I made view B, size small (unlike the big 4, the measurements were pretty much identical to my own – YAY!!). I found a couple of coordinating fabrics with the help of my sister (she's hoping that I get tired of this make and give it to her). Though it hasn't been warm enough to even think about wearing it yet this year, I have plans to wear it to my birthday concert (Tegan & Sara) in June and hopefully before that if the weather cooperates.
Adjustments:
1. A small, SBA (shown below). I just pinched/pinned out the excess on my muslin and transferred it to the paper pattern.
2. The bottom tier is one panel less than what was called for because I ran out of material. This dress is a fabric Hog with a capital H.
3. I added a facing to the front midriff piece. My fabric (a crepe-like polyester) is quite heavy once it's all gathered up and sewn together in the skirt, and I didn't think one layer was going to cut it at supporting that weight. I used the same pattern piece and cut the facing out of a black cotton I had in my stash. Assembly was the same as you would sew a button down shirt back yoke.
4. I cut my own bias strips and hand sewed them down on the neck and arm holes. The instructions call for topstitching but I did not because of my fabric choice.
Final Thoughts:
• The length was just barely long enough (I'm 5'5"), so if you are taller than average you will want to add length.
• The instructions for this were very thorough with lots of extra info to guide a less experienced sewer.
• On my dress form, the front bodice pieces would not lay flat but magically did not gape in the slightest when I had it on. The wonders of bias?
I am very happy with this and can hardly wait to wear it. I also received the other two patterns in the collections as a thank you from Kati (thanks!!) and am looking forward to trying out the Zsalya top—it has some interesting details that I didn't notice until I saw Carolyn's version. So great!
I'll leave you with a few more shots on the dress form.
