I was recently introduced to Forget-Me-Not Patterns, a relatively new New Zealand-based company on the indie pattern scene. As of this post, Forget-Me-Not has released three chic and versatile patterns.
Their first release was the Clementine top and dress, a pattern that Andie and I both had a chance to try out recently.
Note: Andie and I both received promotional copies of this pattern in exchange for our honest reviews on the Curvy Sewing Collective.
Sizing
From the Forget-me-not website:
“Forget-me-not patterns are designed around an averagely curvy figure with a B-cup bust and a height of 5’6” (168cm). Clementine is designed with negative ease in the bust for a fitted silhouette.”
The Clementine is available in sizes 28 – 48.
Andie
- Measurements: High Bust 46″, Bust 52″, Bra Size 44HH , Waist 48″, Hips 56″, Height 5’3″.
- Body shape: Mine
- Pattern size used: Size 48 with lots of alterations
- Alterations: I followed two tutorials for this pattern. Their full bust adjustment tutorial and how to deepen the cowl tutorial. I did a 2 inch FBA and added 2 inches to the cowl. I also graded out at the waist to hips and lengthened the top by 2 inches since I prefer longer tops.
- Fabric: A rayon spandex print sourced locally.
- Fit: With the alterations, the fit is pretty good imho. I love the top and wear it pretty often.
- Changes for future versions: I will likely add another 2 inches to the top.
- Final thoughts: It’s a lovely pattern. I do wish the size range was bigger but I love my top and will definitely make more.
Michelle
- Measurements: High Bust – 42″, Bust –46.5″, Bra Size – 40D/DD, Waist – 42″, Hips – 46″, Height – 5’2″.
- Body shape: My body type is somewhere between a hourglass and rectangle from the front, and an apple from the side.
- Pattern size used: Size 44 + FBA
- Alterations: I did a 1″ (2″ total) princess seamed FBA, and I shortened the skirt length by 3″ and shortened the sleeves by 2″ to accommodate for my short height. It now hits me just above the knee.
- Fabric: Art Gallery cotton-lycra knit that I’d been holding onto in my stash for a while.
- Fit: The dress is a little bit more snug through the torso than I’d like. (I did leave in the extra 2″ of ease added by my FBA through the torso, but I personally prefer a fit that’s less tummy-hugging.) Rather than adding more ease, though, for future versions, I’ll just change the waist height.
- Changes for future versions: I’m used to fit-and-flare dresses where the flare starts at the natural waist (i.e. a bit above my belly button). Whether due to the extra length added from my FBA or just the draft of the dress, the flare on this dress starts slightly lower, so on future versions, I plan to simply raise the waist to have the flare start higher, which will skim over my tummy more.
- Final thoughts: This is a nice pattern, although the sizing, while not bad, isn’t terribly inclusive. The lines of the dress and top should work quite well for a lot of moderately curvy women!
Great work by both of you. I love both styles and pieces, and you both look fantastic in these garments. I’d also prefer a higher flare, but your version looks great on you, Michelle. I agree with Andie, this pattern could easily become a staple.
Love both prints. I’m partial to black and white, would love to make the dress with the cowl from Andie’s fabric! Nice job, helpful reviews of the product, as always. I bookmarked their site and will probably get this pattern. I was recently talking to another sewist about making a princess flare dress and scrolled through and found this review by chance!
As a Kiwi very happy to see a local pattern company! However, I second the need for a full bust piece in EVERY pattern 🙂
Hi, it’s Jo, the designer of Forget-me-not Patterns! Thank you so much for the reviews! You both look amazing. I really appreciate your thorough reviews. It is such helpful feedback and I appreciate your honesty. I am working on doing more to give more options to a wider range of bodies. Thanks again for sharing, it makes my day!
Thank you! That’s great to hear! At the top of my wishlist would be an option for a D-cup (or larger) bodice. 🙂
Yes!!!! I love this pattern. It’s so pretty but I only just fit into your size range. Glad to hear your looking at more sizes. Congratulations on your new business. My size would be 43-37-50
Thank you both for the reviews. I love that there are pockets on the dress. My measurements are similar to yours Michelle, but my arms are much larger, Andie, how did you find the fit in the arms? Did you have to alter the sleeves? I usually have to alter sleeves for my upper arms.
Michelle, is there another fit and flare dress pattern that you prefer?
Good question! I forgot to mention that did a full bicep adjustment on the arms. (I finished the dress quite a while ago, but due to work/weather/lack of good lighting, it took me a while to take photos and finish my review.). The sleeves on this do run a little slim. Are you looking for a princess seamed knit dress like this with no waist seam? If you’re just looking for a good general fit-and-flare dress with inclusive sizing, the Cashmerette Turner would work. I don’t recall if Jenny has a full bicep version of the sleeve for that.
Love the dress. Where did you find those awesome boots?
They are these boots: https://po-zu.com/collections/star-wars-rey/products/rey-hi-brown-womens
They are super comfortable, too!