This dress started out terribly and ended up beautifully! Note that these are all ‘after’ photos.

The pattern is the Cris Wood Sews Parasol dress. It’s actually a set of instructions, with the pattern pieces drafted to your own measurements. This is where things went downhill.

Many of you who have been reading my blog for a long time know that my measurements tend to fluctuate quite a bit over the years. Lately they’ve been going up. So when I drafted the pattern pieces ‘to my measurements’ I added a bit extra for insurance. Take it from me – don’t do that. I ended up with a very large garment that was actually very frumpy and quite unwearable. I harumphed at myself, and went to bed.

The next morning I decided that I could fix things. I hand-stitched the front V neckline to make it another couple of inches higher, then raised the bodice seam two inches by taking a large fold through the bodice at the seamline and re-stitching the bodice to the skirt. Then I added some shaping to the side seams to bring them in, stopping stitching just above the seam joining the bodice to the skirt. This did the trick!

I wore this dress to my mother-in-law’s 90th birthday party back in February, and felt terrific in it. The back V-neckline stops just above my bra, and I love the large patch pockets on the front. Did you notice how well I managed to pattern match them?  The fabric is cupro, bought on clearance from Darn Cheap Fabrics a few years ago. It’s not terribly easy to sew with – definitely use a fresh sharp needle – but it’s great to wear! I still have some left for another garment, hooray!

So the moral of the tale – follow the measurement directions in the instructions. But also don’t hesitate to make alterations and tweaks to make it work for you! I’ve actually used this pattern before, but that winter version of the dress isn’t wearable as it is (too many graduation gown vibes) and it’s now on the alterations pile. I’m hoping that I can make it just as good as this version!