Although I haven't made this yet, there are some interesting features to this pattern.
I love the lines on this, but I will say at the onset, that this is not for difficult figure types. That "contained" area around the midriff (upper waist, lower chest area) isn't very contained, and although this looks like it has great lines, for anyone with just a straight up and down or fullness through the waist, it would be very difficult. Now if you have an hourglass, this is a great look for you.
But what I do like is the lines of the sleeve head or armscye.
If you click this photo is should open larger. But here you can see in the back the beautiful lines in the armhole, and you can also see how low the armhole is on the side (main reason this is not for full-waisted or straight up and down figures).
The other thing I see that is a problem is that bow in back, which is darling, but....have you tried to tied one of those before?...they're a pain. But more importantly, the next time you sit down and that knot hits you in the back, you'll think twice about tying that bow that way!
But this is all part of being a sewist and an artist. It would be just an effective (and a whole lost simpler) to have skirt hooks and eyes on the back, and it could remain flat and easier to put on...or maybe extend the tie in front and have them on the front. They could gather a little like this:
This is a great summer "frock" look that looks refreshing, cool and crisp and being a wrap around means that although you may have to do a little tailoring, It would still fit after a couple of days of lounging around and eating bon bons...I do that regularly - don't you!!!! OK, that's a joke, but you know what I mean - a few extra here and there, and the dress still fits!
Just some of the simple and fun ways we can change a pattern to make is "custom" but also better for us!
That pattern caught my eye, too. It has a bit of that 50's Dior look, but structural and interesting. Great idea to ditch the bow and use hooks.
Posted by: Robin | April 07, 2011 at 06:49 AM
I am so much in love with that pattern. I don't know yet in which fabric I will do it. thank you for the bows note. I was so enthusiastic that I did not stop and think of that detail. I might change it for a obi that would tie in the front. For the fabric, I don't know what I will choose yet. If you have specific suggestion, I am all open ;-). Thank you Claire
Posted by: Anne-Marie | April 07, 2011 at 07:57 PM
I liked this pattern too, although I agree, the bow seemed a bit odd and twee. Yes, hooks and eyes are a much better and elegant solution.
Posted by: Summerset | April 09, 2011 at 07:24 AM
I just ordered this pattern. I do have concerns about how it will work on my straight up/down body, but I'm also excited about the possibility of color blocking it. Perhaps the use of color could help compensate for the low armhole. I'm thinking use a darker color on the body and a lighter color on the arms. Light and dark blue or gray and black or pink and red. What do you think?
Posted by: SewOm SewOm | April 11, 2011 at 09:20 PM
I don't know if you're a member of Pattern Review or not, but a woman just made this dress. You should check it out.
http://sewing.patternreview.com/cgi-bin/readreview.pl?readreview=1&reviewnum=61938
Her name is Barbara, she reviewd the dress on 4/12. It looks to be a rust colored dress. Very nice.
Posted by: Alethia | April 13, 2011 at 08:38 PM
OOoh, I too loved this pattern but being a rectangle it will never be in my sewing wardrobe, rats!
Posted by: Jane M | April 19, 2011 at 09:48 AM