I AM Patterns Perle Dress

I was really drawn to the sample photos of the I Am Patterns Perle dress, but the lack of reviews and versions on the hashtag made me a but wary. This pushed Perle down my list of things to make, but I am SO pleased I finally gave it a go!

It's an incredibly straightforward make - two darts, shoulder and side seams and a couple of waist ties. The only challenge is the ruffled edge, which is time consuming rather than difficult and is definitely worth the effort! I used my overlocker to create the narrow rolled hem on the ruffles, which is a really neat and attractive finish.

I used some lovely teal tencel twill from Merchant and Mills for my dress and the weight and drape are very well suited to the pattern. Unfortunately, I didn't realised that I should have wet the fabric before pre-washing and I ended up with some white lines on it. Because the pieces are cut on the flat I was able to work around the worst affected areas and I don't think they're too noticeable now the garment in finished.

The pattern instructions are quite brief, but perfectly adequate as this is a simple make. I Am Patterns don't include finished garment measurements in their patterns, but I chose to make the size 38 (best suited for my bust measurement) and as it's a wrap dress I knew the waist and hip ease wouldn't be an issue - I think the fit is spot on.

I don't usually ever make toiles, but after reading Sew Dainty's review of the pattern I decided it would be a good idea - I was not wrong! The bodice is meant to have a 'tucked' effect, but there was far too much volume. I took 4" in length from the front bodice between the top of the waist tie and the bottom of the bust dart and removed the same from the back bodice. This has given a much better fit and I think there is still enough volume in the bodice to achieve the intended look.

I'm really pleased with the finished dress and I absolutely LOVE the ruffles! It's so easy to make and wear and I fancy a more casual version in my wardrobe for next summer - maybe in a light denim or chambray. Now I have nailed the fit I wouldn't make any further changes to the pattern, although I might explore the possibility of adding in-seam pockets!

This is such a beautiful design don't you think? A classic elegant timeless wrap dress.

It is really simple to sew. Those ruffles though - they take some gathering! The long ruffle band around the neckline and dress edge takes forever to gather but is totally worth it!

I did need to make several adjustments after sewing this (all necessary because I am quite short)and I will certainly adjust my paper pattern to reflect those alterations ready for when I sew it again. Despite it being a wrap dress and thinking the fitting will be easy, I would recommend a toile, especially if you are not very tall like me.

You can read my full review and find out about all the alterations that I needed to make over on my blog Sew Dainty here -

https://sewdainty.co.uk/2020/05/26/i-am-patterns-perle-ruffle-dress/

I really love the dress, and know there will be more of these to come!

Kathy x