Apple Festival Dress!

I bought this pattern at a sale in either February or March, and have really wanted to make it since.  This weekend, the fabric and pattern came together for a nice soft dress from a pretty thick knit purchased in a bundle at the September Sew Camp.

The pattern is for a "mock wrap" dress with raglan sleeves.  It isn't complicated, but the directions for the dress were: Because they call it an "amazing fit" dress, they instruct you to baste it together entirely with the seams on the outside, try it on, adjust the seams as necessary and try on again, until the fit is right.  Then you're to mark up your pattern pieces, take it apart and sew it together properly.  OK, I get that they're telling you to fit the dress to yourself, but why not baste it together so the seams are inside, as is normal, which still enables you to try it on?  Then, if it needs adjustment, you can put it on inside out and mark up the dress on the inside, and from there mark up the pattern.  Not just duplicated work, but extra work.  I hate when people don't think things like that through.

The fit on this pattern was good, if you follow your measurements.  They have different front bodice pieces to configure to each individual's contours; likewise, the back comes in slim fit, normal fit or curvy pieces.  All of that is thoughtful, really, and does contribute to making the fit very good.

Another thing I didn't like: the instructions said to cut pieces of bias tape, stitch them to the neckline, then fold under and sew down.  Instead, I cut 1.5" wide pieces of the same fabric, folded it in half and serged along the neckline, then topstitched it so it would stand up.  A little stretch along the neckline pieces will surely make the fit that much better.

I have a piece of fabric which I purchased in June that looks very much like the dress on the front of the envelope, so this dress will probably make a reappearance next spring.  Meanwhile, I'll b wearing it to an apple festival with several of my children and grandchildren on Saturday.  They had me at apple dumplings and cider.  There might even be a picture of me wearing it; you never can tell.

Happy Monday, everyone!