Passion Flower Musings

Queen of Hearts and Alice in Wonderland Costume Set GIVEAWAY!!!!

passionflowerdesigns@hotmail.com (cheryl) — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 14:07:00 +0000

You must go check out these incredible costumes! (and she's giving them away!)
Queen of Hearts and Alice in Wonderland Costume Set GIVEAWAY!!!!

Pattern Review - McCalls 3609

passionflowerdesigns@hotmail.com (cheryl) — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 22:30:00 +0000

Pattern Description:
Civil War (?) Undergarments.
Pattern Sizing:
I made this in my standard clothing pattern size 16.
Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?
Other than the fact that I used fancy fabric, yes!
Were the instructions easy to follow?
Yes
What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?
This pattern was easy to use, and the instructions were good.
Fabric Used:
Various, see posts on "making of a corset"
Pattern Alterations or any design changes you made:
none for the first one, then I decided to make the top smaller and add an inch to the total length.
Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?
This is a great pattern! I may sew it again if I find that I need more of these, but I totally recommend this pattern to others!
Conclusion:
I think this is a great pattern, I don't honestly know how "Historically Correct" it is, but most of the Big 4 patterns aren't. I think that this is an easy pattern and can be very modern with the correct fabric choices (or very historic). It makes a very comfortable corset.
The first one turned out alright, but the second one was a failure! (I am sure it was human error of some kind!)

Corset Muslin #2

passionflowerdesigns@hotmail.com (cheryl) — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 20:20:00 +0000

Having finished the first muslin, I knew what alterations I wanted to make to the basic pattern. I needed to lengthen it by at least an inch (I think I have a long torso, and wanted more support for the tummy area) and I needed to shave off a bit on the top for more "squish".
I choose to make muslin number 2 in a peach brocade remnant and an ivory bridal satin? lining.
Decided to use smaller grommets this time. Didn't really like them as they are only one piece, I find the two piece grommets work better and the fabric stays in them better.

Total Cost

Fabric - $1.25 Remnant bin at walmart
Grommets - 2 pkgs @ $2.00 = $4.00
Cable ties - lots! I couldn't find the size I had used before in the hardware stores, just the flimsy kind, and not long enough. (I now have a whole variety of cable ties!) I eventually found some in a supply store but they only had packages of 100, so now I have a whole lot of the size I wanted too! $67.00 total!
Lacing Ties - Stash

Labour - 10 hours

It looks beautiful in the photos above, but something terrible has gone wrong!

I don't know if one of the fabrics stretched funny while I was sewing or what, but this corset is way too small and has funny bubbling of the outer shell.

From this side, everything looks great, and it is doing wonders for the cleavage.

But.....

The other side has bubbled! I really think that I may have to put this pattern aside, and try another one! I am feeling a little discouraged!

Pattern Review - New Look 6857

passionflowerdesigns@hotmail.com (cheryl) — Tue, 22 Sep 2009 14:20:00 +0000

Pattern Description:
Misses and Men's Scrub top and pants
Pattern Sizing:
I made this one in an XL (Just a guess for a man's sizing)
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?
There are very few men's Scrubs patterns avaliable (not that there is much to them), and I happened to own this one, so it is the one I chose. Now I have to find a lab coat pattern, which is even harder as it seems all the Scrub patterns are geared towards women and the coat styles reflect that.
Fabric Used:
Cotton Broadcloth ($1.97 Rack at walmart)
Pattern Alterations or any design changes you made:
None.
Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?
This was a very easy pattern and would be easy for a beginner to put together. The ladies scrubs look very cute as well.
Conclusion:
This pattern worked for the Doctor Costume that I had in mind. Still need that Lab Coat though! It was a quick and easy pattern to put together, and the instructions seemed very straightforwards. It could be easily made many times in different fabric if you were sewing this for a work environment.

This costume goes with the nurse costume made a few years ago!

Finished Corset Muslin

passionflowerdesigns@hotmail.com (cheryl) — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 01:23:00 +0000

Finally! Here are the finished corset muslin photos!

You can see the dart I had to put in the side to get the proper compression
It actually closes on me (I squish better, I guess!)

The Making of a Corset - The First Muslin

passionflowerdesigns@hotmail.com (cheryl) — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 02:34:00 +0000

I have finished the first muslin of my corset project. Surprisingly it went well and fit almost perfect right out of the envelope! I have decided that I want to lengthen the next version and make the top part of the corset a tad bit smaller (I had to put some darts in this version to make it fit properly on the top).

Now for the tally!

Total cost of materials:

Shell fabric and lining - scraps from stash $0
Boning - size 14 Heavy Duty cable ties (had on hand) $?
Thread - stash $0
Grommets - 22 large two piece grommets $4.20
Bias tape - extra yellow broadcloth that I made into bias strips - stash $0
Lacing Cord - Had in stash, but I remember buying at the dollar store - $1.05

Total hours put in: 17! (Yes, I really counted)

Tools Purchased:

Tin snips - $16.97 + tax

So if we are counting the tools in this total, the price comes in under $25.00 !!!
(Now it would be a really different story if I was counting labour costs!)

I have already altered the pattern for the changes that I want to make, and have picked out my fabric, so on to muslin #2!

(I have added the binding, and will take some photos tomorrow to show you!)

Pattern Review - Vogue 8305

passionflowerdesigns@hotmail.com (cheryl) — Thu, 03 Sep 2009 15:20:00 +0000

Pattern Description:
MISSES’ JACKET, TOP, DRESS AND PANTS: Loose-fitting, unlined jacket has shaped front hems and long sleeves which may be worn open, or lower edges of front can be tied at waist or draped over shoulder. Fitted top or below mid-knee dress has raised back neckline, back zipper and long sleeves. Tapered pants have self-lined yoke, back zipper and side slits at ankles.
Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?
Yes
Were the instructions easy to follow?
I had to read them a few times to figure out what was going on, but once you had the pieces in your hands, it was easy.
What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?
This was a very easy pattern to put together, but I knew it needed some alterations just from the design photo. (See below). After wearing it a few times, I have noticed that the back neck tends to pull because of the drape, but that may only bother me because I don't particularly like things touching my neck! (and sometimes have trouble wearing necklaces)
Fabric Used:
Cotton Jersey found at an Edmonton Fabric store! (Marshall's fabrics)
Pattern Alterations or any design changes you made:
I cut about 10 inches off the front drape, because when I measured the pattern I found that it would have touched the floor when I wore it, and I am 5'5"! (I think this was drafted for a giant!)
Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?
I think I might sew this again when I get some more time. I would totally recommend it, just remember to make some pattern measurements before you cut out all that fabric (the envelope says it should take about 3 m, but after I was done, I had about 1m left because of my alterations)
Conclusion:
I love this pattern, and it is really well fitted (not like some other Big 4 patterns), other than the excessively long drape. Try it out!

Ps. Please don't mind the hems! (I haven't decided how I want to finish this one, so I just serged the edges for now!) I may go back and make some alterations to the back to make it a little higher, and see if I can fix the neck to my liking, but I really don't know yet!

BWOF # 116-07-2009

passionflowerdesigns@hotmail.com (cheryl) — Tue, 01 Sep 2009 14:05:00 +0000

Pattern Description:
The perfect dress for your dream vacation. It‘s long, flowing, sun-backed and colourful. Contrasting straps trim the plunging V-neckline, creating a pretty décolléte.
Pattern Sizing:
Burda petite/half sizes 17 – 21
Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?
It can, but I don't usually wear it that way.
Were the instructions easy to follow?
Yes
What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?
I love the maxi dress and had been looking for the right pattern for a while now, it came just in time to wear to a summer wedding!
Fabric Used:
Polyester Jersey
Pattern Alterations or any design changes you made:
None, I just wear the straps differently so I don't have so much cleavage popping out!
Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?
I would definately sew this one again, probably in a solid color for a more casual look.
Conclusion:
I love this dress! The pattern on the fabric makes it a little dressy, so I might have to invent places to wear it, but I love it enough that I might just wear it around the house!

I like to twist the front straps around a little though, to get this look.

De Gracieuse?

passionflowerdesigns@hotmail.com (cheryl) — Mon, 31 Aug 2009 14:25:00 +0000

The other day I was browsing the costume reviews on Pattern Review, and came across this interesting reference to De Gracieuse Pattern magazine. Now being the bored individual that I am, I set out to find out what that was. (the costumes were all historical)
So my first search sent me to the "Search the Netherlands" page, which had a reference to this pattern magazine. Apparently it was published in the late 19th and early 20th century. Very BWOF! And the pages have been digitally scanned! Very interesting if I do say so myself!
I can't read any of the words, So I don't even know if they are in English, and the pattern pages are completely confusing, but the illustrations are so worth spending the afternoon looking at. (well, if you like historical clothing anyway!)

Check it out here.

ps. I am researching a possible idea for a Halloween costume. Anybody want to guess what it could be?

Historical Influence?

passionflowerdesigns@hotmail.com (cheryl) — Mon, 24 Aug 2009 17:41:00 +0000

The Commercial Pattern Archives is allowing free access to their online collection (username: guest, password: pattern) Although, I think it is only open until Tuesday. But I was browsing the site and came across this 1974 Emanual Ungaro Pattern.

Does it look familiar?

The making of a corset - Introduction

passionflowerdesigns@hotmail.com (cheryl) — Fri, 21 Aug 2009 18:32:00 +0000

My newest project is making a period corset. I have decided on McCalls 3609 as my starting project. I'm not sure what period the costume to go over it will be, so I started with the one that looked the easiest. I cut the muslin out of some scraps that I had on hand, because I'm not sure how this is going to turn out and am not ready to invest in all the materials just yet. I also had to modify the front and back closure for this pattern so I could use materials that were readily available.
I decided to eliminate the back closure and put the lacing in the front, so I didn't have to buy a busk (these things are not readily avaliable where I live, and I am not sure enough of the project to order all this stuff). Instead of the boning required, I just bought some tin snips and am going to use the largest size cable/zip ties that I could find.
I know that there are people out there who would find this whole idea offensive (using cheap materials / whatever I have on hand), but I have decided that this is an experiment. I really don't know how this is going to turn out, but if it works with the cheap materials, I am ahead of the game!
Stay tuned for the next installment - The Muslin!

Pattern Review - Simplicity # 3867

passionflowerdesigns@hotmail.com (cheryl) — Wed, 19 Aug 2009 14:46:00 +0000

Pattern Description:
Dress, top, shorts, bolero and purse.
Pattern Sizing:
I made a size 16, best fit according to my measurements.
Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?
I think so.
Were the instructions easy to follow?
Very.
What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?
These shorts were fairly simple to construct. I made them to basically start fitting pants. I know that I need to make adjustments but I thought they made a great starting pattern.
Fabric Used:
I'm not exactly sure. It came off the clearance shelves at Fabricland, and after wearing and washing it a few times, I would say it is some type of linen or linen blend.
Pattern Alterations or any design changes you made:
I ended up having to take in the back darts a little more, and I think I will still take in the side seams a little, but I really think that to fit these properly I should have cut out a size 14 for the front pieces, and a 16 for the back and made the back darts a little larger. Overall, I don't think that they fit badly for a first try.
Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?
I will definitely sew these again. I don't know if I will manage to do it before next summer, but hears hoping that I have a reason to!
Conclusion:
I really like this whole pattern, and have made up most of the pieces. They are fairly easy to make and fit great with your basic adjustments. This is a great summer wardrobe pattern!

BWOF #124-07-2009

passionflowerdesigns@hotmail.com (cheryl) — Mon, 17 Aug 2009 13:54:00 +0000

Pattern Description:
You‘ll get a lot of use out of this versatile top that you can wrap around your waist as you please. For evening, team it with a sexy skirt for a head-turning outfit!
Pattern Sizing:
Burda Sizes 34-42
Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?
Yes
Were the instructions easy to follow?
Yes
What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?
I like that it was a quick an easy pattern. But it has already dissapeared from the closet because it is simply too low in the back! (My bra strap would normally sit about where the tan lines are). I also found it to be a tad bit too short, but I have a long torso and like my tops to be on the longer side, it would probably be just fine on an average person.
Fabric Used:
Polyester Jersey
Pattern Alterations or any design changes you made:
None.
Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?
I won't be making this again, but if you don't need to wear a bra, this is a quick and easy pattern.
Conclusion:
I really think this would be a great pattern for the younger sewers out there, it is quick and easy and they won't mind the low back!

BWOF # 113-06-2009

passionflowerdesigns@hotmail.com (cheryl) — Fri, 14 Aug 2009 21:21:00 +0000

Pattern Description:
This strapless jersey tunic is guaranteed to not slip out of place! The figure-hugging bust section with front darts is covered with a wrap-over piece and fitted with elastic casing for extra support
Pattern Sizing:
Burda sizes 34 – 42  
Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?
Other than my alterations
Were the instructions easy to follow?
I read through them, but I know that I read a few reviews before attempting this top, so I kind of knew how it was going to go before I started.
What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?
This pattern needed to have a FBA and I did not do one, so it always seems to be up to high. The pattern calls for double layers of each piece on the top plus a lining layer, which makes for ten layers in the side seams, I think that is simply not needed. I only cut out a single layer for each piece.
Fabric Used:
Polyester Jersey
Pattern Alterations or any design changes you made:
I had read about the amazing amount of layers that Burda said you should sew together and since I know that this fabric is tricky as is, I just went for the single layer of each pattern piece. I also added straps to hide bra straps because I knew I would be wearing one with this top.
Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?
This is a great summer top and I really enjoy it, if I were to sew it again, I would make the top pieces about two inches longer and shorten the bottom pieces by at least three inches.
Conclusion:
This is a great summer top!

Hello Again!

passionflowerdesigns@hotmail.com (cheryl) — Wed, 12 Aug 2009 00:54:00 +0000

So we have just returned from our travels! Now just short trips in the area until winter, How I miss my home!
I have a backlog of pattern reviews to do, so stay tuned for a bunch! And now is the time to start planning the family Halloween costumes. I have so many ideas and only one day to wear them all! I may have to declare the whole week a costume wearing holiday! (Maybe a little too much!)
And I have finally caught up on my blog reading that I have been neglecting as well! Taken me most of two days, but it is done! (and I even found a few more that I like! Oh, dear!) Now off to clean my house because with all the galavanting around, that is sorely neglected as well!

Pattern Review - Butterick #5024

passionflowerdesigns@hotmail.com (cheryl) — Mon, 10 Aug 2009 22:22:00 +0000

Pattern Description:
A-line dress, mid knee has fitted, lined, mock wrapped bodice, raised waistline, stitched pleats, back zipper and purchased trim.
Pattern Sizing:
I cut a 14 (I am a 16 according to the envelope sizing and I can't remember why I cut it smaller now)
Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?
Yes
Were the instructions easy to follow?
Very easy. I was worried that the zipper would give me trouble, but I just basted it in and it worked out better than I imagined it would!
What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?
This is a quick and easy pattern for a summer dress, which is what I was looking for.
Fabric Used:
I think it is a rayon. (it was a hand-me down piece of fabric)
Pattern Alterations or any design changes you made:
None. This pattern is great fitting. Any extra ease was taken out when I put in the zipper.
Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?
This pattern lends itself to so many variations depending on the fabric and trim that it is a great summer dress (could be a day dress in cotton and an evening dress in satin!) I have so many dress patterns to make that I don't know if I can make it again, but if I have the time I will and I absolutely recommend it!
Conclusion:
This is a great pattern for a beginner sewer and is flattering on so many body types!

So Behind!

passionflowerdesigns@hotmail.com (cheryl) — Fri, 17 Jul 2009 17:23:00 +0000

I am so behind in my pattern reviews! I have actually made something from the June and July issue of Burda, but can't seem to find the time to sit down and do up the review! Lazy Me!
Hope for me to finish it soon!

My Newest Baby!

passionflowerdesigns@hotmail.com (cheryl) — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 16:44:00 +0000

A lovely lady in my local Freecycle group was offering this machine and Of Course, I jumped at the opportunity to give it a home! I have no idea what model it is or when it was made, so if any of you have any places to look for help, I would love to hear from you!
I plugged it in and it seems to work, but will probably need some oil and TLC. Heaven knows that I have just figured out how to take care of my machines that came with manuals!

But I must say that she is beautiful! Now if only I could get my hands on a treadle machine, I think I would be in heaven!

***Edited***
So after a little research on the Singer site, I now know that this machine was manufactured in 1954 in St. John's Newfoundland.

June BWOF

passionflowerdesigns@hotmail.com (cheryl) — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 15:06:00 +0000

I have received my BWOF subscription and I think it is so great. As of now, I have managed to trace out a few patterns, and have made the tunic from the June issue(#113), pictures will follow. All I can say is that now I can look forward to getting the mail!
I only hope that I can find the time to make up some of these great patterns like all the other ladies! (Man can some of you be productive!)

Simplicity # 4177

passionflowerdesigns@hotmail.com (cheryl) — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 02:36:00 +0000

Pattern Description:
Misses Tunic Top with sleeve variations
Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?
Yes
Were the instructions easy to follow?
Yes
What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?
I like the ease with which this pattern went together. It is a great summer blouse.
Fabric Used:
I think it is a rayon or polyester blend. Given to me by my MIL
Pattern Alterations or any design changes you made:
None
Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?
I would love to sew this one again, probably with the longer sleeves.
Conclusion:
This is a simple and easy summer top.

Still Making Christmas Presents?

passionflowerdesigns@hotmail.com (cheryl) — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 19:31:00 +0000

You know that you are behind when you have just finished last years presents in May!
This was supposed to be a Birthday Present for my mother, and her birthday is Christmas, so I am terribly late! I haven't actually had the energy to sew anything lately, but this project seems to have perked me up. This was made with the most beautiful cotton fabric that I found in our local quilting shop. The pattern is the Jocole Bag (Free download) on Burdastyle.
I actually love this pattern and have one myself. I is fairly simple and straightforward to make, although, I have never managed to get the interfacing peices to fit in right, I usually do an extra row of topstiching on the contrast band to make sure that it stays where it is supposed to.
I so love this fabric that I may have to make one for myself (since I only have about 0.5m left!)

BWOF

passionflowerdesigns@hotmail.com (cheryl) — Tue, 19 May 2009 19:38:00 +0000

So I know that everyone already knows about Burda Magazines, but I finally broke down and orders some from ebay. And now I think I am hooked! I love the photos and the drawings, and even the fact that you have to trace out the pattern, because that makes me want to try the adjustments that I know I need to start doing! So I asked for a subscription for Mothers Day. Now I am just eagerly awaiting my first issue (hoping that it will be soon, cause I saw some patterns in the June issue that look like i would love!)

My First Recycle Project

passionflowerdesigns@hotmail.com (cheryl) — Tue, 24 Feb 2009 19:02:00 +0000

This is the first time I have attempted to make something from something else. I find it takes a different thought process than just cutting and sewing from a pattern.I had bought this skirt a few years ago because I really loved the print and color. The skirt itself was just so-so. I found it quite poufy and too long. Now I could have just hemmed it and perhaps that would have helped, but I have a shortage of shirts that fit lately.

Enter my favorite shirt pattern!
I made this particular shirt for my post/transitional maternity wardrobe and love it to pieces. Now I have two!

Wardrobe Planning

passionflowerdesigns@hotmail.com (cheryl) — Mon, 23 Feb 2009 18:04:00 +0000

I have been trying to make a plan for my spring sewing. Which really just means that I have looked at too many pretty dresses online lately! That hasn't helped me narrow down the choices of what to make at all, just added more pictures to my inspiration folder.
I have decided that I need to flesh out my wardrobe to make it fully functional and stuff that I will wear all the time. (I have a full section of dresses that I can't wear in the winter because I find them too cold, but man are they pretty!)
So I have made a list of wardrobe staples, and we will go from there.

Wardrobe Staples

Clothing

** all these items should suit your shape***

1.Classic Suit (One Black, One Neutral - Brown, grey, tan)
2. White button-up Shirt
3. Perfect Jeans ( 2 Pairs)
4. Black Pants ( not shiny for work)
5. Khaki’s or Chino’s
6. T-Shirt (about 5)
7. Cashmere Sweater
8. Cardigan sweater set
9. Turtleneck
10. Little Black Dress
11. Jean Jacket
12. Casual Blazer
13. Trench Coat
14. Comfy Lounge Pants
15. All Around Parka
16. Sexy Camisole
17. Knee Length Skirt
18. Flattering Bikini or Bathing Suit
19.A Few Trendy Items
20. Supportive Bra and Underwear

Shoes

1. Sneakers
2. Black Pumps
3. Black or Brown Boots
4. Stylish Flats
5. Strappy Sandals

Accessories

1. Signature Scarf
2. All Around Tote
3. Clutch Purse
4. Multifunctional Watch
5. Sophisticated Belt
6. Face Flattering Shades
7. Chic Sun Hat
8. Jewellery (Chunky Necklaces, thin chains, Bracelets)

I have one pair of great jeans, I just need to find a great belt to go with them.
I have just altered my black pants so that they work great, but I would like another pair.
I do have a selection of t-shirts, not neccessarly the best looking or fitting ones, but I do just wear them around the house!
I also have a few casual blazers, and a white denim jacket (although I think I would like one in blue as well)
I have managed to flesh out my winter coat selection (I wear those alot!) But would like a summer weight trench in a bright color, maybe a floral!
And I don't think that I have a huge need for a full suit just right now, since the only place I work is at home.
(and as for the shoe section, really what girl needs to fill in the holes in her shoe section? I know I have at least twenty more than I need!)

So this leaves me with these to make:
White button up shirt (I think I would like some more in a print or color) JJ Blouse pattern
Jean Jacket (I have dozens of jeans waiting for a recycle) Simplicity #2703 (I also think I want to make a red jacket like the one on the envelope)
I would like to attempt the Weekend Designer Jeans but I'm not sure I am ready for that yet, so I may break down and go shopping for some.
I also want to make the Weekend Designer Camisole and some simple tank tops (still need to find a good pattern and some stretch lace.
I also need a new tote bag for all that stuff that I carry around, but that is just a dream right now!

This seems like a huge undertaking for some reason, so I may just stop at that, cause there are so many things that catch my eye!

Vouge #8351 Pattern Review

passionflowerdesigns@hotmail.com (cheryl) — Fri, 20 Feb 2009 15:36:00 +0000

I have had this pattern in my stash for a very long time, but thought that vogue patterns were out of my ability level, so I was pleasantly surprised that this one was as easy as it was. I am attempting to get better fitting garments this year, (most patterns usually fit ok out of the envelope) so I even attempted to make a low bust adjustment to this pattern! There are still some fitting issues that I need to tackle, but this dress was still an easy sew!

Pattern Description:

Pullover, empire waist dress has gathered front, tie ends and sleeve gathered into sleeve band. A: low neck, short sleeve. B: cowl neck, above wrist sleeve.

Pattern Sizing:

Comes in sizes 6-20. I made a 14 (one size smaller than my measurements)

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

Yes

Were the instructions easy to follow?

Very

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?

I had read that it was particularily low cut in most of the reviews, but tissue fitting seemed to put it at an acceptable level for me, so I went with it, but it has turned out that the neckline is a little too wide for my tastes because the bra straps keep popping out, and the shoulders seem to be falling off mine.

Fabric Used:

Cotton polyester jersey

Pattern Alterations or any design changes you made:

I cut a size smaller than I normally would and added an inch and a half on the bottom of the bodice peice. I also have to go back in and make the shoulders a little shorter so they sit right.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?

Yes, this was a great easy dress pattern and once I have the fitting issues under control, will probably become a staple in my wardrobe!

Conclusion:

I like the pattern, I think it is easy and comfortable to wear. The gathering also hides a multitude of sins and the minimal peices make it a great pattern for the beginner!