Pattern Review: V9075 The little pattern that could

I’ve been eyeing this pattern for a while, so when one of my Facebook groups chose it as a sew along, I was happy.  As a beginner I almost didn’t sew this up, because I had to do an FBA on princess seams, which I’ve never done and line a bodice.

I’m happy I tried it and, I’m happy with the results although it’s still not perfect.  I learned a lot about fitting, princess seams, reading muslins etc.

Pattern Description:  




Dress or jumpsuit has close-fitting, lined bodice with princess seams, side pockets, stitched hem and back zipper.  Wide-legged, pleated pants or Dress variations.  I made view A

Pattern Sizing:  


14-22  I cut a 22

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, the instructions are easy, but you still need to know a few things before you sew it.  You need to know how to ease princess seams and how to work with gathers.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?  


I like the options of making a dress or jumpsuit, however, I HATE the neckline.

I disliked the hand sewing (only because I’m terrible at it).

Fabric Used:


I used a cotton border print from Fabric Mart.

 Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:  


I did a 1″ FBA on the side front bodice.  Since I’m smaller on one side of by body ( uh wow, I thought that was a myth) I had to take in the entire left side by an additional 5/8 “.

I took in the waist on both princess seams by an additional half and inch to bring my waist back to size 22.

I TRIED to adjust the neckline but failed.


I did all alterations on the bodice to the outer fabric and lining.



Would you sew it again? 


Yes and No!  I don’t like the neckline on this pattern nor the way the pants fit.  It’s a basic pattern so if I find one with a better neckline,  or a better jumpsuit I will use that instead.  If I did make it again, I would do the FBA but instead of 1 inch on the side front bodice, I will do half an inch to the side front and then .5 inch to the front bodice piece to align the princess seams closer to the side seams. Also, I will add 2 inches to the bodice 1.5 inches to the crotch and rework the neckline for a better fit or do a frankenpattern and combine another bodice with the bottom.

Would you recommend it to others?


I’d say yes, try it!  Do a muslin and try it for yourself.  I feel a fabric with a good drape (Rayon Challis, knit, Jersey Knit) will work better in my opinion on a plus sized figure.

Cost: 

Pattern: $4.99
Fabric: $4.99 per yard I used 2 yards Total fabric cost = $9.98
Notions: Zipper $2.00

Total cost= $16.97

Time: 


After tracing the pattern, FBA, two muslins , matching the border print and the hand sewing I would say about 10 hrs give or take over the course of two weeks ( I did a lot of basting and fitting).

 Conclusion:


The pattern has good lines which is why I think it’s so popular.   I had the impression that when something says very easy, it’s fast, WRONG.  I would have spent a lot less time on this if I would have known how to read my muslin and transfer the corrections to the the pattern pieces, lesson learned.