Pattern Test- Bella Sunshine Desing’s Amelia dress

**Disclosure:
I received this PDF pattern for free as a part of testing.  The
thoughts and opinions reflected in this review are purely my own. ***

I really like pattern testing, it’s a lot of work, but I enjoyed the process.  I learn something every time I test and I come out with a wearable garment.  For this test, I tested the Amelia dress pattern by Bella Sunshine Designs.  I was part of pretesting which was interesting, very fast pace and I got to see how changes effect the design and outcome.  I went through two muslins to get this fit, but the BSD team was there to look at my pictures and make recommendations, that’s what makes testing fun, I wasn’t alone.  As an advanced beginner/intermediate sewer, sometimes, I can’t read the drag lines or fitting issues so this process was super helpful.  There is a wealth of information on Facebook an most groups are there to help if you have a question.  The sewing community is a great resource and very accepting.  

Ok, ok, about this dress, here are the details from the website  :



The Amelia is the perfect dress for any occasion. It can be dressed
up for a fancy brunch or casual enough for a stroll on the beach. The
wrap front bodice beautifully accentuates the body. The empire waist is
flattering no matter what your shape is and the gathered band gives a
nice detail not often found in dresses like this. The knit bodice can be
paired with a knit or woven skirt. And since the pattern comes in
sleeveless, short sleeve, 3/4 sleeve, and long sleeve, you are ready for
any season. On top of the multiple sleeve lengths, the pattern includes
options for a top length, knee length dress, and a maxi. Also, as with
all our knit women’s pattern, and optional full bust adjustment is
included in the pattern making fitting a breeze.
 

Amelia dress

Sewing Level: Confident Beginner

Sizes: Ladies 0-30 with Optional Bust Adjustment

I sewed a size 16 with FBA, and used size a size 18 skirt.  I really like the included FBA’s in this pattern, one less thing to worry about.  For a beginner step 4 could be a little confusing but the instructions are clear and and the Bella Sunshine Design website and Facebook group have a wealth of information and help for any areas that may seem tricky.  


I adjusted the bodice for length by adding three inches to the bodice front and back, I’m 5’9″ so I usually have to add length, however, for this pattern, I add almost three times the length in the bodice; I was not a fan of  that adjustment as it can distort the pattern, but it came out good in the end. I also added 2 inches to the skirt and I didn’t hem since I used a knit.  Speaking of knits, I used a super cute ITY for both the dress and lining and I really like the way it came out.


Most times on casual dresses I make from knits, I wont hem since they don’t fray, and because I’m lazy!  This dress bodice is lined, so I chose to self line (using the same fabric for bodice main and lining), I couldn’t prevent the lining from peaking out in the back so I used the same fabric to remedy that.  I would recommend taking care with overlapping the front bodice pieces and adding the waistband, there are a lot of layers to include gathering stitches, so take your time and line up your pieces and baste before sewing your final stitches.

This pattern has a separate pattern piece for the lining and bodice mains which I really like also.  Overall, the dress is great after I make my length adjustments and find the right fabric.  


Tip/Technique:  There is a tutorial on how to gather with clear elastic here from the BSD team and that will be super helpful if you work with knits.