This pattern is rated intermediate, and I was a little spooked by it - you know, so many details, curved seams, 16 buttons, hasn't been reviewed extensively yet, etc etc. Spook-worthy elements.
But, I have to say, that even with all the amazing details, it is so well drafted, and the instructions so clear with detailed drawings, I didn't find it as hard as I thought I would. I can't rave enough about the Colette Patterns. They are an amazing line of patterns that are so worth purchasing (and no, I have no sponsorship with them :-)
Here are some of the details:
Now, a few bloggers (including the very highly regarded Gertie) have recommended that unless you are rather (ahem) well endowed, it is best to do a small bust adjustment. I traced the pattern out, got Gertie's tutorial on how to do one loaded on the computer, then put the tissue up to my bust, as she does in her tutorial, and thought it was unnecessary for me. Now - I am a 32C generally - but most of the C-cup is generally for my wide shoulders.
But, in close up photos, you can see that I have some minor gaping above my bust:
I am thinking that perhaps I could fix that by just taking in that top curved area a little. But - should I do it at the point it joins the yoke, or where it slopes down for the buttons? I really don't know.
Even though it has that bit of gaping, I dearly love this dress. It is made in an inexpensive cotton/poly (and usually I shy away from anything with poly), as I wanted something cheaper to make my first version of it. It is so nice to wear. Comfy enough to have a big meal in (I wore it to my good-bye dinner with my old work friends) and stuffed myself silly. I'm thinking of making this in a gorgeous bright red linen from Tessuti fabrics for my sister-in-law's wedding - but am worried that wearing red may not be kosher for a wedding. What do you think?
