MULTI SLEEVE MIDI DRESS PATTERN

My first pattern

First, I should say that, when I purchased this pattern, I planned to follow the instructions to the letter because I’ve only ever sewn a self-drafted circle skirt and a set of simple curtains. But then I binge watched nine seasons of The Great British Sewing Bee, read three books (including Couture Sewing Techniques by Claire B Shaeffer,) and spent many hours making notes and working on my plan of attack. Because of my consumption of so (sew!) much media, I did not use the pattern instructions at all, and I can’t speak to whether or not they will be helpful to other beginners. I can say that I am a very large woman (US size 24) and the 3X pattern fit me perfectly—I only needed to lengthen the skirt a couple of inches. The bust darts were even located perfectly for my size and shape! For this dress, I used a very light Italian black Swiss dot and made the following changes: I extended the seam allowances to sew French seams instead of overlocking, made bound buttonholes for the cuffs, substituted silk buttons and loops for the zipper, stay stitched and underlined all of the pattern pieces, and added a sleeveless jacquard lining. I sewed the entire dress by hand. This was the best summer away from university that I could have imagined and I can not wait to try my next TAL pattern! For any beginners wondering if you should take the plunge, I highly recommend you spend some time preparing and then go for it. Such a good time!

Multi Sleeve Midi Dress 👗

It was really great ❣️ I‘m german - it wasn‘t a problem at all to understand the instruction. Thank you so much for this great pattern ❣️

Design looks good but fitting complicated

I love the finished dress but I had to make a lot of alterations to the bodice to fit me. I was glad I made a toile first . Firstly I made a full bust adjustment as the pattern seems to be for a B cup whereas I am a D or E. Secondly the shoulders were too broad. Thirdly the neck was uncomfortably high in front. I lowered the neckline by about 4cm which also allowed me to dispense with the zip. I also took 5cm off the bottom of the skirt. If I make it again it will be much easier now that I have a pattern to bodice fit me.