Yes, you have seen this dress made by me before! I love this dress! Just as a refresher, here is the pattern description from the envelope: Loose-fitting, dress (semi-fitted through bust) has double-layer neckband with raw edge finish, blouson bodice, elastic, seamed waist, side front pockets, front pleats and stitched hems.
This dress doesn't take too much fabric, for a size 12 just 2 1/4 yards. Maybe that is due to the scandalous length it is!
This calls for moderate stretchy knits only such as lightweight jersey, matte jersey, silk jersey.
My first version used a heavier ponte knit. This time I used a poly-rayon Lycra knit from Fabric Mart. What a difference in the drape the correct weight fabric makes! version 1
I believe my finished dress looks quite a bit like the pattern envelope. I do have to admit that when I modeled the dress, I hadn't yet pressed the darts in the pockets--all you home ec teachers are ready to hang me, I know! I did notice how bad the pleats looked and took the dress off, pressed the left pleat, but the right pleat hadn't been pressed. Yes, I learned my lesson as I can see what a difference it made. Yes, I know, pressing matters!!! lesson on pressing
I guess I thought I could get away with not pressing a knit, wow was I wrong!
So what did I like/dislike about the pattern? This is an easy yet fun pattern. The front pocket detail is just too cute and so very clever! I can't believe I am saying this but the raw edges on the neckline is just fun! My fabric however didn't roll and curl like the pattern photo, but I still like the look.
No dislikes, except it is scandalously short!!!!
This pattern is rated as easy, and yes, it is easy. The instructions and diagrams are well done.
What did I change? Typically I make a 1/2" sway back adjustment, but since this dress is blousy, I didn't bother. I lengthened the skirt by about 6 inches. This fabric was a border print on just one side, so you can see how I used it for the dress. In my first version, I made three small pleats on the back waist edge that are about 1/4 inch wide and 2 inches long, tapering to nothing. I didn't do that at all this time! Make sure you use non-roll elastic, the waist line won't look right if the elastic is all twisted.
I highly recommend this super easy, stylish, and cute pattern! I can easily see it become a pattern of the year! Just use drapy fabric so you have the right 'look'.
If you haven't tried it yet, snatch it up!
Quite a few more pics at my blog: Ilove2sew! |
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Love the use of the border print. I really like this dress and have it in my pattern stash.
3/4/13 5:26 AM
What gorgeous fabric. Another fantastic dress.
3/4/13 5:29 AM
What a beautiful dress! I just love the border print you chose :) I enjoyed your blog too! I can't believe you had to lengthen the dress 6"! Good grief, *scandalously short* is right! :) Thanks for the heads-up, I have this pattern but have yet to make it :)
3/4/13 8:30 AM
Great job, love the fabric and colors. I love and have this pattern, now just to prioritize it on my list... = )
3/4/13 8:47 AM
Cute dress- great border print!
3/4/13 10:11 AM
Great look you have created. The 2nd dress is the winner!
3/14/13 9:02 AM
Very pretty!
3/17/13 11:27 AM