It’s time for Project: #sewmystyle again. August’s garment is by Megan Nielsen called Darling Ranges Dress. Megan Nielsen was on the list earlier in the year for the Briar Tshirt. That pattern was super easy to put together so I was hoping this dress would be the same.
I picked up a cotton shirting from Jo-Ann’s. I could not decide on a fabric for this dress. I shopped and shopped online but ended up going to Jo-Ann’s and deciding that I would not leave without something. The shirting is a navy blue with swiped on white dots. The cotton is light but still has enough body that the dress won’t fall flat. I did read over the post by Emily at Self Assembly Required. If I would have retained it a bit better it would have helped but I’ll get to that in a bit. She did mention that the sizing was a bit off and I agree. I cut a size small. I never do that… also just had a moment of déjà vu. Have I had this sizing issue recently? I also went with version 1 that has a gathered skirt. I think the other dress looks like a hospital gown with buttons in the front. Maybe that’s just me.
As I mentioned I cut a size small. The top sews up fast and I did sew it in the flat as the pattern suggests. I really didn’t see why it was a necessary suggestion but hey, who am I? I repeatedly tried the bodice on because I was nervous about the fit of a small but my measurements fit into the finished garment sizes so I was going with it. I attached the skirt and started to finish off the placket. That’s when the brain became the blame. I should have remembered from Emily that she thought the bust darts came up too high. I tried it on after finishing my plackets and realizing how much space I was losing. Uh oh! I fit but it was tight. That does not work! I pulled out a majority of one placket. I was not going to tear this whole dress apart. I resewed it about 3-4 times before it became acceptable and I fit appropriately. After I was sure about the one dart, I ventured to the other. So much better. I do want to look at those darts a bit more though before another go at this dress. They do go too high and I think they eat up too much of the bodice.
It took me a bit to decide on the length of the sleeves. I thought about hacking off the length and creating short sleeves. I ended up keeping the length to my elbow. I think a tulip sleeve might be a fun alternative for a future version. Do you also notice the back gives me some badonkadonk?
I chose little white buttons that would match the dots on the fabric. They do have a bit of a pearlescent kind of sheen and I think they complement the dress so much better than plain navy or standard white buttons.
I’m not sure how much of a hem the pattern suggested. I always hem my dresses last and at that point it’s what I want not what the pattern tells me. I made it a bit shorter than my knee. This tends to be the typical length I’ve been hemming my dresses at. See Simone and Sorbetto. All 3 are the same length. I go with the old rule of, as long as it’s past my fingertips it’s acceptable.
I wore this dress all day at work and not one wrinkle. Can you believe that? Especially of a 100% cotton? I’m amazed and totally delighted! Even with the 100 degree weather, I was still comfortable. I did add a little belt to enhance the transition from the bodice to the skirt. Is it weird that I love this picture because I have creepy dead eyes?
Very happy with this dress and pattern. A long bust dart won’t make me dislike this pattern. Next up is the Yona Wrap Coat by Named Clothing. I’m looking forward to this one and dreading it all at the same time!
Mac's Crafts 