View / Size used:
If I went by my body measurements, I would have cut a 16, and the pattern assumes 'moderate stretch' only.
I used a very stretchy knit so used the finished garment measurements on the pattern tissue. The fabric measured 33" when wrapped around the fullest part of my bust, and that matched the size 10 perfectly, so that's what I used.
I noticed that the instructions included easing the sleeve cap - I didn't need any of that ease since my knit would stretch to accomodate movement, so I cut from the size 10 line at the bottom of the sleeve cap to an 8 at the top, in a really haphazard way. The sleeves went in fine, so I guess it worked!
Fabric Used:
Wonderful mystery knit from the FIDM scholarship store. It has a lovely brushed texture and great recovery. For $1 a yard, I wish I'd gotten more.
Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:
I don't understand the point of 3/4 length sleeves, so again, very haphazardly eyeballed extending the sleeves to full length. I did this eyeballing with the rotary cutter, so I'm glad it mostly worked out.
I was a bit low on fabric, so I sacrificed the ties, which are much shorter than the pattern calls for.
Were the instructions easy to follow?
Yes! They were actually great. I know that I'm getting better at knowing the probable order of construction, but I did find them helpful
What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?
I love that the fabric seems to hug the bust line, and at the end of the party I looked down and still didn't see my bra poking out - a success!
I'm undecided on the pleats. I do think that they are somewhat responsible for the way that the fabric is able to deal with my curves, but there's something funky about them. Maybe changing the angle of the pleats might help?
What did you particularly like or dislike about the finished garment?
It's super soft and comfy. Only after taking these pictures do I notice that the dress makes my bust look pretty gigantic, which I would actually put in the 'dislike' column.
Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?
Yes, I think I will certainly sew it again. If I have a fabric with significantly less stretch I might have to re-buy the pattern, but I'm sure I won't need it before another 15 sales at Joann's have come and gone.
Construction notes:
I can't remember if the instructions said to or not, but as always, I sewed in the sleeves flat.
I also sewed down the facing.
Machines / settings used:
Featherweight, 10 stitches per inch. No special treatment for the knit at all. I do have a serger, but I didn't finish a single seam. I didn't even hem the bottom or sleeves.
More pics on my blog |
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Your dress is very flattering on your figure and the colour suits you well. I must get this pattern.
3/11/13 7:19 AM
Lovely dress - congratulations.
3/11/13 6:05 PM
Yes, very flattering! Red looks great on you :) I agree, sewing in sleeves flat is much easier than in-the-round method. I wonder why more patterns don't instruct you to do it the easier way?? :) Great job speed-sewing!
3/11/13 10:16 PM