This is such a great little pattern! The option to have sleeves or go sleeveless is great and there is potential for some fun colour-blocking combinations. It’s a straightforward sew and if you can get away without inserting a zip (as many have), as long as you can sew a seam and a dart, you’ll be fine!
I used the most stunning cotton sateen for my dress. The fabric was designed by Alexandra and Caroline of Selkie Patterns London and it features the cutest little watercolour Big Bens! I only bought 1.5m, but this was plenty to make the dress and there was even enough to pattern-match. I used some quilting cotton for the contrast pockets and I love this little pop of colour!
I thought the instructions were fine, but there were a couple of areas that could have been improved and that’s why I have only given the pattern a 4 star rating. Firstly, there was very little guidance on finishing seams and in the case of the pockets, it would have been almost impossible after construction. Luckily, I anticipated this and finished the seams before I attached the dress and skirt pieces together. Secondly, don’t even bother trying to ease these sleeves in with pins only! I would recommend running at least one row of gathering stitches between the notches on the sleeve head and then you’ll have a much easier time.
I made the size 8 bust and waist and graded to a size 10 at the hip. The other alterations I made were to sew the sleeves with a 1cm seam to allow my arms a bit more room and I took the dress up 2cm at the hem instead of 3.5cm, because it’s quite short. For reference my measurements are 33″/27″/38″ and I’m 5′ 4″.
I’d definitely like to make another Carnaby dress in the future and there are some cute quilting cottons in my stash that would be perfect! The dress is fun to sew and fun to wear and great to show off a special fabric, especially if you only have a small amount.