Like many other sewists, I have made up the Friday Patterns Adrienne blouse. In fact, the Adrienne knit blouse was the pattern that changed my stance against the statement sleeve trend–I especially love the neckline, where the elasticized shoulders hold everything in place. With that in mind, I was super excited when Friday Patterns recently released a woven dress sister pattern to the Adrienne–the Adrianna dress!
The Adrianna has the neckline and sleeves that I love from the Adrienne but is drafted for wovens as a shift dress:
For more examples of the Adrianna dress on curvier body types, see #adriannadress tag on Instagram. I got even more excited about this version when I saw the various versions starting to show up on Instagram.
Michelle
Measurements: High Bust – 42″, Bust –47″, Bra Size – 40DD, Waist – 44″, Hips – 47″, Height – 5’2″.
Pattern Size: I used a size XL as my starting size, based on my high bust measurement.
Alterations: Since Friday Patterns are drafted for a B-cup bust, I made a 1.5″ (3″ total) Full Bust Adjustment (FBA) to my front pattern piece. Because this was already a darted pattern, I didn’t do anything fancy with the bust dart and simply increased its size.
Fabric: Floral print rayon poplin.
Fit: I chose my size by my high bust measurement because I’ve made several other Friday Patterns and found them to be very true to their B-cup drafting. However, on the Adrianna, I actually found the neckline and shoulders to be a big snug. There’s definitely no gaping at that neckline!
Changes for future version: With the snug neckline/shoulders, I am going to go up a size all around for my next version and do a smaller FBA.
Final thoughts: The final dress is really cute, and it’s a unique design. The step where you attach the all-in-one-facing to the sleeves and to the dress is a little fussy–be patient and have a seam ripper ready for that step. Outside of that, though, it’s a fairly quick sew and with its subtle shaping, it’s a dress that looks good on many body types.
Sierra
Measurements: Full bust–54″, Waist–44″, Hips–54″, Height–5’7″
Pattern Size: I chose the 3X based on my waist and hip measurement.
Alterations: Like Michelle, I made a Full Bust Adjustment on my front pattern piece. I made a 1″ FBA that added a total of 2″ to the bust.
Fabric: I used a rayon challis from LA Finch Fabrics that was deep in my stash.
Fit: I like the overall fit of the dress, but the neckline is a little tighter than I’d like it to be. My front facing flips out a little bit, but that doesn’t bother me too much. This is also a shorter dress than I’m used to, but I could wear shorts underneath or style it with leggings.
Changes for future version: This is my tester version, so I’d like to use the final pattern pieces for another dress with the same adjustments. The final pattern has a little more ease in the bust for the larger sizes. I’ll also lengthen the hem for a maxi length version thats perfect for a beach vacation. I might style it with a belt or add an elastic casing for a different silhouette.
Final thoughts: I enjoyed making this dress and I am pleased with the end result. The sleeves are my favorite detail. Although I’ve identified some changes for future versions, I will absolutely still wear this version. It’s a different style for me and I am excited about wearing it as spring and summer quickly approach.
Dresses look great! I am working on my first Adrianna dress and confess and having hit a speed bump with the sleeves. I have a bump where the sleeve/elastic part meets the dress.
Did you encounter this as well? Perhaps it is more camouflaged with a print rather a solid colour which is what I am sewing – a lovely washable linen but am unhappy with the connection.
Any suggestions would be appreciate. Thank you.
Wow, what a great dress. It looks easy to put together, and the sleeves are outstanding. I would get it just for that, and I agree it would make a great beach cover-up or summer dress. You both chose great fabrics. Very flattering style! Really love this feature where 2-3 people make the same pattern, mostly because the more fabrics, the merrier! You’re both very skilled. Great job, ladies! Enjoy your dresses!
The lines of this dress are really flattering. I think it would be cute as a maxi or as a tunic with leggings. You both look smashing!
This is fantastic. Adrianna is on my list of things to seriously think about, but I’d not yet seen any on curvier folks. I adore the Adrienne, but tend to avoid dresses that aren’t fit and flare because I have plenty of junk in the trunk. Thank you!
Ladies, you youngsters look fantastic in this dress. And what a great blast from the past for us oldsters; we called it peasant blouse or dress back in the day. I especially love that a great blouse has been adapted into a dress. Well done!
I’ve made two Adriannas and have two more on my cutting table. I found the pattern to be straightforward and love the sleeves as well. I shortened my sleeves quite a bit, I’m 5’2” and found them long on myself. I also used a smaller seam allowance with heavier weight fabrics