On the weekend we hosted my 30th Birthday Party at our local cafe. Friends and family gathered from near and far to spend the evening with us to celebrate my birthday. I had a fabulous night (and weekend) full of fun, wine, food, laughter and macarons.
Project Details
Pattern: Tracy Reese Vogue 1086
Fabric: Bird Print Silk Crepe De Chine
Alterations: Lengthened by 10cm, lined skirt, raised neckline by 4cm, pinched out 5cm from centre front and took side seams in 6cm (!!)
Front |
Front |
Back Detail |
Back |
Back - full length |
Front - full length |
Now, this dress was no walk in the park. All started relatively well and I thought I would be finished in no time. How wrong was I?! As outlined on Pattern Review, this pattern has major fitting issues. The front neckline is extremely low and wide. The shoulders are very wide and the pattern sizing runs extremely large. The fact that it is completely sewn with french seams or enclosed seams makes fitting extremely challenging.
I removed 6 cm from the side seams. Yes, that's right. 6cm!! Despite going down a size from my measurements, I still ended up with an indecent sack. I raised the centre front by 4cm and then removed an inch wedge once finished as it was very wide and gaping. I also raised the armholes and took an extra 1.5cm from the edge of the armholes when binding. Plus I extended the length by 10cm.
Despite all the fitting challenges, I am super pleased with the end result. It is a beautiful dress that is comfortable to wear. The fabric compliments the pattern perfectly.
L x