Pattern Description:
Flared dress, fitted at bust, floor length has back zipper and tie ends extending from bodice back.
Pattern Sizing:
After taking my measurements I decided on the 12 as it is a close fitting bodice and had an inner belt.
Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?
The final result does not resemble the illustration on the envelope because it is depicted as having a much fuller skirt - I think a petticoat would be needed to achieve that look. However, there is an actual photo of the dress in the catalogue and on the website, and mine looked the same.
Were the instructions easy to follow?
Yes, but I made a bodice toile first to make sure I understood how it was constructed and to see if my alterations worked.
Fabric Used: 100% silk shot dupion
Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:
I immediately knew that I wanted to alter the neck line to a deeper plunge because I thought the original made it look very "home made." I extended it to where the sash crosses in front and was very pleased with the result. Instead of using 2 hook and eyes to fasten the bodice back, I used hook and eye tape for a more secure hold. (I also sewed 2 hanger loops made of seam tape into the waist seam because the dress is so heavy).
Flared dress, fitted at bust, floor length has back zipper and tie ends extending from bodice back.
Pattern Sizing:
After taking my measurements I decided on the 12 as it is a close fitting bodice and had an inner belt.
Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?
The final result does not resemble the illustration on the envelope because it is depicted as having a much fuller skirt - I think a petticoat would be needed to achieve that look. However, there is an actual photo of the dress in the catalogue and on the website, and mine looked the same.
Were the instructions easy to follow?
Yes, but I made a bodice toile first to make sure I understood how it was constructed and to see if my alterations worked.
Fabric Used: 100% silk shot dupion
Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:
I immediately knew that I wanted to alter the neck line to a deeper plunge because I thought the original made it look very "home made." I extended it to where the sash crosses in front and was very pleased with the result. Instead of using 2 hook and eyes to fasten the bodice back, I used hook and eye tape for a more secure hold. (I also sewed 2 hanger loops made of seam tape into the waist seam because the dress is so heavy).
I also pleated some tulle and sewed it into the shoulder seams to give the gathers some oomph and prevent them from looking flat.
Conclusion/Recommendations:
This is a really nice dress and I got lots of compliments on it but it requires a LOT of fabric and can get very expensive depending on what you use. If I had the need I would probably make it again with some adjustments..I would definetly use the altered neckline, and I would try self facing the sashes because I think it would give a more professional appearance. If that didn't work I would double fold the edges, miter the corners, and maybe edge and/or top stitch versus overlocking and pressing over the edges. I would also like to see how it looks with a petticoat underneath to make it look more like the picture.
Your dress looks beautiful on you! I have been eyeballing this pattern because of its elegance. Thanks for your review.
ReplyDeletewonderful dress! And I appreciate the tipp with the tulle at the shoulder seam - would have never thought of it!
ReplyDeleteI'm making that dress too!! for the pleats you have to use this stuff called interfacing that makes the dress more rigid.
ReplyDelete