I love this Dress!!

Both the PDF and printed pattern come in sizes XS – XL. I bought the PDF version and printed it at home. The pages all went together well although there are no layers for you to print the size that you want however I just worked out myself what pages I needed for the version I made.

I made Version 1 which has a skirt gathered into a V necked bodice with a choice of sleeve finishes and buttons down the front of the dress. There is also the option to make a tunic style dress and top.

The instructions are very easy to follow and comprehensive and I ended up with a neatly made garment.

I used a light blue chambray (similar to the photo).

I am 5’1” and a size 10 (36 – 29 – 39) and I cut a size small based on the finished measurements. I made a toile for the bodice first as I usually have fit issues on the back (I have a short upper back) however I had none with this pattern.

Adjustments to Pattern:

I narrowed the skirt pieces front and back by just under an inch – this was only because I was trying to fit it onto my fabric however you don’t notice this at all as the skirt is gathered and sewn onto the bodice. I also shortened the skirt pieces by 2”.

I made the elbow length sleeve with elastic cuff – I shortened the sleeve by 3”.

I lowered the apex of the bust dart by 1” on the front bodice.

I used a striped shirting for the pockets.

I decided to leave off the back ties as I don’t really like them on dresses.

I particularly liked the way the binding was added around the neckline and then sewn down with the buttonband facing – it gives a really neat finish.

Probably the fiddliest / hardest part was sewing the gathered skirt to the bodice without getting any folds sewn in – slow, slow, slow!

I’m still not sure how I feel about the elasticated cuffs on the sleeves but the elastic can easily be removed should I decide to do that. Oh and I finished the sleeves completely before sewing them into the bodice, this just made it a lot easier to get the elastic in without a dress attached to them and I will do this in future for all sleeves I make. A nod to Emily Hallman for that tip!

I would say this is advanced beginner – if you have experience with buttonholes, gathers and attaching binding you will be good to go.
Overall a lovely dress that I have enjoyed wearing