Pattern Review: M7121 + Plus size contest submission

Pullover dresses (close-fitting through bust) have back bodice variations, elasticized waist, and narrow hem. Option to for maxi Length. I cut view b.

Pattern Sizing:

14-22. I cut a 22 for shoulders and armhole and graded out at the bust and hip to a 24.

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, very. However, it didn’t show you how to match up the stripes, I had to figure that out on my own ;).

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?

I love the ease of the pattern and the variations for length, and bodice back.

Fabric Used:

Poly/Rayon striped knit.

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:

I graded the pattern to a size 24 for the bust and hip, and I didn’t use the elastic at the waist.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?

Yes, I have a interlock knit with no stripes I plan to use as an easier project! And yes, I believe it’s a great beginner pattern (without matching stripes) and I think this is a great go-to dress pattern for summer.

Conclusion: 

This is an easy project that’s great for beginners. By using view b, and a striped fabric, it helped me to get out my comfort zone and utilize more advanced skills and the use of my seam ripper.

Plus Size contest Additional Questions:

1. Please list the garments you sewed for this contest with a link to their individual reviews if you sewed more than one garment for your entry.

I just sewed the maxi dress.

2 – Do you have one or more particular fitting challenges with RTW or commercial patterns? How did you overcome those challenges with your entry?

I usually have to do a FBA for patterns and as a newbie that’s a lot, but I’m getting better. For RTW they fit on the shoulders and arms, but never enough room in the bust area which means, I have to buy larger ready to wear and adjust the arm and shoulder which is harder to do for me as a beginner. I also have large thighs so RTW is usually way too big in the waist and snug in the hip/thigh area. I’m also tall, so I usually have an issue with RTW sleeves and pants being too short.

I chose for the contest a sleeveless maxi dress in a knit so I could adjust length for my height (which wasn’t needed). As a beginner I took on a lot, I chose to grade up for the bust and hip area to accommodate my fuller bust and hips without doing an FBA, eekkk. With grading up, I did have to adjust the armscye and keep my chevrons in line since I didn’t add a dart, what a challenge!

3 – Did the pattern(s) seem designed with unique fitting and/or styling for plus size sewists?

I don’t think so, I think knits are very forgiving and this pattern did call for an elastic waist which is forgiving. However, it didn’t have any adjustments (like most patterns I see) for a larger bust which can cause issues like gaping in the armsyce and neck which I did my best to adjust for without adding a dart.

In a woven, an FBA would have been an adjustment I would have done, but I was afraid and unsure of how to add a dart without altering the chevrons and the lines I tried to create.

4 – Were the fabric requirements listed on the pattern realistic?

Yes

Is there a way to do a FBA on knits without a dart?  Is there an easy way to cut bias stripes?