Sunday, December 9, 2012

Cake Pattern Tiramisu

I have a new favorite dress.
May I introduce you to Tiramisu by Cake Patterns? You've probably met her before, but this time she's mine. This pattern - it's true love.
I used a ITY knit that was a lucky find at the Hancock Fabrics sale area. It's nice and beefy, but still has a sumptuous drape. They pretty much never have nice knits at Hancock's, so I was thrilled. The gentleman working at the cutting table told me that he had been waiting to see what classy lady (his words, not mine) chose this fabulous fabric.
Of course, this classy lady fabric had to be Tiramisu. Can I gush a little about how great this pattern is? You choose the bodice based on your upper bust measurement, and each size has 4 different variations that you choose based on your full bust. If you don't fall within the ranges that Steph has drafted, she includes lines for making additional bust adjustments right on the tissue. The midriff bands are also personalized based on your bodice and skirt sizes, so if you are two different sizes on top and bottom, that is all taken care of for you as well.
Did I mention it has pockets? I love a dress with pockets. I did naturally make a few very minor alterations. I lengthened the skirt to the largest size length line. Steph has made shortening and lengthening the skirt so easy, since the pattern pieces are nested so that you just extend the line down or up a size or two. So easy! I also widened the sleeve bands and used my coverstitch machine to bind the neckline instead of the band provided in the pattern. For fit, I thought I would need a little extra length over the bust, so I added 1/2 inch before I cut, but I ended up taking it out when I basted the bodice for fit. Steph reminds you to baste for fit a couple of times in the pattern instructions. So helpful!!
The skirt is nicely full. It is perfect for free movement, but not so much fabric that it gets in the way or looks costume-y. I've worn it all day, wrestling and chasing kids, doing chores, running errands and pretty much abusing it in every way I could think, and I was comfortable through it all. But still pretty. I love pretty dresses.

24 comments:

marysews said...

Wow! Yep, just WOW! I have this pattern, and it may be the next thing I make after holiday gifts.

Lisa Laree said...

Oh, what a sweet dress!! This is a new design/designer to me; looks like a very nice first offering...and, wow, you found that knit at Hancock's??? Great matchup of fabric to pattern!

Sarah AJ said...

Oh, I love it! That pattern has been calling to me since I first saw it. Yours may have put me over the edge.

Anonymous said...

I love your Tira! Love it. And I think we've both spend this weekend wearing our Tiras helping our kids and enjoying the ease of the dress...or so I like to imagine. :)

The Hojnackes said...

Love this dress! I guess I'm just going to have to buy this pattern now...

Carolyn (Diary of a Sewing Fanatic) said...

It's beautiful! You did a great job on this!

Taran said...

Oh, GORGEOUS! I am loving reading all the fitting stories on this dress!

ladykatza said...

ha! I found you online through instagram! The sewing world, it is small. Also, I love this dress, you look smashing.

gMarie said...

That is a fabulous dress! Wonderful job. My hancocks never has good fabrics, although I did bring home a pretty polka dot border print this weekend. g

StephC said...

This is such a pretty, pretty version of Tira! That print is just stunning, and the drape on the skirt is just perfect with that fabric. I love it! :) Thanks for your kind words about Cake, I'm so pleased you like her. :)

If you'd like, feel free to add your Tiramisu to our flickr group- http://www.flickr.com/groups/2105833@N24/

Marie said...

It looks great. Still waiting for my fabric to dry before I get around to mine.

Karin said...

You look gorgeous in this! The style and shape suit you down to the ground. I can imagine you making this again in a totally different fabric pattern.

Linda L said...

Love your dress! The fabric was perfect combo for this pattern.

BConky said...

I bought that pattern. Haven't tried it yet. It looks great on you. Love the ITY knit you found. I'm sure you'll be using this pattern again.

gwensews said...

That's a super dress-such nice details. This one is a winner!

Beth said...

Great dress, Katie.

Kitschy Coo said...

Looks fantastic! Mine just arrived yesterday :)

Victoria said...

I can see why it's your favorite! You look so pretty!!! This style really suits you:)

The Slapdash Sewist said...

Very pretty! The length looks very practical for running around with kids all day. The fit is so spot on!

Anonymous said...

Great make! I have mine cut out and ready to be sewn -- hopefully I will be wearing it by this weekend. I, too, love the sizing scheme of this pattern.

Suzanne said...

It looks great! A knit dress that might even work for my body shape :) Great job!

Joy said...

Wow, you're quick. It turned out lovely. The fabric and style really suit how. I got mine in the mail last week, but it'll be a miracle if I ever decide what fabric to use.

Susan said...

How did I miss your Tiramisu dress? Of course it's your new favorite. GORGEOUS!

Anonymous said...

So beautiful. I'm starting to cut pieces for the sewalong as we speak, but I can't imagine mine turning out as gorgeous as yours. Really lovely.