I have updated my Dressmaking 2 course and now you get to choose between two patterns: the Classic Shift Dress or this modern boxy dress tunic.
The pattern comes as paper and PDF pattern from Tilly & The Buttons. As per my usual preference, I chose the PDF pattern. The Stevie Top & Dress is a woven, high-neck loose fitting dress with a beautiful tie in the neck of the back. You can either make a dress or top version. The sleeves are grown-on kimono-type sleeves.
I made three dresses and one top. All of the garments are made in different fabrics and due to fabric structure and drape look slightly different. My first version, which was supposed to be my tile of the pattern - as I had previous issues with Tilly's patterns coming up smaller in the hip. I used the Chestnut Stardust Double Gauze from Atelier Brunette. I thought I had fallen out of love with the colour but once made up and worn, I changed my mind fairly quick. For the second dress, I used a Seersucker with fine blue stripes and pink embroidered flamingos (from my Maya Dress collection). That type of fabric is absolutely perfect for the heat here in Dubai. My last dress version, is made from a navy Viscose Linen and also a dream to wear - it keeps me cool in the hot weather. The top I made out of a navy viscose crepe, also from Atelier Brunette fabric collection - but yet to hem.
The sewing instructions are very easy to follow and super straight forward. This pattern can be tackled by an advanced beginner, if used a stiffer fabric like double gauze or linen and a more experience sewist if you want to challenge yourself to fabrics with more drape. I reckon, it took me about 5-6 hours of sewing and cutting time, per garment.
The pattern has its own sizing from 1 to 8, which is the equivalent to a UK 6 to 20. As the pattern isn't fitted, I chose my size based on my bust measurement. But I still checked and made sure my hip would fit into size 6. I didn't make any fit adjustments, other than playing with the hem & length.
With the all versions (Stardust and Flamingo), I only overlocked the hem and pressed it over in itself because I didn't want to take any length from the dress.
The only thing I don't like about the pattern are the the way the sleeve cuffs are sewn onto the grown-on sleeve. The overlocked edge keeps on poking out. On the navy Viscose Linen dress, I understitched the overlocked edge and it helped to sit and stay inside. I will have to go back and re-do this to the first two versions.
The tie sits really nice in the back and give the garment a really nice feature considering it is fairly simple in its shape. I particularly like the chunky top-stitching and facing at the neckline. The Stardust on the double gauze are golden and I found gold-metallic thread which just looks beautiful.
The top and dress are so quick to sew, I will most likely make a few more and will feature fabrics with unique prints. This will be a great pattern to showcase some bold prints.
I have also seen colour-blocked versions - I love a good colour block. It is a very versatile dress pattern and wardrobe staple.
Thanks for hanging out with me.
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