As soon as I got the fabric I was sure that I had seen the perfect pattern, Burda 6829. I had 2 metres of fabric and easily got this shorter version with a bit to spare. The velvet was a little heavier than ideal for this pattern, the main problem turned out to be the facing. As you can imagine around the neck facing with two layers and (stretch) interfacing it is pretty bulky. Even with my usual understitching the facing would not stay down and I have had to use my twin needle to top stitch to solve the problem.
What I really love about this pattern is how figure flattering it is, it definitely minimizing the tummy area, which I had worried might be accentuated by the gathers it definitely isn't.
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I did my usual changes, raising the waist by 1" and reducing the width of the shoulders. I cut a size 12, in a lighter more stretchy fabric the fit might be a bit too loose. Shame about the folds at the back waist I really need to sort this issue out for the future. The other change I made was to fit the sleeves in flat. I'm not sure why they have you fitting these after you have done the side seams. The way they have you doing the hem (front first then then the back later) was a real pain to line up, both the length and lining up the twin needles, so I will look if there is a way to do the whole hem at once.
So there we are a red Christmas dress and I will be posting it as part of Renata's Little Red Dress project (#THELITTLEREDDRESSPROJECT) when loads of red dresses will be appearing this week. I do really like this pattern and will made another less dressy version.
So that is probably it until after Christmas. If you celebrate Christmas have a great one. I have my boy home so I'm happy and planning to take it very easy indeed!
