Yay for the Holyoke! I finished the dress almost two weeks ago, but you know I didn’t have any buttons right? (insert triple eye roll). Anyway, I don’t know if you remember my ramblings from a few posts ago, but I’m on a “patterns that don’t come in my size fast” (insert eye roll). So, I’m not loosing anything on my fast, but yet spending my resources and time on those that fit. Also, I think it’s igniting my creative juices! I really like the dress, having straps that hide my bra and having a no gaping neckline are the best!
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| stretched the front neckline out putting it on a few times |
During my trip to the FabricMart brick and mortar, I picked up this chambray fabric from the resale store and picked up the Holyoke pattern. I typically order PDF so I don’t have to retrace every-time I want to make changes, but in this case, I made an exception.
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| Great bra coverage |
I made minimal changes to the pattern:
- I cut a straight size 20 with C/D cup bodice and size 20 skirt.
- I added 2 inches to the bodice ( I could have added an inch or a little more than an inch)
- I took in the front princess seams at the armhole edge at size 18 ( I may need to take it in further at the armhole edge by an additional 3/8 inch.
- I shortened the skirt about fourteen inches.
- Cut the elastic a little too short
- I made the placket faux but it was hard getting on and I stretched out the neckline getting on and off.
- I trimmed off 1/8″ from the shoulder straps front and back for a total 1/4″.
So there are few changes I’d make going forward, I would have to tweak the front princess seams and the back elastic before finalizing. I think I’d make the placket functional only on the dress but the skirt I would make non functioning to prevent gaping at the waist. Because the bodice is so fitted and I have wide hips and wide shoulders it was hard getting it over my head and over my hips, soo yeah, I’ll need to figure that out.
I’m planning on making a few more skirts at different lengths and weights of fabrics. and working on how to use my block and patterns in my size to make designs that don’t come in my size.
10 Comments
TheTellTaleTasha
I love how classic this looks on you! Such a beautiful shape.. and nice choice of buttons!
MadebyLaQuana
Thanks! The denim and brown buttons are kind of classic and hopefully will get lots of wear.
Catherine
Absolutely love this on you! Yours is my favorite version of this pattern. I haven't tried Cashmerette patterns yet, but your dress makes me want this pattern.
MadebyLaQuana
Thanks! I really like this pattern company, hope you get to try it.
Karey
I really love this dress, and Cashmerette G/H is my shape, unlike most other pattern company's sizing ratios, but I need a size 10, so haven't bought it
MadebyLaQuana
I understand having to make adjustments. It maybe easy to scale down if you get the coverage you want, but I totally understand having things that come in your size.
Marjie
It looks great! I always put super long zippers in woven dresses, because I'm claustrophobic and can't pull tight things over my head. Heck, I can't even wear turtlenecks, because I panic trying to put them on. So maybe a 20" invisible zipper in one of the seams would solve your getting it on and off problems?
MadebyLaQuana
I like the zipper idea!
Carolyn (Diary of a Sewing Fanatic)
I love this on you! Did we both get the same chambray at FM? Cause I think I have some of this too! I've made the skirt 3x – in denim, in a linen blend and a chambray and all of them have the button down front. Just pull your elastic tighter if you want a good waistband fit.
MadebyLaQuana
Yes, I think we got the same fabric, I want to make the skirt too!