This weekend I posted my first version of the Pattern Emporium Heartstrings dress. This is my second version where I tried out several variations. Some I love and some I’ll only use once in a while, but I’ve narrowed in on my favorite combination.
The most significant variation is that I did the low back. To be honest, I think I prefer the high back. The low back is a fun option, but I just like the way the high back sits and feels better. The shelf bra feels more secure since it’s got more holding it up along the back so going forward, I’ll probably stick to that version unless I have a significant reason to do the low back like you’ll see for the cami version coming up in my next post.
I also tried out the foldover elastic. This is definitely a variation I would keep. So fast and easy! And I really like the clean look. If you add in the clear lastin elastic in the fold of the straps, it’s just as strong as the self fabric with swimwear elastic. I had to order this foldover elastic from Etsy to get the right width. I got mine at OnceUponATimeSupply who has a great selection of colors. Joann’s doesn’t seem to carry 3/4” width or at least not in any fun colors and I couldn’t get up to Stonemountain in time to complete the pattern test (they do have fun colors in the right width so I’ll get some next time I’m there). I kept the same color for the thread on my hem topstitching to tie it together.
And of course I added pockets. This was was a hack I did myself and not part of the pattern, but it was pretty straightforward. I used the same technique that I did for the Tank Dress 3-ways. In terms of sizing, I mostly made sure they were big enough for my phone. Given how enormous phones are these days, if it can fit a phone, it can fit just about anything.
The fabric is some athletic wicking fabric from Califabrics. While I really like the overall quality of the fabric, it only has ~10% stretch in the vertical direction. This still works for this dress, but I would probably go for something more like the DBP I used on my last one next time because I found that worked better and was more flattering overall. But I really wanted to try it because I liked how the foldover elastic contrasted. Shelf bra is the same perfotek compression jersey from Mood that I used for my other version of this dress.
After trying out multiple variations, I now know just what I like. I plan to make a long black jersey version because it’s the perfect basic that can be dressed up and down, but I’m sure there will be more “fun” versions as well.
