@sewingj I wouldn't say big exactly, the way the ties are stitched in means that it is a snug fit on the bust. I made it in medium and wished I'd gone bigger. The rest of the dress is a nice A-line shape.

I suggest that you make a toile of the top/bust part in your regular size for sure

I made it in one fabric too

It has ties stitched on the sides that go around the back and however tight you tie them is up to you. I've made this dress and it is a flattering shape  :thumbsup:

How much do you want? I have some red, green and white. Intended for Christmas decs but I doubt that they'll ever get made......

Yes, more than other patterns I've tried. For instance, I cut the Portia pattern to size 16 and the trousers fit really well all over 

I made the Cressida in size 20 as I wanted roomy and it definitely is

I have the Portia trousers, the Beatrice pinafore and the Cressida jumpsuit patterns.

I've used the Portia pattern many times, they're my absolute fave trousers.  I've made one jumpsuit from the Cressida but only because it's a recent purchase. Given time I will make many more. Therefore I consider them to be a worthy purchase.

The patterns are very good quality thick paper, and I find the instruction booklet very detailed and easy to follow.

Hope this helps 

Never fails. People do not realise the cost of everything required to make a garment.

I've made two simple shift dresses - no fitting required - for the OH's SIL, and before I started I made her aware of the cost of fabric, then agreed an hourly rate of £5 and I gave her an idea of roughly how many hours it would take me. She was happy on both occasions and gave me a little more cash, with a wave of the hand. Thank you very much 

About five weeks ago the neighbour who's back garden runs crosswise to ours asked if I could make some cushion covers for his 'lads' at work. They had some large bench cushions and he would get me the flame retardant fabric to make them from. No mention of cash but I've not heard anymore about it. I can only assume that he's discovered how much it would cost for the fabric and had second thoughts...

My suggestion is to let her know how much the fabric and gubbins cost and gauge her reaction. Bearing in mind good quality cotton is about £8 pm?!

I've had a subscription for the past four years, originally a Christmas present from OH.

I like the magazine, the patterns are sometimes useful, dependant on what you want of course. There's good reading in it, and tutorials for other makes.

As with anything it's personal choice