Beautiful Bias Dress

Lovely pattern – I made View D, but would also like to make A and B at a later date.

The fabric I used is 100% Cotton Broadcloth, with no stretch.

Although my body measurements and finished dress measurements matched with Size 12 on the pattern, I found my toile didn’t fit. Too tight, and too short in the bodice. After experiments, I went for Size 16 skirt and Size 14 top. This just skims, and I can pull it over my head, without needing the zip closure. The zip is in the side seam on the pattern.

I added 3cm to the lower edge of the bodice to get my seam in the right place, and allow an extra 1cm to the seam allowance so I could do a flat fell seam here and encase the raw edge. Im glad I made the toile as Im not sure I could’ve guessed how much I needed to add here.

I bought 1.6m of fabric, and its 160cm wide, (the pattern says 1.6m for 150cm wide fabric for size 12 and 14, and 1.8 for size 16), so I had enough to make the changes, and also to cut an extra side front which I cut out two lefts.  Oops.

The bodice crosses over and is gathered into the skirt, so I ignored the notches and fitted it to my body. I like the fact that this pattern enables you to adjust how low the crossover point is.

I also love the fact the front facings are cut with the front piece, fold back and stay secure.

Am pleased with my dress. Im sure I’ll wear it a lot this Summer.