Pattern Review: Cashmerette Upton dress

Can I just say, I love this dress!  I just finished the Cashmerette Upton Dress!  I think like everyone else who has made this dress, I was skeptical of sizing, I guess we can blame that on the fit issues most have with commercial patterns.  I don’t have many Indie patterns because commercial patterns are available and cheap.  You can’t beat $1.99, I’m not bashing commercial patterns, I have over 400, I know, I know, most I haven’t made, and many of them I purchased for a dollar.  There are some really good ones in my stash so I can’t say they are worthless.  As I grow as a sewer/ sewist, I look at patterns differently, I’m looking for different things now.  I want an excellent fit and I want classic style with a trendy spin, I found it in the Upton dress.  I wanted to see what the hoopla was about and If I really could sew this right out of the package.  I recently tested a PDF pattern, and let me tell you, Indie pattern makers are serious about their craft and their desire is for everyone to have a balanced, great fitting garment.

I think I’ve seen the light and I will look more to my Indie pattern makers, especially those making an effort to address the average women’s fit and body type.

This is my wearable muslin (#2)  the first one was of the bodice only and I didn’t read the fit right, I should have added the zipper and assessed the fit, I tried to make my normal adjustments and I wound up backing out most of them, again, I didn’t listen to the pattern maker.  I also didn’t finish things as I would normally in terms of  the hand stitching, because I’m lazy, so don’t look too close!

Pattern Description: 

Make a statement in the Upton Dress, the most versatile pattern in your
stash! This gorgeous fit-and-flare dress is tailored to your curves with
flattering necklines, a fully lined bodice, and hidden pockets. Even
better, the design is in your hands, as you choose from a scooped or
V-neck, high or low back, and a gored skirt or deep, dramatic
box-pleats. Let your creativity shine, while the Upton takes you from
brunch to cocktails in style!

SEWING LEVEL: Advanced beginner.

SIZING: 12 to 28, in three cup sizes (C/D, E/F, G/H). I cut 18 E/F cup.

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?

 
Yes

Were the instructions easy to follow?

 
Yes, they are step by step and I found no errors.  They don’t hand
hold as much as commercial big 4 patterns, but the are sufficient.  As long as you read the
directions and look at the diagrams you will be ok.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?

 
I love the different cup sizes and pockets!  I really like the care taken in
shaping the side seams and the already included sway back adjustment.  I like the included finished measurements.  I also like the different front and back necklines.  The only dislikes I have is the pattern does not include separate bodice lining pieces or an option for a full set in sleeve.

Fabric Used:

Dewbury rayon burnout fabric from Joann’s and a Bemberg rayon lining.

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:

 
*I drafted lining pieces, I find it easier to draft a lining than trim 1/16 or 1/8 from the neckline of fabric.
*I did a forward shoulder adjustment
*I lined the skirt
*I used the scoop neckline view A  and the high back option view b and the gored skirt of view b
*I graded the bodice to a 20 and took most of it out after fitting the side seams.

Planning

Would you sew it again? 
Yes, I will make my size without any grading to get a close fit as intended but I will most likely line the skirt.

Would you recommend it to others?
If you want to try a pattern straight out the envelope, give this a try, this pattern makes for a good well fitted fit and flare dress in the woven fabric of your choice.

Conclusion: 

I want to hear from you, what do you think?  Have you sewn this pattern, did you like it, do you
have plans to sew it?