Hello there! I’ve only been sewing a couple of years and I haven’t had a lot of success sewing dresses for myself. (Several will never see the outside of my sewing room!) However, I was cautiously optimistic when I came across UK-based Sew Me Something and the lovely Helena dress. I even had the same mustard washed linen used on the pattern picture in my stash, which I thought looked wonderful. I’ve also since made it in a printed polyester, with shorter sleeves and no pockets, for a different look.
Pattern Name: Helena by Sew Me Something
Size range: The size range runs from a size 8 to 22, that’s 32″/26″/35″ up to 46″/41″/49″.
What size did you make: I made a straight size 20.
What are your measurements, height & body type: My measurements are 44″/38″/48″, putting me pretty much bang on the size 20. I’m 5’6, a pear with narrow shoulders and generous upper arms.
What adjustments did you make: None! This is thrilling for me as I usually always have to adjust for my 16.5’ biceps. I’ve made both sleeve variations and they fit well without any adjustments.
What fabric did you use? The solid fabric is a lovely soft washed linen, while the print is an unusual textured polyester with slightly more body that the linen. This extra body means that the dress sits a bit more stiffly in the print dress.
What was the construction process like? Did the instructions make sense? The pattern designer also teaches sewing and I think it shows, as the instructions are clear, user friendly, and logical. The only potential sticking point is the enclosed yoke. As pointed out in the pattern, it’s fiddly! However, it does give a really nice finish to the inside of the dress, so follow the instructions and you’ll be fine. Despite everything seeming really awkward, it’s worth persevering.
How do you like the patterns fit? Do you think the design works well for your body shape? I love the fit of this dress, relaxed without being too tent like. I’m a pear shape with a high waist that doesn’t really suit elastic around the middle. It tends to ride up even more & I’m left doing a grumpy Jane Austen impression as my waist disappears into my boobs (Yes, those are the dresses not coming out of the sewing room!). Bust darts give a nice fit to the Helena, while the shape of the dress ensures pleasing movement and “swish.” The pleating details adds interest without being fussy, and the neckline and shoulders are not crazy wide , so I don’t feel like this is a pattern that has just been sized up indiscriminately.
Will you make this pattern again? I am really pleased with both versions and I fully intend to make more. With boots, leggings, and a scarf this is a great “no think” winter work outfit for me.
Do you have any advice on this pattern for other curvy sewers? The fit is meant to be very relaxed, but do bear in mind there is a LOT of ease in this pattern. While the size range isn’t as broad as some other pattern ranges, it would be a relatively easy pattern to grade up. The pattern is available as a printed version and a PDF. I used the PDF, since one disadvantage living at the bottom of the world is postage costs! But the pattern was easy to tape together, with clear markings to match up each sheet.
Pattern rating:
Size Range: 3.5– Could be broader, but potential to grade up easily.
Instructions: 5– Excellent & clear.
Construction Process: 4.5– Logical
Final Fit: 5– Works straight out of the packet!
Overall Rating: 4.5 Overall I’m really happy with this pattern, it looks great, is relatively easy to put together, is lovely to wear and can be given different looks with the choice of fabrics. I took off half a point for the size range, otherwise I highly recommend.
Note: I purchased this pattern with my own hard earned dollars, all opinions are mine.
Thanks for the review and for picking this pattern! From the picture on the sleeve of the pattern I would never have chosen this dress and I hadn’t heard about this company before. Your pictures look way better. Very well done and the style suits you perfectly. I’ll think about buying the pattern – this looks like a great summer dress to me.
Thank so much Karen, its a great pattern, been wearing both versions loads recently 🙂
Wow, you have done a bang-up job. I never would have looked twice at this pattern, but your fabric choice and styling sold it. I’m a pear too and it’s nice to find something loose that doesn’t look like a tent for those days when I just don’t feel like wearing a belt to “flatter” my curves. Brava!
Thanks Lola? (not a fan of belts myself so it’s the perfect shape!)
I love the linen dress and your review is really useful. I’m going to pop over to the website and have a look. Thank you
Thank you, glad you found it useful?
Wow well done! They both look fabulous on you. I need this pattern.
Thank you!
Love your dress, especially the linen one….looks like a good choice for summer. Would the balance be right if cut off to a tunic length? Thanks
Hi, Yes it would, I actually intended the print version to be a tunic length, so I pinned up the linen one to make sure it worked , it looked good, I just decided I couldn’t bear to cut off the lovely print!
I loved this pattern when you first showed us your version. I like your second one, too, so colorful! It looks really cute on the designer – if you look at her Pinterest page you can see what it looks like over jeans, etc. I will be trying this with some summer weight fabrics soon.
Thanks Patti, I saw her on Instagram & really liked the styling over jeans, so versatile!
You look lovely. I love them both.
Thanks Stephanie, I love wearing them?
You look fabulous in this!! I absolutely adore this dress. I so wish I could make it, but I refuse to deal with PDF patterns. 🙁
I am pretty sure there is a printed pattern (but it was out of stock when I bought mine).
Thank you! Ha ha I actually enjoy cutting & taping PDF patterns, makes me feel crafty!
I love the print you chose. The style is simple but fashionable. I find my waist blends with my girls. It is hard to make a dress to fit my body they usually looks very frumpy. Thanks for the review. I really like this platform. I have given up sewing for myself . I moved on to quilts. But clothes do have to be replaced. Thanks again. Betty Pegram
Thanks Betty, the print really caught my eye in the store (my husband wasn’t so sure!?), I wish I had the patience for quilting!
This is a new to me pattern designer and I’m not a fan of the shape at all, but it does look good on you though. I like the print version even more than the solid colour. Both are nice wardrobe adds for sure!
Thanks Abbey, yes it isn’t a shape for everyone but I love it personally, that’s what I love about sewing, so much choice!
The photo on the pattern is not attractive; based on it, I wouldn’t have given this pattern a second look. Having seen the dress on the seamstress, however, I decided I like it very much. Nice job!
Thanks Melanie!
Good Job. I really like the print on the printed dress.
Thanks, it’s nice & bright for grey old winter!
This is beautiful! I have the same linen in my stash, it must be a sign!!
Ha ha, yes Julieanne, it must be, go for it?
Thanks so much for this review! I also have the full arm situation, and altering sleeves (and then the armhole) is such a drag. Also, having the front tucks AND a full bust adjustable dart allows me to enjoy this style without a bunch of extra fabric covering my glorious “balcony”.
So I am sold, and will order this pattern ASAP. Now – will you review their other very cute patterns????
Thanks again!
Thanks! Funny you say that, I’m working on a pretty Imogen top , once again, sleeves!?
Love this! Like you say, it looks relaxed but still w enough shape to be pulled together. I hope it gets many journeys outside your sewing room!
Thanks Lindsay, I do love wearing both, so versatile ?
The dress is cute, the way you have styled it is adorable!
Thanks Patricia, love anything I can wear with comfy boots & tights!
Loved your dress so much I promptly clicked over and ordered this pattern and 2 others besides! Thank you for this great review – clear and helpful pictures and for the notice about Sew Me Something.
That’s fabulous Kathleen, love to see your makes when you’re done! I have an Imogen top on the go next?
This dress looks great on you! The fit is wonderful–I agree, loose but not a tent! Both versions in the pics look amazing–comfortable but still stylish! Thanks so much for sharing!
Thank you so much, it’s a fine line isn’t it, I want to look good but still be comfortable (without waearing my PJ’S all day?)
Thanks for the review! The dresses both look great. I especially love the print.
Thanks Natasha, I love what a difference just changing up the fabric makes!
Love the dresses but my favorite is the printed polyester. Love the neckline too.
Thanks Mickey, it’s a nice neckline with a scarf also (winter coming here sadly!)
I love, love, love your printed version of the dress! You are very talented and have great taste and a real eye for what works best for you. Thanks for sharing.
Thank you Karen, that’s so kind?Still finding my way with my sewing , trying different things, it’s a real learning curve!