Saturday 5 April 2014

Guest post: Pattern review by Maria Theoharous AKA Velosewer

Maria is a long time customer and very talented sewer. You can follow her sewing adventures on her blog here. We look forward to sharing her future projects with you all.  


 Winter Street Dress



Pattern review's winter street dress is simple to make and very adaptable.
Pitt Trading graciously provided me with the fabrics and notions for this new work dress.

Pattern testing is fun as you get to see how the pattern designer quickly adjusts their pattern when we provide our feedback. And it's lovely to work with such creative people. This is very motivating to me.
Pitt Trading black tricot lining, elastic, brown ponti and a darker brown soft knit with matching thread 

Pattern description:
Winter street dress is an easy to sew knit dress with a waist seam and narrow pleated skirt. The narrow skirt with inverted box pleats has just the right amount of ease where you need it, resulting in a very comfortable and cute tulip shape.

The bodice is drafted for a "C" cup. There is a choice of elbow length flounce sleeves or a full length sleeve. You can even make it without sleeves. The skirt is designed to fall above the knee for a more trendy look but it is super easy to lengthen or shorten it.
This time I got the hem length right.

Pattern sizing:
XS-$XL I made the medium.

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?
Yes it did, and there are some pretty variations to make. The hardest part is choosing the variation you want the most, I tried to stick to my plan as I sewed.


Were the instructions easy to follow? 
They were easy to follow. I included a tricot liningon the advice of Sylvia at Pitt Trading. I've been adding linings to ponti dresses since then so the dress keeps it's shape over time. It also helps the fabric to glide over you and not stick to you.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?
This is a clever pattern that allows you to mix stable and soft knit fabrics.
The pleating on the skirt above the tummy eliminates fullness that gathers create. That's a win in my books. I've extended the pleats down the skirt for a flatter look.



The ruffle sleeve (Deepika's version) makes this a more feminine dress that I'll use for another version.

The scoop neckline isn't what I'd usually wear so I'll be creating different necklines on future versions.


Fabric used:
I've used a ponti knit for the bodice and sleeves. The dress skirt and bindings are a softer knit.

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:
I did a roll shoulder adjustment. The sleeves were sized to full arm length but I tend to push my sleeves up during the day
Once I'd basted the side seams, I took the waist in a bit more and took more in at the centre back seam.

I added shape at the centre back seam, so it's not cut on the fold. This allowed me to shape it to follow my curves better.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?
Yes, I experimented with a soft cowl neckline in the softer knit and it was very pretty. So I would recommend this dress if you have knit fabrics in your stash and you need warmer dresses for cooler weather.
I'll also try a v-neck version. This is also a good basic knit dress for beginners to achieve a successful dress.





2 comments:

  1. Thanks again Julia and Sylvia for your support. You always have lovely fabrics at prices I can afford.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Thank you for your input Maria! It's lovely to have you on board xx

    ReplyDelete