I made this dress over a month ago, but due to various reasons I won't bother you with, I haven't found the time or the inclination to blog about it until now.
The pattern is Lekala 5972.
For those of you not familiar with Lekala patterns, they are downloadable PDF patterns, customisable to your own size. You can choose to enter only 4 "standard" measurements; bust, waist, hips and height, or go for a more customised fit by adding certain adjustments such as leg length comparative to torso and height, waist height, shoulder width, and a number of other options.
You can also choose to have the pattern with or without seam allowances - I think they charge a few pence extra for seam allowances. The basic patterns start at $2.49, although they are currently on sale at $1.99 each.
When I bought this pattern I chose to use the additional adjustments and the pattern fit me pretty well. The only change I had to make was to raise the waist about 1/2 an inch, and do a sway back adjustment of another 3/4 inch.
I had actually cut the bodice side panels and skirt side seams wider, as the fabric I used was a woven rather than a knit as the pattern called for. However during fitting I ended up taking out almost all the extra I'd added in. The only place I kept additional width was the sleeves, and in truth I could have done with a little bit more, as they are on the snug side.
I did change the back slightly, as I wasn't keen on the fact that the skirt darts didn't match up with the princess seams on the back. I cut the skirt section a little wider and gathered it onto the bodice side panels, the same as the front.
The fabric is a wool/viscose/poly blend remnant I bought from Truro Fabrics when I was in Cornwall on holiday earlier this year. It is lined with another remnant of satin from Ditto Fabrics, which I picked up whilst in Brighton for work last month.
I finished the back with an invisible zip, inserted a couple of inches down from the neckline, then added a little loop and button closure at the top. I sometimes find it hard to get a neat finish at the top of an invisible zip, and this solved the problem perfectly, as well as looking pretty.
I wore the dress out to lunch with some friends - I actually finished it about an hour before we were due to go out. This is the second Lekala pattern I've used, and I wouldn't hesitate to try some more. The instructions are a little brief, but if you are relatively experienced with sewing patterns they are not too hard to understand.
Have you ever used a Lekala pattern? Do you think you would?
