Hi, Friends! I’m really happy to share with you one of my most favorite patterns of this past year, the Pisco Dress (and tank) from SBCC Patterns. Many of you may know that SBCC patterns were initially designed for petites, but with the release of this pattern, an “average” height option has been added, as well as an additional size (4X, 60.5″ bust and a 61.5″ hips) and cup size options for B, C and D cups. This is truly one of the most customizable patterns on the market right now, my only complaint is that I haven’t had the time to make a more seasonally appropriate version for winter here in New Mexico!
Measurements: High Bust: 43″, Bust: 46″, Waist 43″, Hip 54″
Body Shape: Representing team pear!
Pattern Size Used: 1X C-cup in the petite length for the bodice. At the waist, I switched to the average length for the lower half of the garment, using a 2X at the waist and a 3X at the hips. This pattern is so customizable that you can mix and match the different lengths by attaching them at the waist. Select your appropriate cup size, grade between sizes if needed, and hopefully you won’t have to do any additional pattern alterations on your own.
Alterations: This is my tester version, and as such I did make a few alterations, all of which have been addressed in the final pattern. As I mentioned above, this pattern is VERY customizable, and since its in a knit its quite forgiving, so hopefully many people who sew this will not have to make additional pattern alterations after they have selected their correct size. The princess seam design allows for easy alterations after the fact, if needed.
Fabric Used: Joann’s sells this as a stretch crepe, in internet sewing terms I would liken it to a textured liverpool knit. It is a beefy fabric that has lots of stretch and structure, and doesn’t cling. I think it was perfect for this dress, but I know it will also work well in a ponte knit.
Fit: After struggling with fit for many years, testing the Harvey Shirt from SBCC patterns a couple of months ago was a major breakthrough for me: I learned that I am, in fact, petite from the bust to the shoulder even though I am 5’7″ tall. I guess I had always suspected it, but it never occurred to me to sew a petite pattern since I am technically “tall”. I love my Harvey Shirt and the Pisco Dress is another huge winner for me, and even better, since it comes in both petite and “average” sizing! Honestly, the sizing customization options with this pattern are nearly too good to be true. And look at that back fit, no swayback adjustment was needed since I was able to pick the appropriate cup size and the petite bodice length. Not to mention, all five of those seams shown in the line drawing above have some sort of shaping built in, including the center back seam. So much easier to accommodate grading between sizes for anyone who spans multiple size ranges when you have five seams instead of just two seams at the side. 
Changes for Future Versions: I’m excited to try the final version of this pattern, but otherwise I don’t plan any changes! I have no complaints about this partner, and I need more versions in my closet. Another thing I like is that depending on fabric, it could range anywhere from sporty and casual to work or cocktail party appropriate, and it layers VERY well under cardigans and over leggings. I seriously hope more people give the Pisco Dress a try because it is very well designed and so versatile.
The fit of this dress is perfection and the length is just right too. Is it easy to get on and off, not having a zipper?
Sorry I’m just seeing this comment now! The fabric I used is quite stretchy, so I haven’t had any issues. That is definitely something to keep in mind when choosing a fabric though, I hadn’t even thought of it!
This dress is great on you! I do not recall seeing you wear that color before – it goes beautifully with your coloring. Congratulations!
Thank you, Melinda! I have a few pieces of fabrics in this color in my stash now, it is a new one for me but I’m a total convert!
I agree that it’s a flattering dress on you, the wonderful sort of dress that’s nice as is, but is also simple to accessorize. My only suggestion for your next version would to reduce the slight flare at the shoulders. Like another writer, my waistline is my biggest measurement, so I would want to flare the skirt out instead of having the skirt follow my hips as designed. Thanks for letting us know that they have added another size, and allowed for a taller body.
I think the flare at the shoulder is one of my favorite parts of this pattern. Thanks!
Ahhh I love this!! It fits you perfectly and looks so lovely. SBCC helped me with a similar realization, that even at 5′ 9″ certain characteristics of petite patterns fit my upper half much better (particularly shoulder to bust, and back neck to waist). I love the versatility and options of this pattern, when I dig out from under my current sewing backlog I think this dress will have to be next up on my list.
Thanks, Teagan. I hope you give it a try!
Fabulous fit. Fantastic dress, you have a winner here!
Thank you!
Fantastic dress! Love the fit on you, as close to perfection as one can get. I was interested in this when it was released but made an assumption that may now need to be changed. Thanks for your review.
Thanks!
This is the best fitting dress I have ever seen. It looks so good on you! Finally a pattern I’m tempted to buy.
Thanks so much! This pattern is magic for sure!
You made an excellent choice of pattern and fabric. It fits you well and the construction job looks good! You look great in the dress! Try it with a “girlier” pair of sandals. (I say that, but it’s hard to get me out of my casual sandals!)
Thanks! Girly sandals aren’t really my speedy, especially because I’m not trying to look like a girl!
Super cute! Nail color is lovely. I appreciate how you were able to use different sizes to get a great fit. Fabric choice is pretty. For a simple & classic pattern, it looks beautiful. I could see it in other fabrics as well. Thanks for bringing this to our attention. Just wonderful!
Thank you!
Well done! Newbie here, joined to learn about alterations for different body types and am learning to sew without patterns, using body measurements. Your pictures look wonderful. Sometime when you are doing a shoot, try placing your hands down a bit PAST your hips, still leaving space between your arms and waist. This pose can be seen on many vintage pattern envelopes and is designed to flatter the curved feminine shape and will help show off your waist! I like how you sewed this one to skim your silhouette making a very flattering sheath shape. You have done such a good job that I am wondering if the pattern could even work in a medium weight linen.
Great job and well presented. You look gorgeous!
Thank you!
Looks awesome on you but I have no idea what shape I am and with having no breasts I don’t think this one would work on me. My waist is much larger than my hips and I think would look plain terrible on me. But oh well I guess I keep looking.
Good luck with the search.