I wrote this post, and then I saw that 3 of the other girls have posted this pattern too: I guess that tells you how good a pattern it is for us bigger ladies!
Sizing: XS – 3XL
What size did you make? I made the bodice in a size L and graded to XL at the hips
What are your measurements and body shape? My measurements are 40-32-47″ – with up to 15″ difference between my waist and hip measurements, I am definitely a pear shape!
What adjustments did you make, and how long did they take? I’ve now made this dress a few times. The first few versions I made no changes to other than lengthening the skirt ~12cm. The fourth version I tightened the elastic a lot more than suggested in the pattern, and for my next versions I have taken out a bust dart. I’ve made one sleeveless version, two cap sleeved, and one with lengthened sleeves. Most versions I have lined the bodice.
I’ve also made a modified version with a sweet-heart neckline and yoke, using fold-over-elastic for the neckline.
What did you like? I liked the shape of the bodice, and the elastic gathering of the skirt. It’s very quick to make and easy to modify. I feel that in most fabrics, the pockets will be hidden in the gathers, so it DOESN’T give you any extra width on your hips.
What will you change next time? As mentioned above, I’ve done an adjustment for a bust dart using this tutorial. I also have plans for some more pattern modifications, which I’ll try to post here.
What advice do you have for curvy sewists? This is a great pattern and Colette has obviously done some work on the plus-sized block as the pattern pieces look significantly different to the lower sizes (as opposed to size 3XL just being graded up from S). I find it particularly flattering and comfortable for my pear-shape as I like fitted bodices with flared skirts.
It’s a pretty simple pattern but it’s easy to change using different fabrics and is quite easy to modify.
Curvy rating (1 – 5) — 5
Can you explain how you lined the bodice and then attached the sleeves? I can’t quite figure out how it’s done and I’m trying to make Version 2, but with the lined bodice. Any advice??
Can you please post a picture of the one with the FOE on it?
Also, do you think you could do a tutorial on how to use it?
That dress looks lovely on you, and another versitle pattern. I’d probably lower the neckline a bit, but I can see me giving this a go
http://www.calascrafts.blogspot.com
All of the dresses you made from the pattern look so good on you. I have a question for you: is the top really fitted because I don’t like my tops being that close to my body.
It is, so I would probably recommend cutting the size above your measurements, if possible?