Good afternoon, readers!
I’m happy to share my thoughts on one of my favorite dress patterns — the Colette Chantilly!
Colette Chantilly in silk chiffon
Pattern Name: Colette Chantilly 1002
Size Range: 0-18
What size did you make? Graded up to about a 20/22
What are your…..
- Measurements: 48-41-52
- Body Shape: Pear-ish/Spoon
- Height: 5’8
- Bra size: 44D
Colette Chantilly in lace and voile
What adjustments did you make and how long did they take? Graded up the pattern, did a swayback adjustment to the bodice back piece and added about an inch to the skirt length. All of the pattern alterations were pretty quick and easy for me to do. I cut the skirt gores of the lace version a little differently as I was working with a scalloped edge.
What was the construction process like? Did the instructions make sense to you? This pattern goes together very well and the instructions are easy to follow. These dresses took me a while to construct as I used French seams throughout, which took especially long with the gored skirts. I made both of these dresses with View 1 as I used sheer overlay fabrics for both. These dresses are both lined (following the instructions), but I prefer both a lining and an overlay/underlay, so that you have a smooth finish inside as well and all the seams are hidden. That’s something that I always do when I sew dresses with sheer fabrics, so I’m not certain why I didn’t do so with either of these dresses!
How did you like the pattern’s fit? Do you think that the design works well for your body shape? I love the fit of this pattern and I think the design is very flattering to my body shape. I took a chance with the first one I made (the lace/voile version) as I was uncertain how it would look on me and I was pleasantly surprised. I love the gathers on the bodice and the curved midriff gives a nice shape for me at my waist. Before I made my first Chantilly, I also wasn’t certain if my bra straps would show and if I’d have to wear a strapless bra with it. I was happy to find that it’s bra friendly.
Will you make this pattern again? If so, what fit or design changes will you make? I will definitely make this pattern again! Both of these dresses that I’m sharing today were special occasion dresses, so I recently made a casual version out of dotted Swiss cotton (not photographed yet). My latest version has a gathered skirt without the gores, mainly due to my lack of fabric to cut out the original skirt. I wouldn’t make any other design changes as I love the bodice as-is.
Do you have any advice on this pattern for other curvy sewers? Are there any resources or materials that helped you sew this piece up? I believe that the bodice on this dress would accommodate a gal who is more endowed than I due to the bust gathers, You could probably also adjust them to your body before sewing the gathers to the collar. I used this method to grade this pattern up.
Pattern Rating (1-5):
- Size range: 4
- Instructions: 5
- Construction process: 5
- Final fit: 5
- Overall rating: 4.75
Overall, I really adore this pattern. The Chantilly has become my go-to dress for sheers and special occasions. It’s a shame that this pattern is no longer available in it’s print version and only in a digital format. After recently sewing a casual version, I’m looking forward to making another as it’s a great summer dress. Wouldn’t it also be amazing to make a full-length evening gown with this pattern?
Tanya, I always love the fabrics you choose for your pieces! I hope you realize how gorgeous you are. I love your style.
I now feel confident to try this pattern and look forward to seeing my results. Thank you for the lovely review! Your dresses are stunning!
A love these dress, they look great on you. can you recommend a similar pattern (my calls, etc.) that goes up to a bigger size. also maybe something with a sleeve. thanks
So so so gorgeous! I need to learn to grade patterns. It’s on my “things to learn in the fall” list. Cause I love so many patterns that don’t go up large enough.
You look beautiful in both of those dresses. I especially love the fabric in the flowered dress and think those colors and that style are just beautiful. Thank you for writing the blog today.
Fabulous! Awesome job. Thanks for sharing.
This dress looks amazing on you! (And a floor length evening gown would be divine!)
Lovely dresses again, Tanya! I particularly love the lace/voile version and the colour of the second dress really suits you.
Especially love the dark print–perfect colors for you, especially with the cute shoes!
Wow you look fabulous! I always love your dresses and this one is awesome too. The dark fabric is a swoon!
That dark one is gorgeous! I’m terrified of grading, though, so never buy Colette’s older patterns that only go to an 18. It would be awesome if they would extend the size range for their entire collection.
Really love it…what a great dress on you!
Those dresses are beautiful. You have done a great job. Love the fabric choices too.
Tanya, both of your dresses are so lovely. You have done a great job on “dressier” outfits without looking fussy.
Wonderful review. If you made a long skirted version, would you use the gored pattern or a gathered skirt? Just curious.
Thank you, Maggie! I think I would use the gored skirt pieces and cut/spread on the lengthen/shorten line. The gores slightly flare at the bottom, so I think it would give a better shape.
That is gorgeous in all your fabrics. Very impressive. It is difficult to find a nice pattern for a special occasion dress. You have done a beautiful job.
Thank you, Cecilia! It really is a nice pattern to make and wear.
Once again a beautiful job. I agree that this pattern is very flattering on you. Looking forward to pictures of the dotted swiss.
Thanks, Linda! The dotted Swiss, might be fave as I used the Gertie rose print fabric from Joann’s and I love the fuller skirt.
Luv, luv,luv the dark one. It’s very elegant on you. Do you need a strapless bra with this dress?
Thanks, Anthea! Yes, I can wear a regular bra with these dresses and the straps don’t show.