Pattern Runway : Kimono Dress

I have had my eyes on the Kimono Dress pattern by Pattern Runway for a while now.
I was just waiting for fabric-inspiration to strike.

Then Tessuti announced on their blog that they were running a competition, with silk crepe-de-chine!!! As soon as I saw this autumn inspired print, I was sold! (and there's still some left at the discounted price!!)

It arrived only 2 days after I ordered it, all wrapped up like Christmas present in an old pattern and tied with a sting. I know it shouldn't matter how its packaged, but to me it totally does!

I unwrapped it eagerly and got sewing! This dress is relatively easy to make, but it took me a looooong time! Many hours went into sewing this dress.

 

To make it special I wanted to make sure it was finished as professionally inside, as it was outside.

Pattern Alterations: I lengthened the bodice by 3 inches. I originally thought I wanted a nice, big "pouf" over the elastic waist, but after I had sewn it, it was way too much pouf. Yes there is such a thing. It gave me a boxy, really unflattering silhouette. So I painstakingly unpicked the elastic waste and my french seam (believe me silk hates unpicking as much as I do!), and shortened the bodice by 1.25 inches. (so overall my bodice was lengthened by 1.75 inches).

I also lengthened the skirt by 5 inches as I wanted it to hit my knee, and still have a deep hem.

I used french seams where I could, and Hong Kong seams where I couldn't, and to finish off the edges of my facings.

(Just incase you were wondering, yes I'm wearing it inside out, just to show of how nice the innards are!)

I made it up in a size M, grading out to a L at the hips (pear shape). I would definitely recommend grading up a size if your in between or just over sizes at the hips as its quite a slim fit.

I also did a blind hem (by hand I might add!!), and finished it all off with a fabric covered button.

I L.O.V.E. this dress!! x a million!

It feels sooo fancy. I cant wait for someone to have a wedding because I know what I'm wearing!!

This dress contained a few 'firsts' for me. First time Ive hand stitched a hem. First fabric covered button (not hard) and first time doing Hong Kong seams!!

I'm so proud of it! I feel like I'm wearing something from a super expensive designer boutique!

I'm definitely going to use this pattern again. I also want to eliminate the skirt and make a kimono top!

Jessica