Minerva Crafts Blogger Network - Kwik Sew 4111

For my Minerva project this month I chose to make another dress.  I picked a pattern company I'd never used before - Kwik Sew.  I have to say Kwik Sew patterns have never really appealed to me before, but I fell in love with K4111, which I think is a new release. 

I love the wrap skirt and the little pleats at the waist, not to mention the cap sleeves.  I love a cap sleeve, although the pattern calls them 'flanges' - not a very attractive name!

Once I'd chosen my pattern, it was time to pick some fabric.  I chose this printed viscose (it's almost sold out now, so be quick if you want some!).  I loved the vibrant colours against the black background.  It is gorgeous stuff, really soft and drapey.  Perfect for this dress.

Size-wise I used a bit of a mixture.  Kwik Sew patterns are sized XS - XL, and as usual my measurements fell across several sizes.  I used the size small for the shoulders and neckline, grading to a medium at the bust and waist and then a large for the hips.  I ended up having to take the dress in under the arms when it was almost finished, so I could probably have gone with a small at the bust as well, grading out to a medium at the waist. 

Strangely I had to shorten the front bodice a bit.  I'd actually been worried that it might pull across the chest, but it was much too long.  I think I took a good inch out, grading to nothing at the side seams.  This and the underarm alteration were done once the dress was almost complete, as I didn't bother to make a muslin (I'm getting really naughty about not making muslins recently!).

I also lengthened the skirt by about 2 inches - so beware if you're tall that this pattern will come up short.  I'm only 5'3" and I found the skirt too short for my liking, mind you I like my knees to be covered. 

I'm very pleasantly surprised with how well this dress turned out.  Having never used a Kwik Sew pattern before I wasn't sure what to expect, but the instructions were good and everything fit together as it should.  I love the combined neck and armhole facing, it makes for a very neat finish inside. 

As always, thanks go to Minerva Crafts for providing me with the materials to make this dress.