Roscoe Blouse and Dress review

This is my fourth garment based on this pattern, and I have no doubt there will be many more, as it lends itself really well to pattern hacks to create interesting variations.

The instructions and diagrams are very clear, and there is a sewalong on the True Bias website if you’d like some extra hand holding. The sewing itself is fairly simple and satisfying. No zips or buttons, so if you’re averse to those, this is your pattern! If you struggle with fit it’s also a winner there, as the Roscoe’s gathers in conjunction with a drapey fabric do all the work for you. The only thing that made this dress difficult was the slippery viscose I used, but it is so worth wrangling it, as drapey fabrics are the way to go with this pattern. Fabrics with more body look a bit bulky, and I wanted to keep this light and flowy.

There’s a lot of ease in this pattern, so I made two sizes smaller than my recommended size (0 rather than 4). I blended out to a larger size (8) at the bottom of the dress and the ruffle for a slightly fuller look towards the hem. I made the sleeves longer and more narrow, and made an elastic casing at the wrists. (As an added bonus, doing it this way saves on some of the gathering, so if that’s a sewing task you hate, skip it here.) I added in-seam pockets because I consider them essential. I’ve left off the ties for now, though I may add a button and loop or tassels later. I added 6cm to the length of the ruffle. Finally, I sewed a channel to the inside of the dress at the waist for elastic, to give definition without having to always wear it with a belt.

I adore this dress and I think I’ll get loads of wear out of it, from spring all the way through to autumn.

For more details and photos of my numerous Roscoe garments, see my Instagram feed: @chloemontrose