I don’t know about you but I am impatiently waiting for warmer days and ready to ditch my layers and get myself ready for simple dressing. So when Criswood Sews reached out to us to review The Envelope Dress pattern, a loose fitting caftan style dress, I knew that this would be good to add on my list. Her patterns are custom sized, zero-waste and very beginner friendly. I was already intrigued by a pattern that was basically paper free and can be used repeatedly in a variety of fabrics for different results.
When we talk about Zero Waste, it took me a minute to wrap my head around the concept of what that meant as a person who sews. A garment where zero fabric is left over and there is no paper pattern pieces to print, cut and tape. #insertgasp Let me repeat that again just in case you thought you read that incorrectly…No more printing, cutting and/or taping?!?!?! Sign me up!
The pattern provides simple formulas to customize the garment to any size or fit. For more versatility, an additional pattern packet including 3 sleeve variations are available on her site.
Sierra:
Measurements: High Bust – 50″, Bust – 55″, Bra Size – 42K (haven’t recently been fitted so this may be inaccurate), Waist 46″, Hips – 56″, Height -5’7”
Fabric: I used a wild poppy printed viscose poplin from Blackbird Fabrics. It reminds me of a rayon challis in terms of drape but it’s a bit easier to sew with. It is 58” wide.
Fit: I’m very pleased with the fit. This is the first time I’ve made a custom sized pattern. I was afraid I wouldn’t have enough room in my hips when I sat down, but I didn’t have any issues. I’ve been able to move about normally, including walking up stairs. The only time I’ve had to adjust the dress was to get in the car.
Changes for future versions: I want to add pockets but I’m not sure if I want them to be inseam or patch pockets. I’d also like to try it in a 45” wide fabric. I also want to try some of the variations from the expansion pack. I also want to make Asher version with high side skits.
Final Thoughts: I really enjoyed making this dress. It’s a very comfortable dress that is pretty versatile. I did enjoy not having to use any paper for this pattern. I ended up with a very small scrap (based on the amount of fabric I had) that will likely become a belt or headscarf. I would totally make this again.
Martha:
Measurements: High Bust – 47″, Bust –50″, Bra Size – 44DDD, Waist – 47″, Hips – 61″, Height – 5’6″.
Fabric: Wanted a “lets get ready for warmer days” Caftan vibe so I choose this abstract Bohemian Rayon woven fabric I got from LaFinch Fabrics. It has a lot of great drape and I utilized the full 60 inches of width to make this maxi length with a deep 3 inch hem.
Fit: As I explained in the beginning, this is a custom fit dress based on the widest measurement on my body which are my hips at 61 inches. I too was a bit worried about the fit around my hips so I “transferred” an additional 3 inches on my total garment size to the back piece of my garment to account for a full butt adjustment (when you do the calculations as per the instructions, this will make more sense). This adjustment also gave me more room at the neck/shoulder area which was also a concern due to my sensory issues when it comes to clothing around my neck but this felt great and not restrictive at all. I chose to make my envelope dress with the slits on the side. My original intent was to make the puff sleeves offered on the Hack Pack but this right here was giving me “Rich Auntie Vibes” and I just fell in formation as I enjoyed some libations and good company.
Changes for future versions: Most definitely going to need to add some pockets. Love Sierra’s idea of patch pockets!!! I will also try a couple of the sleeves offered in the hack pack because this is definitely going to be a TNT pattern for an instant fabulous look that literally takes very little sew time. I am eyeing a couple of the sheer fabrics I have in my stash to make a couple of beach cover ups and I can see throwing some lace, voiles and even a light sweater fabric for cooler temps.
Final Thoughts: This is about to be a staple pattern in my arsenal. Once I got out of my own head full of doubt and just made the dress as per the instructions, it was such a breeze. Went by so quickly I thought I actually did something wrong…lol. I love a classic free-styling loose dress and the fact that I can make this base envelope dress with a minimum amount of 2 yards of fabric with very little waste is just a *Chef’s Kiss.
I am so happy to find this review! I was feeling inspired by the No Waste Sewing episode over at Love to Sew Podcast, but I felt very uninformed by the Criswoodsews website. Thanks for the reassurance that this can work on a larger body!
Generally, I’ve never thought a caftan style dress is one for me. But I am definitely thinking I need to try this — a zero waste, zero printing pattern?!?!? Sign me up! Thank you for this great review.
And, if I don’t feel it’s my style, I know it’s my mom’s and my daughters.
Update! I made two of them this weekend. I only could find 45″ wide fabric, so they are a nice knee length on my 5’3″ frame. Still not sure if they’re for me, but I am totally here for the comfort. I just need to have Iowa’s weather warm up enough to wear a dress without tights and knee-high boots.
Thank you both for your review of the Criswood. The dresses you made up are beautiful. I think I will be adding this pattern to my must make list.
Thank you. I’ve been waiting to see this pattern on someone who is rounder and fuller. You both convinced me that is a dress for every body.
Love the pattern and I couldn’t see it becoming a staple , like both but the 2nd one is my favorite , fabric choice makes such a difference. Thank you ladies. Sierra , a head tie would be perfect , especially with your fabric choice.
Love this big time. Quick and easy to make, zero waste and looks fabbo. Wots not to love? I bought this pattern a few months ago and will definitely make based on this review and seeing the garment modelled.
You’ve each made an exciting dress in different ways, and inspired me to look at this pattern for myself. Thank you!
Both of you ladies did a great job describing what to did to sew up this pattern! I immediately went and bought fabric and this pattern…pretty much simultaneously! LOL Can6wait to get started!
Can’t wait to see it!
Great dresses, you both look fabulous😍 I also have been worried about the neckline as I hate constraining necklines. Martha, am I right in assuming you spaced your front pieces with a 3″ gap at the back?
Yes I did! It pretty much squares out the neckline and I just sewed down the neckline with no problem
Thanks for the tip 😊 I’ll try that on my next version.
You both are RADIANT! Thank you for sharing your reviews of this pattern. Off to purchase for myself!
Thank you!!
If only I could look this good! These are fantastic renditions, where do you find your fabrics? You really have created flattering, freeing dresses. I love your work.
Everywhere! I thrift, swap and of course purchase fabric in stores and online. I’ve seen versions in all kinds of fabric. Thank you!
Both of you look FABULOUS in your dresses. After I finish this comment I am heading straight over to order this pattern. It sounds amazing and looks very wearable. Thanks for the review! Happy sewing.
Thank you!
Stunning! Both versions look so comfortable and elegant, and damn, did I read that right, only 2 yds of 60″ wide??? Oh man, I dunno, am I glamorous enough to rock this pattern? Only one way to find out….