I recently tested this cute Aada dress from Tessa Roosa Patterns, and the pattern is now available.
(See more photos at the end of the post.)
Size / View:
EUR 38 at bust graded to 40 at waist.
For reference, my measurements are:
- Bust: 34.5"
- High Bust: 32.5"
- Waist: 29"
- Hip: 37.5"
- Height: 5' 0"
Fabric:
I used a floral rayon from Rifle Paper Co. that I had in my stash.
Adjustments / Construction:
- Small bust adjustment following a Helen's Closet tutorial, which involved redrawing the facing pieces too
- Dart point moved after trying on the original darts on a muslin
- Raised the waist line to better fit my natural waist
- Used size 32 skirt
- Shortened the skirt length to hit around the knees
Likes:
- Tie straps
- Darts on the back bodice pieces, to help fit the torso better
- Overall, the invisible zipper instructions were pretty good for a first-timer. I did supplement with some YouTube videos, but after trying it for the first time, it was (1) easier than I thought with the right foot, and (2) I ended up referencing the instructions for an invisible zipper on a subsequent dress.
Next Time:
- Given how much ease I ended up with, I would try the 36 bust with SBA, graded to 38 waist, that I thought about doing at first. I went bigger when I saw how it fit on the dress form, but I later realized that the dress form isn't as close to my measurements in certain areas as I had thought, so it was throwing off the fit, which I like with a little less ease. I have since played with the measurements on the dress form, but at the end of the day, it still won't be a completely accurate replica of my measurements, so next time I will make sure to try it on more as I sew.
- Add in-seam pockets with anchored waist
