Seams Like Paradise: The Red Bombshell Dress

Tuesday, February 28, 2012

The Red Bombshell Dress

Pattern Description: Bustier dress with draped detail.

Pattern Sizing: 36-44. I made size 36 with size 38 bra cups.

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it? No, but that’s a good thing. There’s just something about a satiny dress that is a big turn off for me. All the versions I’ve seen look so much better than the official photo.

Were the instructions easy to follow? I loosely followed the instructions per Gretchen’s video course on Craftsy. She incorporates some couture details (i.e. a lot of fussy hand sewing, such as a hand picked zipper and zipper guard) which I did not do. I inserted an invisible zipper and hemmed and sewed everything by machine.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? I love that the pattern was free of seam allowances, so I can alter the pattern instantly and then add my preferred ½” seam allowances. The pattern is very well drafted and the pieces fit together perfectly.

Fabric Used: True red cotton sateen, lined with quilting cotton in the bodice and Ambiance rayon in the skirt.

Pattern alterations you made: I shortened the skirt a couple of inches at the hem and shortened the waist by an inch. I added an inch all around the top edge for coverage.

Design changes you made: I followed Gretchen’s instructions and omitted the poufy appendage at the waist. Since I detest gathers, especially at the waist, I made tiny pleats along the waistline for the draped detail.

I lined the skirt since I like my dresses fully lined. I made the back skirt vent on the left side (just like on a jacket vent) rather than on the right side (which seems bass ackwards to me).

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others? Yes, definitely.

Conclusion: I really like the pattern, much more than I ever thought I would, mostly due to the success of others that have courageously gone before me in making this bold design. I never would have chosen this style for myself, but I was so encouraged by how great everyone else's dress turned out that I wanted to try it for myself.