We used this pattern for our bridesmaids’ dresses and everyone loved them! The dresses were made of black/red silk taffeta, and had black ribbon sashes instead of the belt included with this pattern. We also used invisible zippers instead of the center back lacing. The finished dresses fit perfectly with a slight sweep train – exactly what we wanted for our formal wedding. Beautiful, simple, elegant and timeless. The bridesmaids ranged in shape and size from 5’2″ average build to 5’8″ and very slender, but the dresses were universally flattering. The bridesmaid who was eight months pregnant was even able to modify the pattern to look smashing on her! The dresses went together beautifully, quickly and without a hitch. I (the bride) even made the last two myself in the final days before the wedding and didn’t run into any complications at all (thank goodness!). I would definitely recommend double-checking the length before cutting out, though. The dress came out perfect for my 5’2″ sister, but didn’t touch the floor by a couple of inches on my 5’5″ sister, even with a very narrow hem. Since we only made the dress and didn’t do the lacing on it, I can’t speak for the lacing or the belt, but since the rest of the pattern worked so well, I assume they would, too. Overall, I would (and have!) definitely recommend this pattern.
Melissa Turley –
We used this pattern for our bridesmaids’ dresses and everyone loved them! The dresses were made of black/red silk taffeta, and had black ribbon sashes instead of the belt included with this pattern. We also used invisible zippers instead of the center back lacing. The finished dresses fit perfectly with a slight sweep train – exactly what we wanted for our formal wedding. Beautiful, simple, elegant and timeless. The bridesmaids ranged in shape and size from 5’2″ average build to 5’8″ and very slender, but the dresses were universally flattering. The bridesmaid who was eight months pregnant was even able to modify the pattern to look smashing on her! The dresses went together beautifully, quickly and without a hitch. I (the bride) even made the last two myself in the final days before the wedding and didn’t run into any complications at all (thank goodness!). I would definitely recommend double-checking the length before cutting out, though. The dress came out perfect for my 5’2″ sister, but didn’t touch the floor by a couple of inches on my 5’5″ sister, even with a very narrow hem. Since we only made the dress and didn’t do the lacing on it, I can’t speak for the lacing or the belt, but since the rest of the pattern worked so well, I assume they would, too. Overall, I would (and have!) definitely recommend this pattern.