elizabeth_mn

Another new dress, yay!



The fabric is a batik done on a cotton with a woven stripe texture. The fabric is soft and drapey but feels really ridge-y, which I love. It also requires no ironing, definitely a plus! I bought it ages ago on sale without a real definite plan (yay for stashbusting!).

The pattern is my old shirtdress pattern with a few fit tweaks. I cut the CF on the fold and made a facing for the neckline. The skirt is two widths of the fabric, about 95” total, pleated to the waistband. This is one of my favorite silhouettes; darted bodice, loose half-sleeves, nipped waist, and a full skirt.

( side view )

I put pockets in the side seams but ended up ripping one out when I realized the side-seam zipper was going to run into it. So I have only one pocket now.

The zipper is a bit short – 14”. I didn’t want a longer zipper making the skirt too stiff at the hip. It’s a bit difficult to get on and off, but that’s generally the nature of side-seam-zip dresses, in my experience. But the first time I wore it I tore the zipper out at the top while trying to take it off. It’s mended now, and I know to be more careful! I think the trick is to put both arms up and just let the dress slip down over your head. I usually do my hair before dressing, so I always try to get dressed without messing it up too much, but I think my hair might just have to bear the strain here so the zipper doesn’t. Besides that, it’s very comfy and easy to wear.

I do have one fit issue: the upper chest. I’ve always had a hard time getting a good fit there. Recently I’ve started shortening patterns above the bust, and that helps, but it’s still not quite right. I’ve also realized that I ought to be wearing a D-cup, which changes the way I address the chest fit. Clearly more experimentation is in order!