Well, you wanted to see Lekala 4331 on me.  Brace yourselves.

And from behind…

And from the side…no, no, no, there are SOME extremes that I won’t go to even for your sewing edification!  Now, what is interesting about this dress is that it DOES fit me. The fabric isn’t straining anywhere, or way in excess anywhere. Actually, it pretty much fits me in the same way as the pattern illustration.

However, I’m not shaped like that pattern illustration.  So yes, the dress fits.  But does it flatter?  I don’t think so.  Part of the problem is the fabric – it’s a fairly lightweight viscose knit, and a ponte would have been around a zillion times better for that skirt part.  It’s a good thing that I enjoy experimenting with style a little bit!  So I took your advice and turned the hem under to a similar length that the dress would become if it were a top instead.

Still not brilliant, but a much, much better option.

This design has some really fun features. Especially the insert into the front and back, that both form the neckline and creates some shaping. And the contrast cuffs are nice too.

Actually, I think it looks better with my arms sticking out than when they are by my sides!

Luckily for me I still have plenty of the print (it’s a beautiful quality viscose/lycra I think, that came to me via Anna but is still available at The Cloth Shop). I think that I’ll use it again in a combination with a solid but in a more flattering style. In the meantime, if you have a fairly firm mid-section and a semblance of a waist, I reckon that this would style look wonderful on you! It’s a great style – but not on me. I’ll leave you with a reminder photo of why I will shorten it (oh the things I do for the sake of honesty in sewing and the way that interacts with body acceptance).

Actually, maybe I’ll just hem it and finish the topstitching and send it off to the oppy.