Pattern Description:
one-piece dress with square neckline and cut-on sleeves (either short or long) with waistline detail, front pockets, and back pleat and bow. (purchased from etsy seller rrebelgrrl)
Pattern Sizing:
sz 16/B34
Were the instructions easy to follow?
overall, very easy. i found some difficulty in attaching the pockets and waistband, but overcame it quickly.
What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?
it was love at first sight with the waistband and the pleated skirt.
Fabric Used:
italian printed silk straight out of the container from mood. i blame denis (the gentleman in the silk department) for tempting me. for the waistband i used some navy silk faile from truemart discount fabrics in chelsea.
Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:
i made my usual cut-on sleeve bust adjustment, as described in fit for real people, and was very pleased. i probably need to learn a narrow back adjustment. i shortened the skirt to above-the-knee.
Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?
i would love to try this again in a less dressy fabric. this as a cotton dress could easily become a wardrobe staple for me.
Conclusion:
i'm not an event planner, but i occasionally play one at my day job. it may have been in poor judgment to begin this dress two days before the biggest event i had ever been responsible for, and i've definitely had better ideas than staying up well after midnight the evening before the event to finish the hem (which desperately needs to be taken down, adjusted and re-sewn, along with the back bow). however, i really, really wanted a special dress for my huge work event and became obsessed with finishing this one. in the end, i was pleased, and felt comfortably dressy in my silk dress and blue blazer. no one believed i had made it, or that i had barely finished it the night before.
i went for simple on the inside and finished the seams in a faux hong kong style using pre-purchased bias tape. the seams are far from perfect but add a great color element on the interior.
hand-picked zipper because i am hopeless at inserting one via machine.
i named the dress "monaco" in honor of my work event, which took place at an apartment complex called "monaco." (original, i am not)
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