Pattern Review: Made for Mermaids Mama Catherine

•  Pattern name: Made For Mermaids Mama Catherine
• Size range (with measurements): Indie sizing nonsense, grey through red. High bust measurements go from 31.5″ to 46.5″, full bust measurements go from 30″ to 51″.
• What size did you make? Orange, full bust measurement 46″-48″.

• What are your measurements, height, and body type? (If reviewing a top or dress, bra size is very helpful for our readers.) Full Bust 47″, High Bust 42.5”, waist 39″-41”, hip 48″, Body Shape: Celloish Apple (I have waist definition from the front, but not in profile.) Height:  5’7″, Bra size:  38F
• What adjustments did you make and how long did they take? None. That’s the beauty of a swing dress for me! Normally where I had to let out the waist in most of my makes, this style has room to spare.
• What fabric did you use? A brushed poly-spandex.

• What was the construction process like? Did the instructions make sense to you? Construction was very easy. The put it all together on my serger, except gathering the skirt and the hemming which I did with my twin needle on my regular machine. It’s basically a gathered skirt connected to a simple yolk. I think what makes the pattern work is the fun sleeve detail. The instructions were very easy to follow and included photographs of every step. While I prefer diagrams, I think the photos for this pattern were very good.
• How do you like the pattern’s fit? Do you think the design works well for your particular body shape? I think it does personally. I know that in traditional ideas on dressing for my body, defining the waist is key. I don’t personally follow those rules, and have always been a fan of a good sack dress. I plan on wearing this dress to my “holiday party” which will consist of gift exchanges and dinner with family. Comfort is key! The brushed poly spandex is also warm because of the polyester nature of it. I will stay plenty toaster without a sweater.  I do worry it comes off a bit nightgownish given my floral fabric choice, but really am not too concerned about that giving the venue I’ll be in.

• Will you make the pattern again? If so, what fit or design changes will you make? I don’t know how many more of this dress I need in my wardrobe. I do plan on stealing the sleeves and putting them on other bodices.

• Do you have any advice on this pattern for other curvy sewers? Are there any resources (blog posts, fitting books, tutorials) that helped you sew this piece up? It’s very forgiving in fit! As long as you get a good fit on the sleeve and shoulders you should be set!

Pattern Rating System:

Size Range (1-5) 3, it’s not the most inclusive pattern on paper, but it definitely is a friend to those of us with larger waists and the pattern is basically “free” sized from the bust down. 
Instructions (1-5) 5 no issues with the instructions. 
Construction Process (1-5) 5 Very easy construction.
Final Fit (1-5) 5 I like the fit.

Overall Rating (1-5) + Explanation 4.5

I think overall I do like this pattern, I wish the size range was larger. This pattern could fit larger waists though given the style of the dress. I always recommend checking finished garment measurements before ruling out a pattern if you aren’t far off their size chart.