New Look Shift Dresses N6145

This versatility of this shift dress pattern lies in its suitability for a variety of fabrics, from summer weight cottons to lightweight wools for winter, and including stable knits. I made View C, which has a bias cut collar and three-quarter length sleeves, in a wool/polyester mix with a small amount of stretch. It turned out as shown by the drawings and photo on the pattern envelope.
The instructions are clear and easy to follow, and the pattern pieces come together straightforwardly with notches in helpful places. It took about a day to make. It’s suitable for a confident beginner; the techniques involved include inserting an invisible zip, making darts, and adding a neck facing.
The dress is shaped by French darts at the front and long back darts. I’m a UK high street size 12 and based on the finished garment measurements (shown partly on the pattern envelope but more fully on the pattern pieces) I cut a size 12 graded to a 14 at the hip. This fit me well with no need for further adjustment. I’m 5’ 4” and the finished length hit just above my knee. There is a kick pleat in the centre back seam, so any length adjustments need to be made when cutting out.
The only other change I made was to add patch pockets. It would also be easy to add in-seam pockets.
I’m pleased with the overall result and plan to use this pattern again.