Today is the last day of June and it is 98 degrees HOT! Great time to wear my latest creation, using a red and black, Ankara fabric that I purchased at the Textile Warehouse. I began sewing this dress last Thursday and finished it on Sunday.
My photographer, DD, was available to take a few pictures of me wearing it this afternoon. The sun was high and bright. The heat was on. Lol
This will be a short and sweet review as I don't have pictures of the pattern alterations. Sorry. If you check out many of my previous princess fit adjustment makes, you'll get a good idea of the changes I had to make for this pattern.
Pattern Description: Misses and Petites with bodice and skirt variations. The bodice options include a crewneck with slit or a halter, and the skirt can be made straight or flared with pockets. I made View C with modifications, size 14 graded up.
Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it? Yes, it did. Of course, I lengthen the skirt and made a few other changes.Were the instructions easy to follow? Sorry, I really didn't read the instructions. I've made this style dress many, many times before. At a glance, I guess they were typical.
What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? I liked the halter style of the dress. And I thought it would be a great style for the fabric that I selected.
Fabric Used: I purchased this Ankara fabric from the Textile Warehouse in Chicago on 21st Street. They have a variety of colors and prints for the reasonable price of about $6.00 per yard. It is 100 percent cotton. It also washes and presses very well. That's something I always appreciate with natural fibers. I love the print and the vibrant red and black colors.
Pattern alterations or any design changes you made: I made a ton of changes.
- FBA and graded the pattern up. When I purchased this pattern, the largest size grouping available at the store was size 14. So, I made it work for me.
- I shortened the straps by 2 inches, much too long for me.
- NOTE: I forgot to make a sway back adjustment. Not too bad though. If I use this bodice again, I'll be sure to do it to remove the excess fabric at the lower back.
- Lengthen the skirt. Also, I barely had enough fabric for my desired length. On a few of the lower corners of the skirt, I had to "piece" the corners together. See picture below to see an example. You can hardly tell. wink, wink.
- I installed an invisible zipper instead of a regular one, only because I didn't have one in my stash, and I refuse to buy another one.
Conclusion: I am pleased with how this dress turned out. The fit is almost perfect. and I really like the combination of the fabric and style. Great little summer dress that beginners and experienced sewists could make with no problem.
