A deceptively complicated pattern

Pattern Description: Full Length Dress, Maxi Dress PDF sewing pattern. Couture quality, long dress pattern with timeless caftan style. With square and v neck, pockets and side vents.

Pattern Sizing: S-XL

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it? Yes, it looked exactly the same.

Were the instructions easy to follow? Yes, though I would definitely recommend reading the instructions fully and carefully before starting any sewing. Out of habit, I overlocked the edges and it turned out it was all flat felled seams.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? I love the shape and the fact that it’s nicely fitted across the chest, but skims the body everywhere else. Although I made it in medium to heavy weight linen, it still feels breezy and light. Also, it has pockets!

Fabric Used: I used a medium to heavy weight linen twill, that surprisingly does not crinkle quite so much.

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made: No, it fitted me perfectly straight from the envelope. I cut a size M.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others? Yes, I am planning a version for my MIL, she really loves her caftans!

Conclusion: It’s a deceptively simple pattern, but there are a lot of stretching details and interesting construction techniques. It’s not one to bash out in an afternoon, or at least for me it wasn’t. It also requires a lot of precision sewing, as all the facings are turned over to encase raw edges and topstitched from the right side. Recommended even for experienced sewers.

More details, pics, tips and measurements on my blog Sewrendipity