Pattern Review: Marigold by Blank Slate Patterns

Hi, Curvy Sewists!

My name is Bettina, and I’m a German-speaking Swiss sewing blogger. I’m part of a great blogger circle called Näh-Connection. Our “leader”, Annika, translates (mostly) English patterns for the German speaking sewing community in Germany, Austria and Switzerland. When I realised that the Marigold Dress by Blank Slate Patterns was on the to-do-list I was a little frustrated: “Size range only to an XL? It’s cute but not for me,” I thought.

Luckily, my crazy blogger friends knew better! They kept on asking me (ok, harrassing me) about Marigold. “Go for it! Give it a try, Bettina!” In the end they won. I made myself a Marigold Dress, and it was one of the best decisions I made in 2016!

Pattern: Marigold Dress and Skirt by Blank Slate Patterns. Can be sewn as dress (two length options and two sleeve options), a peplum or a skirt.

Size Range: The largest size is an XL (bust 41-44, waist, hip 43-44). Please keep on reading even if your waist and hips are a little larger than that size range! This dress may still fit you. The gathers over the bust are flattering and easy to adjust for large busts, and the a-line skirt is forgiving over the hips.

What did I sew? I made the dress with cap sleeves and the longest skirt length. I sewed a size XL.

My measurements, height, body type, bra: Height: 5’’ 9’, Bra: 39 DD or 40 D, depends, Bust 42″, Waist 37″,  Hip 44″, Shape: Hourglass.

Adjustments:

Since Blank Slate Patterns are drafted for between a C or D cup, I needed a tad more space around the bust line. I realised this as I was sewing so my trouble shooting strategy was to use a narrower seam allowance at the button placket. We’re talking about a half inch in total.

I also lengthened the cap sleeves about one inch. Now they reach over the shoulders and a little further down, which I think is more flattering if you don’t have Michele Obama’s arms!  I also lengthened the dress at the waist line because I’m 5’ 9’’ tall.

Everything was really fast to adjust. As I was sure that I’m going to wear my dress with a belt or a tie, I skipped some smallish waist adjustment. Next time I’ll go with a size L at the waist and hips. The dress has plenty of room there.

Construction process:

I’m a big fan of Blank Slate patterns. The instructions are clear and easy to understand. But please keep in mind, that the Marigold Dress is not that beginner friendly. There are some tricky steps, such as sewing a button placket, a collar and a lined yoke. I would absolutely recommend it to intermediates or adventurous beginners. It’s not going to be done in two hours – It’s a bigger project, a project that helps you developing your skills. I like that a lot.

Fit: 

Well, have a look at the pics! I think the fit is downright gorgeous. Marigold does a great job for my curves. It’s not a tent, it’s a flattering dress with this special rockbilly retro touch. I would be so brave and say it’s perfect for almost every body shape. Big boobs? No prob. Tummy? Good chance that it fits into an XL. Hips? What’s wrong with hips if you have a A-line skirt piece?

Will I make it again?

I already did! The second time, I sewed the skirt variation in size L. I found it easy, fast and flattering. I’ve already bought another beautiful Cotton&Steel fabric for another dress – I’m thinking long sleeved for the colder seasons.

Advice to others:

As I wrote before, I’m member of the so called Näh-Connection. Some of my fellow Näh-Connection blogger friends are also curvy, so if you’d like to see Marigolds on a variety of figures, hop over to www.naeh-connection.com.

Size Range:

I should write 2 because it’s not really a plus size range. BUT it does work for curvy seamstresses and I found the sizing generous, so I go for a 3.

Instructions: 4

Construction: 4

Final fit: 4

Overall rating: 3.5? Difficult to say. I had a great experience with the pattern, but I do fall within the limited size range. That said, I think the pattern has nice features that might make it work for a wide range of women!