decreased the fullness. I then altered the cutting layout to save fabric. I also cut the back skirt on the fold.
Accidentally I interfaced both sides of the collar. But I'm very happy with the outcome. I made a 1/2" hem because the length was perfect before hemming. If you're tall, I'd recommend adding a few inches to the skirt. Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?
I really want to make several versions of this dress: no collar, short sleeve, solid colour. I'd even love to lengthen the bodice and make a shirt. Conclusion:
Hundreds of reviews weren't wrong. It's quick (cutting to hemming in 2 evenings work), flattering and versatile.
sewnotwork said... What a great idea on how to decrease fullness. Thanks for sharing. 3/3/13 3:28 PM
caper81 said... Great dress and very helpful review :) I agree that the skirt sweep is a bit overwhelming! Thanks for showing the adjustments on the pattern tissue! :) 3/3/13 4:04 PM
Jstarr4250 said... Great method for removing the excess skirt sweep. Your dress looks wonderful on you and I love the fabric. 3/3/13 4:12 PM
AuntieShel said... You look fabulous in that gorgeous dress. Perfect fit! Love the fabric!! 3/3/13 9:42 PM
Leslie Bonner said... Adorable 3/4/13 0:23 AM
Lynnelle said... Your dress is beautiful and I love your fabric. Thanks for such a helpful review. I made a muslin and alterations two or three years ago for this pattern. Your review has inspired me to finally sew it up! Thanks for sharing. 3/4/13 7:51 AM
becca a said... Lovely dress! It fits you beautifully. Great idea to reduce the skirt. I absolutely love this pattern. 3/4/13 10:21 AM
madbadger said... Thank you for showing how to decrease the fullness - I wasn't sure how others were doing it. I've had this pattern for a while but haven't gotten around to making it...your review reminded me :-) I ordered some ITY fabric and as soon as it gets here...I'm going to dig out that pattern and give it a try! Beautiful dress by the way. 3/14/13 8:29 PM
imsewcrazy said... Very pretty dress! Great fabric choice! 3/17/13 11:10 AM
What a great idea on how to decrease fullness. Thanks for sharing.
3/3/13 3:28 PM
Great dress and very helpful review :) I agree that the skirt sweep is a bit overwhelming! Thanks for showing the adjustments on the pattern tissue! :)
3/3/13 4:04 PM
Great method for removing the excess skirt sweep. Your dress looks wonderful on you and I love the fabric.
3/3/13 4:12 PM
You look fabulous in that gorgeous dress. Perfect fit! Love the fabric!!
3/3/13 9:42 PM
Adorable
3/4/13 0:23 AM
Your dress is beautiful and I love your fabric. Thanks for such a helpful review. I made a muslin and alterations two or three years ago for this pattern. Your review has inspired me to finally sew it up! Thanks for sharing.
3/4/13 7:51 AM
Lovely dress! It fits you beautifully. Great idea to reduce the skirt. I absolutely love this pattern.
3/4/13 10:21 AM
Thank you for showing how to decrease the fullness - I wasn't sure how others were doing it. I've had this pattern for a while but haven't gotten around to making it...your review reminded me :-) I ordered some ITY fabric and as soon as it gets here...I'm going to dig out that pattern and give it a try! Beautiful dress by the way.
3/14/13 8:29 PM
Very pretty dress! Great fabric choice!
3/17/13 11:10 AM