Do I look smug? I can't believe how quickly this dress sewed up. When I was was cutting it out on the last day of February I didn't think I had a prayer of getting it done in a reasonable time frame, but once I got it going, it practically sewed itself.
The pattern I used is New Look 6000, and I chose the view with the side pleats. I really love that collar, but since I was trying for a quick finish, I went for simple. For the sleeve, I lengthened the elbow length sleeve to a bracelet length and slimmed it a bit. As far as size goes, I honestly couldn't tell you what all I did. I started with the size 14, since the measurements on the pattern seemed logical for a fitted sheath on me, but I ended up taking it in quite a bit as I made it, so I think I ended up somewhere between a 10 and a 12. I did cut the shoulders at a 12 and took in the back neckline, as New Look patterns always gape at the back neck on me.
Speaking of the neckline, here it is up close. I was concerned that the neckline would be too wide, so I sewed the facings on with a 3/8 seam allowance to raise the neckline a tad. It worked well, and the neckline is still low enough in front that it doesn't choke me.
The feature of the dress that makes it unique is the pleats on the side. They look complex, but they were surprisingly easy to make. The fabric I chose (a poly moleskin from FabricMart) had a good amount of body to support the pleats well, but I think made it a bit too poofy in front. Fabric choice is really key, I think with this dress. Too much drape and I think the pleats may sag, but too much body and...
Well, not my most flattering look then, is it?You can see the pleats aren't doing me any favors from the side.
On the plus side, the fit in the back is pretty awesome. Between the back darts and the center back seam, there are plenty of opportunities to refine the fit if needed, but it is drafted really well back there, at least for me.
From the front though, it is a really nice look, and the dress itself is very comfortable. I wore it on Saturday and the pouchy tummy didn't bother me, so I suspect that I will actually wear this often. I love that it hits the graphic black and white trend, which I like the look of but never seem to manage to do myself. I love COLOR!
