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Pattern Review: BlueGingerDoll Violet

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Knit dress patterns have been all the rage this year and one might say after seeing a knit dress pattern release:  “Oh, not another knit dress….”.  Yes, I know most designs are basic, but most of us relish the ease of sewing a knit dress and how quickly we can build a casual, everyday wardrobe with them.  And lets be honest …. knit dresses are basically secret pajamas.  You can feel just as comfy as those sporting their yoga pants — but you look chic and put together and not like you’re headed to the gym.

This, my friends, is the Violet knit dress pattern by BlueGingerDoll.  It’s a retro inspired knit dress that evokes a little bit of the 40’s with a dash of contemporary sexy.  The Violet is definitely not the Moneta.  Where Moneta is demure and sweet, Violet is her sexy, saucy, more complicated friend.

leopard violet 5

I love the pattern piecing on the bodice that allows you to play with color blocking and contrasting prints and make this pattern your own.  This dress is definitely not one to hide in as you’ll be showing off your assets in one vivacious and flattering way.  When I first saw the bodice on my dress form as I was sewing this dress, I couldn’t believe how VA VA VA VOOM this dress was.  I generally make and wear garments that are more modest and the Violet is modest whilst being curve hugging and super hot.

[source: BlueGingerDoll Patterns]

[source: Pattern Review]

This pattern has different options for sleeve lengths and skirt shapes which you can mix and match to get different looks.  I prefer the 3/4 sleeve with the flared skirt.  I’ve used jerseys for each of my versions so far.  The first was a poly blend animal print and a rayon blend solid.  The second was a cotton solid with a wool knit floral.

Some other gorgeous Violets that I’ve seen are made by:  G Marie Sews, A Stitching Odyssey, Sewing in the Shade and Handmade by Heather B.

Pattern name:  BlueGingerDoll Violet
Sizing:  4-24
What size did you make? I made a 22/24.
What are your measurements and body shape? My measurements are: 48-41-52 and I have a pear-ish shape.
What adjustments did you make, and how long did they take?   I used knit stay tape on the hem and sleeves and a woven stay tape on the shoulders.  I was a pattern tester for this pattern and my first version — my Animal Print Violet — follows the instructions.  I did end up eliminating the tape that is supposed to be around the waist as I found it constricting.  I also added a hem band as the skirt as it is a bit shorter than my preference.  My second version — a Burgundy Violet — is sewn mostly all on my serger whereas the first one is sewn on my sewing machine and finished on my serger.  I added a couple of inches of length to the skirt on my second version.  If you want to add length, the best way to keep the flare of the skirt is to follow the line of the skirt with your ruler and extend it to the desired length.  It’s a very easy adjustment and doesn’t take much time to do.
What did you like?  I love the retro meets modern feel to this dress and how flattering it is to wear.  The skirt skims and doesn’t cling (at least in the flared version).  The waist hits me in the right spot and doesn’t enhance my tummy area.  The dress doesn’t cling where I don’t want it to and conceals the areas of my body that I don’t want to show off.   I also love how you can use smaller pieces of fabrics for the bodice piecing and use up leftover yardages from other projects.
What will you change next time?  For me, the only thing that really needs to be changed is the skirt length as it’s a bit short.  I will probably make it a little longer on my third version than on my second one.  I think I will also add some pockets as I think that’s the only thing that this pattern is lacking — at least for me as I’ve gotten used to pockets in my dresses.
What advice do you have for curvy sewists?  This pattern fits me right out of the envelope with only a bit of lengthening on the skirt.  If you’re unsure about the fit, it’s probably best to make a muslin first.
Curvy rating (1 – 5) ?  5!
Note:  This pattern was complimentary as I was a tester for this pattern.

Comments

  1. Is Blue Ginger Doll no more? I was finally ready to take Tanya’s advice and try out the Violet, and the web site is down. Your versions are gorgeous, Tanya!

  2. Yowser – Tanya you look hot hot hot! Looks amazing with the brown boots. I want to make this now…..

  3. I honestly think this version is the most flattering thing on you!! I
    absolutely love the fit of this and the burgundy color is great. I have
    made several Monetas and think I might have to copy you and try out
    this pattern as well…I especially love being able to add a bit of
    interest to the top with the lace yoke. Love it!

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