Get the fit right!

I will start this review by stating that I do really love this dress, but you do have to be prepared for a slog of fitting. I absolutely recommend everyone to make a toile. Not something I ever do!

I made mix-and-matched the versions, combining the short skirt with the long bishop sleeves.

Like for all Deer & Doe patterns, the instructions are clear and concise which I like; you don’t get lost in rambly and sometimes confusing explanations. Construction is also nice and clean.

The Magnolia Dress has similar ease to the Chardon Skirt that I made previously so I went for the same size. BAD IDEA! The bodice was SOOO baggy! The gaping around the neckline was terrible, too much fabric at the sides, and it just sat really wrong.

After some hopeful “hoiking”, darts and folds, I came to the dreaded realisation that I would need to completely unpick the waistband.

Making sure to try it on this time, I ended up moving the wraps about 2 inches further over each other. This did create some excess at the ends of the waistband, so I just cut it down, grading into the skirt. Doing this adjustment also reduced the bulk at the sides, so now it fits nice and snug.

Next time I would also reduce the length of zip. I don’t think it needs it, and it makes the dress pop out awkwardly where it ends. Instead I would choose one that stops just after the wasitband.

Et voilà! It may have tested my patience to the limit but after having to make these fitting adjustments, I feel like I have come out a better sewer and I am even more proud of what I have made.