I love New Look patterns. I think it's partially their great everyday price and that they put all sizes in one envelope. That said, I wish all pattern companies would do a little better. New Look seems to be geared more for a basic sewer and takes a few shortcuts in construction. They rarely include a full lining and rely too heavily on facings for my liking. It's not a big deal in most cases to draft a simple lining, but for more complex or pleated necklines, this is not my strength. My wish is that all pattern companies would offer you the OPTION of a lining. Include facings and instructions for bias tape for unlined versions, but also offer lining pieces. Sometimes the lining offers a unique opportunity for a different garment altogether with its alternate darts. I like this as added construction option. Pattern companies, I hope you're reading this!!
Now on to the dress I made with New Look 6457. I've had this pattern in my stash forever, but just got around to making it. Drafting is not something I'm good at or enjoy, so I'm somewhat of a pattern hoarder. So is my mother, so it's obviously hereditary.
Were the instructions easy to follow? I was impressed when I noticed
that several of the bodices feature an all machine clean finish. Great job NL!
Slipstitching stinks
What did you particularly like or dislike about
the pattern?
With so many bodice options and the great price, this is a
lot of pattern for your money. I don't think it would have killed them to include one straight skirt option though... just saying
Fabric Used:
Poly cotton blend
seersucker, lined with really high thread count (heehee ;) white cotton
Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:
I swapped
the gathered skirt for the slim fit straight skirt I developed for the 1950's
dress. It's become my TNT skirt due to it's shaping. It's more bell/tulip shaped
than a conventional skirt pattern which helps emphasize my shape. I have narrow
hips and sometimes look like a barrel in normal skirts! Apparently I don't know
how to measure (or shouldn't do so after 11PM) because when I stitched together
the lining as a semi-muslin, the skirt darts did not line up with the bodice
darts and had to be scooted over. No biggie
I cut 1 inch wide interfacing
that I fused to the lining on the front and back neckline edges just to prevent
it from stretching over time. I didn't self line the bodice, so I self lined the
halter ends so they wouldn't look weird when tied.
I also added
purchased piped trim to the neckline and waist seam. It was my first time not
making the stuff! Too bad they don't offer a million more colors and fabrics,
cause purchasing it is so much faster.
Would you sew it again? Would
you recommend it to others?
This pattern has so many bodice options and
it's very easy to swap skirts for lots of sewing opportunities. On my semi-muslin the bodice fit seemed fine, but when I wore this I noticed it's a touch roomy at the top bodice edge. If I make another version, I'll probably taper it in 1/4 inch at the underarm for a slightly snugger fit.
Conclusion:
I wanted something cute and comfy for summer that was nicer than wearing
shorts. This fabric shouldn't wrinkle much so it will be quick and easy to grab
for casual dinners out or nicer BBQs.
A very cute dress for summer!
ReplyDelete