Supplement 312 - Model #205 - 2019
Hello again fellow Lutterloh sewists. This dress pattern, turned flowy top, is for a friend who wears mostly leggings with long tops. I thought I would model it for this review since I know she won't want to take photos. Sorry it doesn't show up well in the photo but black is the only color she wears.
Pattern Hints:
This dress pattern draws out easily enough. I found no errors in the numbers or placement of the dots. Some of the pattern pieces are only a suggested size with cm measurements. 
I was pleased to see this separate placket piece instead of folded back fabric to complete the placket. The skirt is also just a rectangle of fabric with a suggested size which can easily be adjusted to your preference in both length and fullness.
Design Changes:
The most obvious design change is the length of the skirt. My friend only wanted a top from this fabric. I was working with a limited amount of fabric so I also needed to reduce the width of the sleeves. It's probably just as well since my friend is smaller. Sometimes too much fullness in a garment can look overwhelming. The button placket on this top only extends to the bottom of the bodice. I was only given a handful of buttons to work with and this was a relief because this fabric was a bear to handle.
Fabric Used/Suggested:
The fabric I was given for this top is a mystery to me. A burn test revealed that this is a natural fiber but I can't be certain which type. It looks like a semi-sheer crinkle gauze but it is much too limp to be cotton. Whatever the type of fabric I do know that I never want to work with it again!
The crinkle effect made this fabric slightly stretchy even though it is a woven fabric. When it was pressed the crinkles flattened but bounced back with a little steam. I needed to press just the edges of where I wanted a crease to maintain the size of the pattern pieces. If I were to make this again it would be with a woven fabric with good drape like a rayon challis or perhaps Tencel. A knit fabric could probably be used if it were very stable and only stretched in one direction. The weight of the skirt may be too heavy for a very stretchy fabric.
Closing Hints:
My friend is happy with the final garment which is the goal in the end. I will keep the pattern for the future since the pattern itself wasn't too difficult. With a more forgiving fabric I would probably make the dress with the full length button placket. I may revisit this one in the Fall.
Until next time then, happy sewing everyone,
Ann in Calif.
