Class Project: Faux Wrap Dress

Here was my first project for the class. We needed to make either a shirt or a dress. Something with a bodice. Of course I decided to do princess seams because I apparently like to drive myself crazy. No, it’s really cuz I like the way they look. Strangely I didn’t read the package of this well enough that I didn’t realize until I started making it that was a faux wrap with a zipper on the side. But I think it turned out well enough (which it should after two muslins for the top).

I used Simplicity 3877 for the pattern. I posted the review on Pattern Review. Here is my review. But also below:

Pattern Description:
A faux wrap dress, with or without sleeves, with full collar or mandarin collar.

Pattern Sizing:
Runs true to listed on pattern. Has three different bust sizes to fit your bust more exactly (only sorta though — more on that later).

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?
Pretty much.

Were the instructions easy to follow?
Yes.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?
I didn’t like the bust variations. None of them seemed to fit. I liked the general look of the pattern.

Fabric Used:
Linen

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:
I had to do serious alterations on the bust. Despite having three variations on the bust, none of them fit properly. I tried all three tissue fitting. Settled on one. And then had to modify it significantly, requiring two muslins before I finished. When you modify the bust you also have to make sure the seams end in the proper place at the waist since they line up with the seams on the skirt, so altering was kinda a pain. The end result was to increase the bust and raise it.

I was making this dress for a class so I was getting graded on it. Otherwise I might not have put so much effort into making the bust fit so well, although in the end I’m glad I did and I learned a lot from it.

Otherwise, the pattern remained the same.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?
Now that I have it altered to fit me, I would consider it, but probably not. Too much effort for a style I’m not likely to wear that often. I would recommend it to others with the caveat that I would use a dark color or a print and be forewarned that you might twiddle with the bust. The photo pages show prints and I think those look best. Also looking at other people’s finished products, I really wish I’d gone with a print.

Conclusion:
The bust variations don’t seem to help, but not a bad pattern for a garden party or even for work. But don’t use something heavy like linen. Also recommended for a dark color or a pattern.