Sewing Class Review: Sew Retro Perfect Bombshell Dress

I didn't buy this class when it first came out, since the strapless style does not readily fit into my lifestyle and/or wardrobe.  But the completed projects posted on Craftsy all looked so good.  I made the mistake of watching the free previews and I was immediately hooked.  I had met Gretchen in person, and the video really captures her inspiring personality.  She is a great teacher, and that comes through in the lessons.

I love that the class walks you through the whole process of preparing the downloaded pattern (a first for me), to making and perfecting the muslin, to constructing the very fitted and structured strapless bodice (another first for me), with underling and lining, and finishing the skirt.  I had read in countless books and magazines about waist stays and boning, but seeing both demonstrated and explained together in this video was extremely helpful.  Just watching someone sew a garment from start to finish is kind of relaxing to me, and to learn something new along the way is like icing on the cake. 

The most enjoyable part for me was watching the bra cups take shape right as they are going through the sewing machine.  I couldn’t wait to try it out myself, and it was just as fun to do and see in real life.  

I tend to focus on details, and I appreciate that Gretchen's nails are neatly manicured.  I've seen other professional videos in which the close up sewing shots show raggedy cuticles and annoying hangnails, which tends to distract and detract from the information presented. 

The video quality is good and the information presented is hard to find elsewhere.  I paid $29.99 for the class, which I feel is a fair price for both the pattern and live detailed instructions.

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.

Course:  29.99
Fabric:  29.74
Bodice lining:  4.77
Skirt lining:  4.77
Batting:  .94
Zipper:  1.79
Ribbon casing:  1.83
Waist stay:  2.18 
Total:  76.01