A dress for all seasons

A review of Chalk and Notch Orchid Midi Dress

Reviewed by Denbeesewswhat on 18th October, 2019

I made this up from the PDF pattern and then spent a few days sewing it up. I am incredibly pleased with the end result, it’s definitely one of my favourite me made dresses, I wore it to my nephews graduation and felt really great.
I used a lightweight soft viscose from the Textile Centre (no longer available – I looked!) and I just love the colours and print. It did shift around when cutting and I trimmed a few pieces back into shape as I went along.
I am 5’1” with measurements at 36-29-38, however having read a few reviews I decided to make the smallest size and I am glad I did as it fits incredibly well especially across the wrap front. Oh and it has pockets!
I made one change which was to shorten the skirt pieces by 9cm (not forgetting to lift the slit so that it remained the same length). The instructions are very clear and concise and I particularly enjoyed the way the elastic tie belt was constructed.
Initially I was going to make the long sleeved version but didn’t want elasticated cuffs. It was a moot point however because I didn’t have enough fabric – I had 2 metres and used it all. Instead I made the flutter sleeves.
I made a few errors – all my own and absolutely nothing to do with the pattern – which were:
I only cut 1 yoke and had to piece together some scraps to get the 2nd one cut out.
I simply did not have enough fabric (or scraps) to make the 2nd set of flutter sleeves for the lining which means mine are unlined – however I don’t feel that detracts from the finished garment at all.
The interfacing I used was way too heavy for the fabric – I knew this when I cut it out but didn’t have anything lighter and didn’t want to wait to get some. It works well for the yoke and the split but it gave the hem finish a pantomime dame effect. Enter my new overlocker – I whizzed the interfaced hem facing off and then sewed a small hem. Again it looks fine on the finished dress. I was quite annoyed though because my mitred corners at the slit were perfect.
I can highly recommend this pattern – I will definitely make this dress again – perhaps in a viscose twill next time with the longer sleeves.