I wanted to make a new dress for our local village annual summer dance and it certainly has swirly potential.
I think my doubts are partially about my choice of fabric. I do love the fabric, which has been in my stash for more than a year, but I'm not sure it's the right choice as it feels a bit too sweet for a woman of my mature years. Also it is possibly a little heavy for the gathered skirt.
The poppy fabric is probably better suited.
The other problem is it is definitely too big at the waist. I was obsessed that I should get the pattern matching right on the back and I was really pleased with the matching at the zip!
Unfortunately it got worse the further down the back you go - not sure why. The pattern matching was what stopped me getting a good fit. I usually take in the zip to fit my bodice and if I'd done this the very carefully cut back wouldn't have matched at all. I'd already sewed and neatened all the sides, so there was nowhere that I could easily take the waist in, oh well you live and learn.
The dress shaping is quite unusual. It isn't the usual princess seam as it doesn't dissect the bust, having a dart as well. The reason I picked this pattern is because it has a choice of cup sizes and as a C cup I'm too lazy to do the fba I need on most patterns.
I like the skirt because it has flat panels over the stomach, then an inverted pleat before gathering at the sides. This is definitely more flattering than gathering round the whole skirt.
And just to prove it did get worn!
The winner of the Great British Sewing Bee book is Jeanette from the Lazy Seamstress. My next giveaway if open to any reader anywhere in the world. The prize is 4 vintage repro patterns.
If you would like to enter then leave a comment (and please state you want to join in). I will draw the winner on August 1st. Welcome to any new followers. I'm enjoying a week off work and some sunshine here in Cumbria, so lots of sewing going on!
