A few of you may remember me struggling to find a dress pattern a while back and being given lots of good suggestions. I went with (brenda's find I think) the Closet Core pattern as it looked closest and had pockets! This is also the design I can't pick buttons for
(as always, please send any button ideas my way!)
I figured I'd do a follow up post for the dress as it will be a work in progress type thing as opposed to sit down and get it all done in a day thing. I want it to fit right!
First off a little review of the pattern and instructions.
Notes - The instructions for this are rather spectacular. There is even a link to a fitting guide specificaly for this pattern (though the usual things, FBA, apex adjustments, seat and back adjustments etc) but all drawn out with diagrams and instructions on what each fit issue looks like and how to fix it. The FBA bit is particularly good and shows exactly where etc the slashes and spreads should be which I think is a nice touch.
The pattern printing section is great as it lists all the page numbers for the pages you need to print for each bodics and each skirt so a 50 page pattern can be reduced to 30 - saving paper! The only negative is the lack of layers and the fact that each size is b&w so I'll have to be careful cutting it all out. I may email them about it, because I do get a little frustrated.
The pattern layout section is outstanding as it shows options for all sizes and both views, so big plus for them there very inclusive.
The sewing instructions are clear and detailed with an overabundance of diagrams. This will be quite the relief after the style arc pattern I made at the weekend where I had to engage my brain and remember stuff! So I feel like I have gotten far more than my money's worth with this pattern and am very much looking forward to making it up.
I wasn't going to bother with a toile originally as I'm lazy, but reading through the instructions I think I should at least make a bodice toile (as heavily recommended) as I'll probably have to adjust the bust (FBA) anyway and possibly the torso length. I know I'll have to adjust the skirt length but hoping I can do that on paper rather than fabric. This means I have to dig out my calico. I am not sure where it is. Or how much is left if any.
I am as yet undecided on the pockets, the pattern has them on the front, but I'm tempted to change it and shove them in the side seam so there isn't anything to detract from the batik as I won't be able to pattern match.