Pattern Description:
Very loose-fitting, pullover, lined dress has single-layer tie (wrong side shows), seam detail, seams stitched on right side of fabric with serge or zig-zag finish and contrast variations. View B has two-piece sleeves and snap detachable tie .
Pattern Sizing:
I cut a size 14, according to my high bust measurement. The rest of the dress is very roomy, so you would be unlikely to need any adjustments besides an FBA, if you are full-busted.
Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?
Erm, yes, I guess, except it does not look nearly as svelte and floaty on me as on the model. I like baggy, but I wouldn't wear this. The shape of the sleeves are a bit odd and would need a bit of tweaking.
Pictures are Here.
My fabric does not have as much body as the one in the picture, so my bow is not as fluffy.
Were the instructions easy to follow?
Yes, the instructions are clear. The pieces and construction are simple enough... or would have been in a non-slippery, non-puckery, non-threadpully fabric.
What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?
You really need to know how to work with delicate fabrics if you want to tackle this project.
I tried test strip after test strip but was unable to serge the chiffon to a standard that would be acceptable for the outside of a garment. A setting that worked on fabric cut at a certain angle would cause puckering and pulled threads on fabric cut at another angle. Changing the settings between panels would, however, altered the length of the seams, as you can see on the side view. Sigh.
Even when I was able to get a neat serge, because of the contrasting colours in the panels, there would be untidy contrasting threads peeking out of the stitching, like unshaved leg hairs through tights.
In the end I went for a zig-zag finish and turned the seam detail to the inside of the dress. Even so, by now it was such a mess that I decided to admit defeat. I just slapped the rest together to share it with PR since at this time there are no other reviews for this pattern.
Fabric Used:
Polyester chiffon that I got for £1 a meter while on holiday in South Africa. Static is a HUGE problem, even though I lined it in a non-static fabric. You can see the fabric clinging to itself and climbing up my arms in the picture.
If you want to make this you'd probably want to choose silk, or cotton gauze.
Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:
I made an FBA, by grading out the seams between the front panels. Easy. I used more prints than suggested and pieced the bow tie, which uses a ginormous amount of fabric.
Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?
Eish. I'm not going to tackle this one again - or even finish the one I started. Not sure if I can recommend this one with a clear conscience. It did look a lot less overwhelming before the sleeves went on, so maybe the sleeveless version has potential for people with nice arms. It might also work as a maternity dress.
In any case, you need to be very very good at working with delicate fabrics if you want good results.
Conclusion:
This one is going into the textile recycling bin. Next!
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Pattern with more than 5 reviews!
I have this pattern but not the model's figure so I've been reluctant to tackled it. Thanks for the review and saving me a heap of time and fabric!
3/16/13 10:28 PM
I too have this pattern, but have not tried it. I think I may still give it a go, maybe with some changes thanks to your review. Thanks for this review, for sharing it. You gave lots of great advise.
3/17/13 10:33 AM
Hmm, I suspect I'd look like a perambulating love seat in this dress. Thanks or a great review and pictures.
4/6/13 1:24 AM