Pattern Name: Decades of Style 3016 1930’s Miss L’s Coat Dress
Size Range: 6-26 (Bust 32″-52″, Waist 26″-46″, Hips 35″-55″)
What size did you make? I made a size 24, grading up to 26 at the hips.
What are your measurements, height, and body type? 50-44-56, 5’8, pear-ish/spoon-ish
What adjustments did you make and how long did they take? I didn’t make any adjustments other than adding a little length to the skirt.
What fabric did you use? Wool suiting with wool broadcloth contrast and lined with Japanese poly lining for the coat base and silk for the sleeves.
What was the construction process like? Did the instructions make sense to you? Although this pattern looks intimidating, it is somewhat deceiving as the instructions are clear and walk you through each step. The sleeves look the most difficult, but they are pieced together kind of like a quilt and the method is easily explained. There is a lot of sewing involved, so it’s definitely not a quick project. My version is made more time consuming with the addition of bound buttonholes. The pattern doesn’t include bound buttonholes. It is akin to sewing a coat – which it essentially is — just designed to be worn as a dress.
How do you like the pattern’s fit? Do you think the design works well for your particular body shape? Yes, I love the fit. At first I thought it was a bit loose as I’m used to a more form-fitting style at the waist. The shape glides over your figure. After wearing it for a day, I realized that if it fit more tightly, that the buttons would either burst or you would sit around feeling uncomfortable all day. It is loose enough that I could wear mine open with a slim-fitting dress underneath it, so kind of dual-purpose when it comes to a pattern. I am also happy to say that the sleeves didn’t require a full bicep adjustment.
Will you make the pattern again? If so, what fit or design changes will you make? I’m not certain that I need another version as I basically already made one in my dream color and fabric combo. If I were to make one again it would probably be in wool with some different contrasting colors. Otherwise, I love the fit and it doesn’t need any altering.
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? Just follow the instructions and you’ll be good to go! If you want to add bound buttonholes, there are numerous tutorials that can be googled so that you can find the method that you prefer to use.
Size Range: 4
Instructions: 5
Construction Process: 5
Final Fit: 5
Overall Rating: 4.75
Conclusion: As usual, Decades of Style has produced a unique and well-drafted pattern that results in a beautiful garment.
Wonderful attention to detail love the green flashes.
You look great too.
It is a very professional garment.
I love the fit and construction of your garment and your covered buttons. I’d like to give it a try when I have a bit more sewing experience, but I’m a little concerned that it looks like a graduation ceremony gown. I’d likely go with another color or possibly a floral pattern but I’m wondering if you have any suggestions that might make it less academic in appearance?
This is lovely beyond words…love the 40’s vibe….wish we all dressed like this!
Stunning workmanship and impeccable fit; and it looks wonderful
Your sewing skills always impress me, Tanya! This garment looks great on you and I love the color.
Your sewing skills always impress me, Tanya! This garment looks great on you. I love the colors.
What a lovely and unusual garment…and the shoes are “da bomb”!
The colors ,sewing skill and sizing of this pattern look amazing on you. Your Workman ship is outstanding. Thank you for sharing
This is soooo cool! I am very close to the same measurements. I would babe never thought to try this pattern if not for your review. You look amazing. Thank you !!!
*have. I would have never…
Sorry.
Oooh, love the way this dress fits, and it looks wonderful on you! The quality of your work really shows in this garment too.
I love everything about this — the color combination, the fit, the covered buttons, the accessories. You look fabulous in this coat dress.
I’m curious if you think this pattern would work with a slightly lighter weight material.
I’ve made this pattern in linen and it turned out beautifully! I used a relatively heavy weight linen, but it’s lighter than a wool suiting would be. Finding the right fabric was one of the trickiest parts for me…you need something with a fair amount of structure and body, but you don’t want it to be too heavy or the piecing on the sleeves will be too bulky.
Thank you for your comment/suggestion. I had a feeling that a similar but lighter weight material would work but I didn’t want to put the time & effort into it if the result would be odd looking. I guess I need to start the search for the right material!