It didn’t turn out as I imagined

I bought a pattern from a new to me designer, Designer Stitch. I believe I already own at least one other pattern from them, but I decided to sew up the Alice dress.

The instructions were very clear and easy to follow. The pattern was well marked and drafted correctly. I was off on my measurments I assume because the dress was very generous sized. I used the measurements I always use to find the “correct” size. The dress was probably about 3-4 sizes too large.

Also I should have looked much more carefully at the line drawings. I love a dress with no zippers or buttons and this one does have a lot of darts to give it shaping. The pin tucks in the front were a lovely touch. It is shown in the pictures with a belt. I am not really a belt type of gal. It is just a little too free flowing for me.

The pin tucks went very well and I was quite pleased with that portion. Once I had finished all the pintucks and darts on the front I washed the piece again to remove all the markings. There is nothing worse than making an item with markings, washing it and for some reason the removeable markings on the fabric do not actually remove themselves.

The neckline was way too large for me (probably due to cutting out the incorrect size). I could have fit about 3 heads through the top of the dress. It was harder to take in the dress due to the pintucks on the front. I was able to recut the back to decrease the neck but still had a lot of issues on the front piece. I put in a fake placket on the front which helped somewhat. Then I did a gathering stitch on the front to try to bring it in a little more. I still had significant gapping when I attached the neckband.

I sewed down the neckband and added elastic to it before I sewed it closed. It has helped bring it together more. The sleeves also had binding. I added them and thought well these are too big also. Elastic was added to the sleeves.

The dress fits but I think it looks more like a nice nightgown than an actual dress. I can try adding a small piece of elastic inside on the back to try to pull it in a little more. I am not sure if it is all the too bigness of the pattern I cut or the fabric that makes it look like I should sleep in it.

One more issue the pocket placement is incorrect - they are too low for me. I think this one will find its way out of the house. I will probably not attempt this dress again I just do not like the style (unless I want to sew myself a nightgown).

On a happier note I received my quilt tops back from the long arm lady. I will be visiting binding town for quite a while.