Pattern name: Patterns for Pirates Wiggle Dress
Size range (with measurements): XXS-Plus 3X (Bust Sizes 30” – 54”)
What size did you make? Plus 1X
What are your measurements, height, and body type? Full Bust 47″, High Bust 42.5”, waist 39″-41”, hip 48″, Body Shape: Celloish Apple, Height: 5’7″, Bra size: 38F
What adjustments did you make and how long did they take?: None.
What was the construction process like? Did the instructions make sense to you?: The construction process is super easy. Sleeves sewn flat, hems finished with a double needle, and elastic used in the neckline to stop gaping.
How do you like the pattern’s fit? Do you think the design works well for your particular body shape?: I was really unsure of if I would be comfortable enough to wear this out. I never really wear body conscious garments, as I don’t feel very confident in them personally. I’ve been told that they just don’t work with my mildly apple body type. I’ve been trying to branch of out what is considered flattering, and just wear what I like. So I decided to help test this, in the hopes that I would actually find a wiggle dress liked wearing. I think I did! Full disclosure, I am wearing spanx in this photos, as I prefer a smoother silhouette. I feel very comfortable and think the pattern ending up working very well for me. During testing a bit more ease was added in the upper end of the sizes for larger stomachs and butts- which made a big difference fit wise for me. I made two versions. The first was a midi with long sleeves and the high back out of a scuba knit. The second being an above the knee version, off the shoulder, with long sleeves made out of a burnout stretch velvet, lined in a swim knit.
Will you make the pattern again? If so, what fit or design changes will you make?: Both versions I made ended up with VERY different feels, and there’s even more options in the pattern I would love to try. The crop top and the full length mermaid gown being the next two I’d love to make.
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?: The pattern is very simple, and would be easy to alter if you needed to. The center back seam will make a swayback adjustment a breeze. Knits, as always, are going to be a bit easier to fit as there’s more wiggle room, so to speak. (I can’t pass up a good pun, I’m sorry!)
Pattern Rating System:
Size Range (1-5): 4 I feel like P4P is definitely more on the inclusive side when it comes to indie patterns, but there are still pattern ranges that regularly go at least one or two sizes larger.
Instructions (1-5): 4 I prefer diagrams over photos, but that’s my only issue with them. If you are familiar with sewing knits, you probably won’t even need to reference them a whole lot anyway though.
Construction Process (1-5): 5 A total breeze to sew up. Super quick to make.
Final Fit (1-5): 5 Love it!
Overall Rating (1-5) + Explanation: 4.5 with points being detracted for size range, and personal preference on the instructions style.
I have seen a LOT of these made on the P4P FB group and i have to say i adore yours! you look fantastic, the bold print is VERY flattering and i love the way the green one looks on you too. great job!
Very vampy green and incredibly sexy elegant print. You look totally adorable.
Whoa now! You wiggle those gawjus dresses like a cobraa! Well done
This isn’t normally a silhouette a gravitate towards – but you look fabulous in both – I think I’m tempted!
Both dresses are gorgeous! so different and both suit you very well!
Holy HECK! These are just incredible on you. You look like a million bucks!
Super cute! Love the green one!
Holy smokes, those two dresses are KILLER. Kudos to you! You should wear those suckers like crazy. Very inspiring.
You look fabulous! A real inspiration. I wish I had your confidence.
The dress you made is beautiful and looks great on you.
Girl, rock this dress! You look amazing!
Paige
The green damask is mouth watering. You are so beautiful in it!
Love them both!
The scuba knit dress is Devine! I really like it. With the other dress, one of the pictures (I think it is the last picture of the green dress) it looks as if the left side back quarter was cut from your stretch velvet burn out knit in the opposite direction. Therefore the nape looks wrong. I know that this is pattern review, but maybe a description if using a fabric with nape to be careful cutting it out. I am sure it is a product of the photography and not a cutting error, but if this part of sewing was mentioned, it would save a lot of dresses.
Very sexy! Love your “wiggle” dresses on you 🙂
You looks stunning in both of those dresses. Wear the heck out of those!
Paige, you look like a million bucks in your two dresses! I am so glad times have changed and we can all be free to wear whatever we like now (and look great doing it).
I thought your “shape” was perfect in the wiggle dress. You looked like a beautiful hourglass not an applish cello at all. I even went back to the pictures to check when I read your body shape description. I hope you get many confident and beautiful days wearing your two wiggle dresses. By the way the floral was my favorite.
Floral my favourite too. You look really fabulous in it well done. Hoping to start my own blog shortly. If I make as nicely as that I’ll be happy indeed. X
I am definitely more apple shaped from the side profile if that makes sense. I will admit to photographing myself in a way the doesn’t draw attention to my belly. Thank you for the compliments! I do love these dresses.
Girl, you are rock’n the dress!