Friday 1 March 2013

Garden Party Dress Pattern - FREE!



Well, hello everyone!
Fancy a sewing project  this week-end?  How about your very own Garden Party Dress?!   I'm so excited to finally be able to post this pattern!  (Remember versions, 1, 2 and 3?) It's been a super fun project, the only glitch - my printer breaking down at the last minute - but what's life without a little drama?  I hope you all like it as much as I do.
Download the pattern here, and the instructions here

Please print on A4 paper and check that your printer is on 100% scale (not scale to fit)

Before you cut your fabric, please read these two tutorials:
  1. Customising the sleeves.  The GPD has a very fitted bodice designed with little ease, especially in the sleeves.  You may find these too narrow - it's a good idea to measure the sleeves and adjust them before you cut.
  2. Moving the skirt band.  This tutorial shows you how to adjust the location of the skirt band, especially important if you plan to use lace!


Why I love wearing it:
  • It's a simple and modern dress, but with a bit of vintage about the silhouette.
  • It's an all-in-one outfit.  No cardigan or shawl needed.
  • It's versatile and multi season. You can wear it with heels, boots or sandals for a complete look, either casual or dressy.   Sew in a warm wool for cooler days or lightweight cotton with short sleeves for summer.
  • It has SIX style options, on the skirt, bodice and sleeves. 
That's why I love it, but why not see for yourself?  I'd be endlessly grateful, if you do sew it, if you could send me a little feedback to designhonig[at]gmail[dot]com.

Starting Monday, I'll walk you through how to tailor the sleeves to your own fit and how to change the location of the skirt band (version 2) and hem band. (As it's an a-line skirt, not a rectangle, you'll have to trace off the new band location and add seam allowances accordingly.)

I've also tried to make the .PDF experience as painless as possible!  Please refer to page 3 of the instructions for details on what you need to print.  

I really hope you enjoy making this and would love to see your versions if you do.

Until Monday, have fun and happy stitching!

Elise

141 comments:

  1. WAHOOO!!!!!!!!!! i just scored the perfect fabric for this! downloading right this very minute. thank you, lovely lady!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yay!!! I hope you like it! It will look fab on you!!!! I can't wait to see!

      Delete
    2. Merci beaucoup pour ce cadeau, je ferais la photo.

      Delete
  2. thank you for this pattern. Can't wait to sew this one for summer garden party with friends. :-)

    ReplyDelete
  3. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  4. I am so excited for this pattern! I love the dress (I found you through BurdaStyle), and am going to start it this weekend :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Lara thanks so much for your comment! I'm happy you like it and would love to see your version!

      Delete
  5. Wow this is gorgeous! I shall definitely be downloading. I'm new to your blog but think it's beautiful, I love that you draft your own patterns! I'm trying to learn how to do that and blogging my way through it (www.sleeksilhouette.com), Fingers crossed I'm as successful! Congrats on putting together a pattern for people to try, I'm excited to give it a go! x

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Katy thank you so much for your nice comment! Best of luck with your pattern drafting adventure! I'm looking forward to following along and hope I can share any tips along the way!

      Delete
  6. I was so excited when you said you were releasing this pattern! I love your three versions of this dress. Just beautiful!

    ReplyDelete
  7. Thank you for making this pattern available! So generous. After seeing the beautiful versions you have made, I can't wait to have a go.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you for your nice comment and enjoy! I hope you have fun making it! Would love to see your version!

      Delete
  8. Such a great dress and awesome pattern! I am sharing it with my readers tomorrow if you don't mind...

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Jen, of course not! Thanks so much I'd love that! Thank you for your nice comment, I hope your readers like it too!

      Delete
  9. This is beautiful! Thanks for the free pattern. I plan to download and send to my sister so she can make one for me.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks for the comment! Good plan! :) hope to see it!

      Delete
  10. Hello
    Great pattern!
    I'm printing it tomorrow at work when my boss is out of office.
    :)
    Greetings from Zagreb, Croatia

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Nikica, great idea ha ha! Don't forget you might not have to print all of it, check page 3 of the instructions. Hope you enjoy making it :)

      Delete
  11. Oooh, what a lovely dress. Can't wait to download it and give it a try!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you, happy you like it! Have fun!

      Delete
  12. Thanks! It's beautiful. I hope to work on making a dress for myself this summer.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You're welcome! Have fun! Hope I get to see a pic too!

      Delete
  13. How fun! I've got a couple of other projects to finish over the next few weeks, but I'm excited to see what everyone makes with this pattern!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks! A couple of projects - you go girl! :)

      Delete
  14. Cute dress! Thank you so much for sharing the pattern and then offering help with the sleeves & waist line!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Jenny, thank you! I hope you find it useful!

      Delete
  15. Hi! I came across your blog on Craft Gossip and I love this dress! It's definitely something I would want in my wardrobe. I can't wait to make a start on your pattern, thanks for sharing :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks so much, I'm happy you like it! I'd love to see it when you're finished!

      Delete
  16. i can't download it! am i the only one having this problem? maybe its my computer, but it tells me there are too many "redirects" :( is there any other way i can get this pattern and the instructions?

    anyway, thank you so very much for this amazing pattern! its so beautiful! (i came here from icandy handmade :)

    i would love to make this and i already have a great fabric in mind :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Lia, have you tried clearing the cookies on your computer? I found this explanation, I hope it helps: http://www.donofweb.com/how-to-fix-this-webpage-has-a-redirect-loop-in-gmail-google-docs-and-google-chrome/
      I'm happy you like it and I hope you get to make it. If you keep having problems let me know!

      Delete
    2. IT WORKED! YAY! Thank you so much for your help. I guess I should have done my research first and I could have figured it out myself. Thank you for your help! Can't wait to get started :)

      Delete
    3. No problemo! Have fun! :)

      Delete
  17. im loving this pattern! i have the perfect fabric for it too. do you think that this pattern would be too difficult for a beginner sewer? i have never made a dress before but i really want to try. i have read over the instructions that you have added with the pattern but to be honest i don't understand them very well, i guess im not very well aquatinted with all the sewing terms. any suggestions before i start?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Celeste! It's suitable for a beginner but if you've never sewn anything before I can see why the instructions sound confusing. Why not try making a muslin first? Even using an old bed sheet? You wouldn't have to worry so much about mistakes and it would be a fun way to start. And you wouldn't have to worry about ruining that perfect fabric! Email me with any questions and I ill try to help out. Also happy to do a sew along if there's enough interest. Thanks for your comment!

      Delete
  18. Thank you for sharing this pattern! I adore the grey versions you made, and I hope to make a version half as nice!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Tiffany, thanks o much! Happy to share, enjoy!

      Delete
  19. Thanks for sharing this pattern! Your grey versions are especially lovely, and I hope to make one half as nice!

    ReplyDelete
  20. Thank you so much for sharing this pattern! I can't wait to try it! Just one question - I'm in the US and this pattern says UK sizes. How do the two compare? I've never made anything that had only UK sizing.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi crafty soprano! Thank you for your comment! The size 10 is equivalent to about a 6, but don't go by the sizes, use your bust and waist measurements to match the measurements in the chart and go from there. Have fun with it and let me know if you have any other questions!

      Delete
  21. Thank you for sharing! I've had some blue tule overlay w/ designs on it that I've been looking for a good pattern to use with. This looks perfect!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. That sounds BEAUTIFUL! I hope you'll share a pic when you're done! Thanks for your comment!

      Delete
  22. This is just adorable. Is your pattern sized in US or UK? I'm just wondering what the measurements are for your size 16. (bigger girls have to look out for this sort of thing!) I have the perfect pink suiting for this!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Joni! Pink suiting sounds SOO amazing! This is Uk sizing, but rather than go by the numbers check the bust and waist measurements in the instructions and match with your own. Unfortunately I had to cap my investment in this pattern so I could only choose 5 sizes. I really hope it works for you and I hope you'll share a photo if you do make it! I'm dying to see it in pink! Thanks for your comment!

      Delete
  23. Oh, no! I can't download it :(
    Is there a trick that I'm not getting?
    Liz

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hello, have you tried clearing your cookies? Let me know if this doesn't help.

      Delete
  24. I have linked to your great sewing tutorial. Thank you for sharing it.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Leah! Thank you! Loving your blog and looking forward to following!

      Delete
  25. I love version #1!! I am going to be making it for Easter and will send you some pics when I am done :-))

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Fabulous!!! Can't wait, have fun!

      Delete
    2. Wonderful pattern!!! Just sent you a few pics of my finished dress :-))

      Delete
    3. Yay can't wait to see!!!!!

      Delete
  26. Going to try and do this one, this will be the first time I try a project with you. I think I will enjoy it, I am sitting in a hospital for long periods of time, need something I can do with my hands.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I'm very sorry to hear you are unwell... I hope this gives you what you are looking for. It's a very simple but rewarding pattern (I think!) I hope you enjoy making it and please email me any questions you have. Wishing you health and happiness. :)

      Delete
  27. Hello, just thought I'd let you know that I've just posted about this gorgeous pattern, and my version of it! (www.sleeksilhouette.com) It's so pretty and I'm looking forward to making another version soon :) x

    ReplyDelete
  28. our blog is very nice.These tools are really very helpful...:-)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hello and thank you for your comment! :)

      Delete
  29. This dress is so lovely, and I cant get it out of my mind!
    But I have a couple of questions;
    1) how many yards do I use? Are there any guidelines in the pattern ? (i cant find it...)
    2) can I use fabrics without stretch? Like wool flannel?

    Thank You so much for this lovely pattern!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hello! The fabric requirements are on page 1 of the instructions (in metres not yards so you will need slightly less one yard is 1.094 metres). Also it is not suitable for fabrics with stretch, wool flannel sound great! Before you cut the sleeves please check the tutorial I posted on how to customise them to your size. They are narrower than most!
      Hope you enjoy making it and I can't wait to see it finished! Have fun! :)

      Delete
  30. This looks wonderful! I cannot wait to try it :) Will be my next rainy-day project!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Angely, I hope you enjoy it! Please do send me a pic when you finish! And don't forget to check out my tutorial on how to customise the sleeves, they are a on the narrow side :)

      Delete
  31. Hi! There seems to be something wrong with the download. It's too bad, it seems like an awesome pattern!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Shona, have you tried clearing the cookies on your computer? Let me know if that doesn't help!

      Delete
  32. OMG this is a great pattern, tx for sharing!
    Now that I've found your blog I won't let you go ;) I'm your GFC follower n° 100 YAY!!!
    MammaNene

    SergerPepper.blogspot.it

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi mama nene! Ha ha thanks for stopping by! I'm your 187 and looking forward to following! :) have fun with the pattern and don't forget to check out my tutorial on how to adjust the sleeves!

      Delete
  33. Hi Elise, thank you so much for sharing this pattern! I like all three versions and I love the detail of the band to hide the hem: fantastic!!! I was looking for an inspiration and I've found it!
    I'm a new follower!
    Hugs from Italy,
    ClaraBelle

    ilcucitocreativodiclarabelle.blogspot.it

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi ClaraBelle! Thank you for stopping by! I'm happy you did and now i'm a follower too :)
      Hope you like the pattern - please check my tutorial on how to make the sleeves too!

      Delete
  34. I absolutely love this pattern!! The dress looks so cute!!
    I think I love the winter version the most, looks so perfect for a winter date.
    Looking forward to making this dress!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you Aeliana, enjoy! I hope to see a pic when you do! Please check the sleeves before you cut, as they are narrow.

      Delete
  35. Hi there.can I pls know how to download the pattern.I fell in love with this dress as soon as I saw.hoping to make it in the mid year break.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Kiwi, Sorry to hear you can't get the pattern - can you let me know what kind of error message you're seeing? You might want to try clearing the cookies on your computer. Let me know if this doesn't work.
      Thanks for your message, I hope you get to make it!

      Delete
  36. Hi Elise,

    I really like to make this pattern in my own version, yet I can not download this pattern because I have no google drive. Well I do not like to install al those things on my computer, so maybe you can e-mail it to me? Thanking you in advance for your help,

    The little skirt.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I'd be happy to! But I can't see your email address on your profile - can you please send me an email and I'll reply with the pattern?

      Delete
  37. hello. I love your dress and want to sew one for me but I download it. The link sent me to my own Gdrive page and I did the cookie thing. Can you help me?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi there, no problem! Drop me an email and I'll forward it to you.

      Delete
    2. Today I could!!!! I have it, Thank you.

      Delete
  38. Hi this is so cute and I just bought some designer fabric so I would love to make this my first dress project ever! I do have a question though. After I printed out the pattern and lay them all out. I taped and cut them out and I noticed that the front skirt band and the back skirt band pieces are slightly shorter than the front and back skirt piece. Is that by design? Or did I make a mistake when I taped up the pages? Which do you think is the easier version 1 or 2? I didn't see version 3. The Hem piece is also shorter than the skirt pieces too.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Janette, I've just sent you an email - let me know if tis helps!

      Delete
  39. Great one, looking forward to sew it!

    ReplyDelete
  40. Hi - I love the dress pattern and I am interested in sewing version 2, but I am still a beginning with sewing, and I don't know how to do pleats. Can I do gathers in the skirt instead of pleats? Also, would this pattern work well with a synthetic polyester/taffeta-type material? Thank you very much! - Miss T

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Miss T, apologies for the late reply I've been away. You could definitely substitute gathers, that would be really nice I think! As for the fabric, go ahead with taffeta but you may want to sew it a size larger to make sure you have enough room - it is a close fitting pattern so one thing with a bit of give works best. Have fun, I'd love to see a photo when you finish!

      Delete
    2. Oh good, thank you so much! If I have any more questions, I will post them here, as I am new to sewing. :) -Miss T

      Delete
  41. I really love this pattern but have grown a bit to big for it. If I wanted to add 2 sizes How much more would I add to the sides? This pattern reminds me of some dresses I wore as a teen in the 60's. This would make even a large size girl feel pretty. Thank you so much for the free pattern.

    ReplyDelete
  42. je découvre ce patron, j'adore les 3 versions .
    merci beaucoup pour ce patron free .

    ReplyDelete
  43. so nice to you to share this patern which is just lovely. thank you.

    ReplyDelete
  44. Martine France09 December, 2013

    Quelle merveille !
    cette robe est PARFAITE, tout y est: élégance, simplicité et fantaisie,
    elle est magnifique !!!

    ReplyDelete
  45. Merci beaucoup pour ce patron que je vais tenter. Vos réalisations sont superbes!

    ReplyDelete
  46. Bonsoir,
    Désolée de ne pas écrire mon commentaire en anglais, mais je ne suis pas assez douée.
    Je suis très très intéressée par ce patron de robe magnifique, mais je ne peux pas y accéder en français... Ca bloque la page.
    Vous-est-il possible de m'envoyer le patron et les explications par mail?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Pénelopé, I'm sorry I can't speak French well enough to reply! Please drop me an email and Ill forward you the pattern and instructions. Thank you for your nice comment!

      Delete
  47. Hello- according to Google translation, Penelope said
    Hello,
    Sorry not write my review in English, but I'm not talented enough.
    I am very interested in this gorgeous dress pattern, but I can not access it ... It blocks the French page.
    You-is it possible to send me the pattern and explanations by email?

    I think if you can try using google translate on the pattern instructions and send that to her, it may fill her request. Just trying to help- Dave

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Dave/Penelope, I'm happy to send it to you - can you please send me an email or give me an email address so I can forward it back to you? Hope to help!

      Delete
  48. Printed te pattern... but never thought of looking at the measurements. My bust is 104 cm and hips 104 cm, but my waist is 88 cm.. so this dress will never fit me properly:'( and I already had the perfect fabric:( Thank you anyway for this lovely pattern maybe I can make a friend happy with it!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. ...a perfect hourglass figure! I am soo envious!! I'm sorry the pattern measurements as they are didn't work for you - I bet with the right adjustments you would have looked fabulous in it!! :)

      Delete
  49. Hello, I find your dress very nice and would like to try sewing it. I am in France and could not download the pattern. I will send you an email. Thanks in advance.
    Flora

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Flora,
      I have just uploaded a copy of the pattern to google docs. Please give it a try, it should work now!

      Delete
  50. Anonymous09 May, 2014

    Hi, it's an amazing dress, would like to make one for me :-). Is there a way you could share the pattern again ? (the google doc file can't open anymore)
    greetz from Belgium

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hello I am sorry to hear you are having trouble downloading. I've just uploaded a new doc, I hope it works for you now!

      Delete
  51. Anonymous09 May, 2014

    oops, just saw this comment. would you please send me one too ? christellehabimana@hotmail.com thanks in advance !

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi there, I have just uploaded a fresh version to google docs, can you give this one a try please? If not I will email it to you!

      Delete
  52. Anonymous10 May, 2014

    hi there i have made this pattern many times with different kinds of fabric and each time i recieved lots of compliments although im a beginner in sewing. thank you a lot fir this awesome pattern and thanks for sharing it free.
    now i just found out that im pregnant and want to make more of these to wear with my baby bump but i just cant figure out the alterations to make. would you ever consider making an explanation or a small tutorial maybe? im sure more and more ladies would benefit from that. thanks again and loves from istanbul. gonca

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Gonca, Thank you so much for your comment! I'm soo happy to hear that you're making the pattern, I only wish I could have a peek but understand if you want to remain anonymous on the net!
      Congratulations on your happy news! I haven't had to think about pregnancy adjustments myself yet so have to admit at first thought I'm not sure how I'd approach it... because the dress has a pretty high waist already I might play with shortening the bodice one or two inches further and lengthening the skirt? But I would practice on an old bedsheet first!
      Wishing you a happy and healthy pregnancy and happy sewing!

      Delete
  53. I have been looking for a basic pattern of this style. Corticosteroids have my upper half much larger than the lower half, and want to attempt to camouflage this upside-down pear shape.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Pamela and thank you for your note! I really hope this dress gives you what you are looking for! I must warn you that there is not a lot of ease in the bodice so you will probably want to do a FBA or maybe consider pairing the skirt with a top pattern you have that fits you well? I empathise with you having done a heavy dose of steroids myself in my 20s and I know it is not fun. If you have any questions about the pattern along the way please don't hesitate to drop me an email!

      Delete
  54. hi there,
    Beautiful pattern. I have downloaded it. I had trouble getting it to print so that the test square is 10 cm, but printing it at 106% worked :). I'd like to check - does the 10cm for the test square include the width of the the black line or should the inside white square be 10 cm wide? I'm looking forward to making this beautiful dress. Thank you.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Karen! Best bet is to the centre, does that work? I would say err on the side of making the pattern bigger and you can take in as needed as you fit. Would love to see your version when you finish!

      Delete
  55. What a beautiful dress! Thank you so much for the pattern. I can't wait to make it :)

    ReplyDelete
  56. Trying out this pattern today! Can't wait to see how it turns out!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Great! I hope you like it! Would love to see a pic of your version if you're willing to share!

      Delete
  57. Hi,
    You think it's possible to sew this dress in heavy knit fabric, so without the zipper then?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hmm. It's hard to say. It's not technically designed for knit fabric, and I haven't tested it on knit fabric so I would say proceed with caution... It also depends on how much stretch is in the knit. I'd love to know how it works out if you do try it!

      Delete
  58. So generous of you to share this gorgeous pattern and so lovely of you to give these nice replies to everyone! Cheers to you!

    ReplyDelete
  59. My test square comes out to 9x9 cm everytime. Not sure what I'm doin wrong.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. hmmm... what size paper are you using? Is your printer on 100% scale (not scale to fit?)

      Delete
  60. Wow what a lovely dress! Currently I'm a size 18 as soon as I dropped a size this is going to be my reward! :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yay! Glad you like it! Would love to see a picture when you do! :)

      Delete
  61. Hi, I just love the style of this dress; However, I was unable to download the pattern. can you please help me?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Shaindel, have you tried clearing the cookies on your computer? I'm told that can block it. Let me know if that doesn't work!

      Delete
  62. Hello! I love this dress and would love to make one of my own but I don't have access to A4 paper. Is there a way to print the pattern on another size paper that would result in the same scale? Thanks for sharing such a great pattern!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Courtney, would you be able to take it to a copy shop and have them print it out on larger paper, that is both longer and wider, and then you could cut around it? Although it's very important not to "scale" to the new size of paper!

      Delete
  63. I love this & plan to make one with sleeves. Here the version I made with some light wool.
    http://www.burdastyle.com/projects/mauve-garden-party-dress
    Thanks so much for the great pattern!

    ReplyDelete
  64. Wow...your dresses Awesome.Nice design.And looking son beautiful.
    party dresses

    ReplyDelete
  65. I am getting ready to make the plain neck, short sleeve version of this in a lovely red cotton, and am planning to also add a flat collar of some kind. I do have some issues though. I have to increase the pattern to match my measurements. To make that easier, can I get the finished measurements also? I know there is some ease added, but I don't know how much, and really don't want to have to make a full mock up. Thanks.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi there! There is about 5cm of ease added, but I would defiitely recommend making a quick mock up, especially before cutting into your lovely red cotton :) Any other questions along the way please feel free to send me an email: designhonig [at] gmail [dot] com. Have fun!

      Delete
  66. Hi! It is a great pattern, thank you so much for sharing! It really fits perfectly for me. My first version is without sleeves and for the second version I decided to sew the long sleeves for a more exclusive look (violet bodice with red sleeves). Indeed it is more exclusive but I had problems with sewing the sleeves to the bodice because the sleeves were much to wide. I took the size 16 of both and couldn't figure out what I did wrong. So I reduced the sleeves of the 1,5 cm seam allowance, than they fitted to the bodice but now they are really tight around the upper arms. If you have any suggestions what I did wrong please let me know. It definitly wasn't the last dress I sewed with your pattern ;-)
    Regards from Austria!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Madam Rosmerta! Sorry for the late reply! Wow Violet and Red sounds beautiful. To reduce the sleeve width, don't reduce the whole sleeve but start at point where the "shoulder cap" meets the sleeve length draw a line from "0" to 1.5cm in on each side (or whatever you want to reduce it by). So it's not a parallel line but a gradual line.... Does this help? Email me if you have any questions! I would love to see how it looks!

      Delete
    2. Hi! Thank you, I solved my problem with the sleeves and in the meantime I made 4 different dresses with your pattern. One without sleeves, 2 party dresses with sleeves and one which looks similar to a rockabilly dress because I used cotton with yellow polka dots (don't know when to wear it, but I love it). I will email you my finished dresses as soon as I made photos ;-)

      Delete
  67. I really like this one. I'm gonna make me a party-dress for Christmas... Thanks!!

    ReplyDelete
  68. I came by this post through Pintrest and I so wanted to make this dress for myself. I had a look at the instructions though and they suggest that I am between a 14-16+ according to my measurements and Ii buy clothes at the shops that are 10 or 10-12. So still not sure if I want to go through all the hassle of printing and putting the pattern together when it might not fit me. How did you come by the measurements you based the pattern grading to? And did anybody else face the same dilemma as me (sorry, the comments list is mighty long and I have not read through it all)? Thanks.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. HI Viki,
      Thanks for getting in touch! I used a standard dressmaking block used here in the UK. Definitely do not go by the size you think you should be according to what you buy in a store, but look at the measurements themselves. This is true for any sewing patterns you use. I know it's a hassle but it's also a great idea to make a muslin first, especially if you don't want to risk ruining your special fabric ;) Best of luck and please do email if you have any other questions!

      Delete
  69. Bonjour,
    je souhaiterai faire votre robe pour noel mais les instructions sont en anglais et je ne sais pas combien de tissu et accessoire j'ai besoin. Pouvez vous m'aider s'il vous plait. merci d'avance.

    ReplyDelete
  70. Hi,
    Thank you too much for sharing such a beautiful blog info.. I was so exited for this post.. I really love your Pattern and design of dress ... I shall definitely use it .. Wonderful blog ... Keep posting..

    Party Dresses

    ReplyDelete
  71. I'm new to sewing and your dress is so fantastic :o Thanks for sharing ! When I have a bit more time I'll try it :)

    ReplyDelete
  72. Hi I am just about to start cutting the fabric however i am very confused about the skirt band. I don't understand why we have to trace a band onto piece K when we have piece G and H. What are those pieces for if not to use as a band? sorry i might be being very stupid. Your instructions do not include sewing the band on.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hello! I'm sorry I haven't been on my blog for a while, I hope you were able to work everything out!

      Delete
  73. Love this pattern. I've made two versions of it so far and plan on making more! I found it really easily to customize, both size and style-wise. I altered the the pattern slightly to fit me better (just changed the waist measurement), tried a v-neck (which looked lovely), changed the pleats, and added pockets. Super duper pleased. Bonus: this dress can be made out of a bed sheet. Win for style, win for budget. Thanks Elise! :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. So happy to hear that! Thank you for letting me know! Hope you are still wearing them! :)

      Delete