Dahlia

Reviewed by iribeiro on 20th June, 2016

Pattern instructions: They were pretty thorough, I do like the instructions separated by version, but if you’re printing your instructions it will take up more space. I don’t have much else to say other that I think that the the waist yoke piece should have an indication of the right side up, I inverted the front yoke pieces and only figured that out when I tried to pin the back yoke to the bodice and the notches weren’t even close to each other. Remember your yoke should look like a frown and not a smile (as usual in other garments). Another detail that irked me a bit was the instruction to staystitch at 5/8 of an inch along the back and top of sleeves, and then you bind the raw edges with a double fold 1/4 of inch bias tape – why not suggest scant 1/4 of an inch? I had to take out the entire line of staystiching. Fitting and alterations: This pattern is a bit tough to fit, the neckline was way too large for me, and it was pretty much impossible to figure that out until you had the bodice almost finished (i.e. you only are sure of it after you gather your front piece and secure it with the binding. I cut a size 10, and took out 1 inch at each front raglan seam and 1.5 inches at the back raglan seam. For the skirt I took out 2 inches at each seam, and reduced the hip curve to a more straight line, I’ve got a hollow at my hip, and curvy hip lines look strange on me. Fabric: I used a cotton/polyester chambray, it’s pretty easy to work, presses well and does not slide away. It would be perfect with a bit more of body, but it’s perfect for Summer as is. Difficulty level: I don’t agree with the beginner level, it’s a pretty hard to fit pattern, and if sewn on wool it will require fabric handling skills that not every beginner has. It does imply a fair amount of hand finishing and sewing on bias tape that I consider it only accessible to a more advanced beginner or intermediate.