It was too long in the torso even though I cut it down. You must pay close attention to the bias, the curves and a rather bizarre collard down the back. The result is worth the effort. It’s very pretty and quite flattering.
Rated 4 out of 5
Sara Maene –
Not too bad but, watch the fit through the hips. I made this up in a size 16 (my usual) and the bias stretch through the main skirt panel caused the hip area to be 6″ too big. I had to spend several hours tweaking it to finally get it to fit properly. And then, it was too long in the torso. The markings on the collar don’t match up well with those on the front bodice. I had some difficulty getting the V back to hang properly (it pulled sideways). Otherwise, an interesting and dramatic dress. Add seam tape to the bodice/skirt seam to keep it from stretching out of shape.
Rated 4 out of 5
Sarah Scrignar –
The basic pattern is simple, even the bias elements are straight forward and simple IF you are an intermediate sewer. No need to be an advanced sewer, but the need to fit this pattern to a dress form is crucial. I would like to object about the comments that the bodice is too long; it is supposed to be. The style of the dress reflects the time period it was designed; the 1980’s. All of that extra fabric is what is supposed to gather loosely at the waist. Not entirely flattering to those with small waists, but it allows the dress to slip over the head with no fastenings. The fit through the LOWER hip is what is crucial to keeping the dress where it should be. I found that if you add loose diagonal bust darts from the side seam and lower the back V-neckline an inch it makes the dress a bit more flattering at the waist line, yet still able to slip over the head. I also cut a belt using the optional neck sash pattern included. The belt is tied like a sash and follows the same casual grace of the dress line while allowing one to keep the whole lower waist/hip line smooth and places all the extra fabric bloused above the belt (people with larger tummies might like that option). This simple belt also lends a more 1930’s air to the dress. A casually elegant and fun dress when finished, it looks exquisite in light fabrics with lots of movement such as silk, chiffon, etc. (although sewing those fabrics is another challenge in itself).
Rated 5 out of 5
Crystal Herbert –
I had a problem with the torso fit. I took it up once but it still looks short and wide on me. I’m going to take it up again and shape it some in the waist. I intend to put in an invisible zipper in the side seam; otherwise, it won’t go on over my head. I used a gold colored satin that drapes beautifully. It will be a great special occasion dress.
Ellie Farrell –
It was too long in the torso even though I cut it down. You must pay close attention to the bias, the curves and a rather bizarre collard down the back. The result is worth the effort. It’s very pretty and quite flattering.
Sara Maene –
Not too bad but, watch the fit through the hips. I made this up in a size 16 (my usual) and the bias stretch through the main skirt panel caused the hip area to be 6″ too big. I had to spend several hours tweaking it to finally get it to fit properly. And then, it was too long in the torso. The markings on the collar don’t match up well with those on the front bodice. I had some difficulty getting the V back to hang properly (it pulled sideways). Otherwise, an interesting and dramatic dress. Add seam tape to the bodice/skirt seam to keep it from stretching out of shape.
Sarah Scrignar –
The basic pattern is simple, even the bias elements are straight forward and simple IF you are an intermediate sewer. No need to be an advanced sewer, but the need to fit this pattern to a dress form is crucial. I would like to object about the comments that the bodice is too long; it is supposed to be. The style of the dress reflects the time period it was designed; the 1980’s. All of that extra fabric is what is supposed to gather loosely at the waist. Not entirely flattering to those with small waists, but it allows the dress to slip over the head with no fastenings. The fit through the LOWER hip is what is crucial to keeping the dress where it should be. I found that if you add loose diagonal bust darts from the side seam and lower the back V-neckline an inch it makes the dress a bit more flattering at the waist line, yet still able to slip over the head. I also cut a belt using the optional neck sash pattern included. The belt is tied like a sash and follows the same casual grace of the dress line while allowing one to keep the whole lower waist/hip line smooth and places all the extra fabric bloused above the belt (people with larger tummies might like that option). This simple belt also lends a more 1930’s air to the dress. A casually elegant and fun dress when finished, it looks exquisite in light fabrics with lots of movement such as silk, chiffon, etc. (although sewing those fabrics is another challenge in itself).
Crystal Herbert –
I had a problem with the torso fit. I took it up once but it still looks short and wide on me. I’m going to take it up again and shape it some in the waist. I intend to put in an invisible zipper in the side seam; otherwise, it won’t go on over my head. I used a gold colored satin that drapes beautifully. It will be a great special occasion dress.