Daily Wardrobe: Dress K
Dresses in these parts seem to be getting shorter and shorter!
Exhibit A (above) is Dress K…
from a Japanese pattern book titled Daily Wardrobe.
And the reason my version is so short, is that I lopped a whopping 5 inches off the hem! Sometimes I get a little carried away…
I have a growing collection of Japanese pattern books. Daily Wardrobe (above) and Everyday Pretty Wardrobe recently joined my bookshelves when I spied them in the remnants section of Tessuti’s online store at 50% off. I was attracted to Dress K, as I have a lovely boarder print that I thought would work wonderfully with this pattern. Before cutting my precious boarder print, I decided to make a wearable muslin out of some linen and double gauze from the stash. I’m really glad I did!
I have to admit, I’m not in love with this make. I’ve come to the conclusion that gathers on the front neckline aren’t flattering on my generous bust. Also, the neck facing doesn’t sit flat (which I find super annoying) even after a wash and a good press.
The neck facing sat perfectly before being attached to the dress (I tried it on to assess the depth of the scoop!) so I must have ‘done something’ when joining the two.
On a positive note, I’m really happy with the position of the bust darts.
I’ve finally come to the realisation that I’m ‘long’ in the area between the base of my neck and my bust. For this dress, I decided to try slashing the pattern and adding an inch (my usual bust lowering amount) just below the armholes on both the front and back pieces (see below). I’m pleased to report I had success. I think this will become a standard alteration for me.
Will I make this dress again? Probably not. So, my hunt for the perfect boarder print dress continues. Do you have any suggestions?
Pattern: Dress K from Daily Wardrobe (Japanese pattern book)
Size: LL (the largest size!)
Fabric: Linen from Tessuti & snails double gauze (which is part of Heather Ross’ Far Far Away Collection) from deep in my stash!
Alterations: Slashed the pattern (back and front) just under the armholes and added an inch. Shortened at the hem by 5 inches.
Accessories: Bracelet from Christine’s & shoes recently purchased here.
So breezy and lovely!
But not for bending over in 🙂
Dont we have attendants for that?
I rather like it and think you can carry off that length no problems! However, if it made it more wearable, maybe you could add a trim of a few inches of the Heather Ross at the bottom, if you have any left? Isn’t it great when you figure out a good ‘standard’ adjustment for your own shape. For me, it’s usually chopping length out at the waist.
I will confess that I was really unsure about this dress until I saw the blog photos. It nearly went straight into my nightie pile! I’m okay with the length, it’s the perfectionist in me that is struggling with the gaping neckline. I know I just need to get over myself… and your lovely feedback is helping with that!
Hello there! I made this dress ages ago and had the same problem with the neck facing not sitting flat 🙁
Thank you, thank you, thank you for sharing your experience. Now I can happily pop that pattern aside & know it wasn’t just me!
Which gives me the idea that the two curves of the dress and the neck piece do not match, therefore causing the problem. Try measuring the seam lengths to see if they match, if the lower curve is smaller than that is the problem. It looks like the printed part needs to have darts in it in order to fit.
Anna, funny but it seems I’m “short” in the same area that you are long as my new alteration is removing length there.
Thanks Isaspacey. I’m really quite a novice at pattern alternations (or manipulations) so this is very helpful info.
I like having that splash of colour by your face, so flattering. Do wear it, (normal non-sewing) people won’t notice the gape in a million years, they’ll just see a lovely summer dress.
I will Louise & I’ll think of you every time I do!
I thought this dress was a very flattering shape on you Anna and I hardly noticed the neckline gaping until you pointed it out. Maybe a little tweak to fix the neckline would result in a pattern that you would be happy with. Don’t give up on this one. I really like it on you.
Thanks Jean Margaret. With everyone’s encouragement I might just be revisiting this pattern again.
I wonder if binding the neckline with a bias binding rather than using a facing would help with the gaping? I like the contrast of the print at the neckline.
It should do – the gaping is most likely the result of the length of the inner curve not being short enough against the length of the outer curve. It’s the same when you don’t pull FOE hard enough, the inner curve isn’t stretched enough to lie flat.
To alter the pattern you could take a couple of tiny (very tiny) wedges out of the neckline piece, but using bias binding would eliminate the need.
Thanks Sarah and Anna. The dress is quite scooped in the neckline with the facing, so I would have to do quite a lot of alterations if I went down the bias route. I did thinking about taking tiny wedges out of the facing, but I must admit is scares me a bit. Everyone’s giving me such great feedback and information, that I must just be brave and have another go at some stage.
Everyone above has great comments especially Sarah re the neckline. Everything else is nice and dI like the length on you..especially with those fabo shoes!
I do feel blessed to be part of such wonderful and supportive sewing community. Last night I was recognised at a party as Blogless Anna. It’s the first time it’s happened and although I was a little embarrassed, it was also rather lovely.
I’m partial to a short hem 🙂 If anything, it was worth it to test out the new adjustment, which obviously worked a treat!
I agree Mel. It’s definitely not a wasted make even if it doesn’t get a lot of wear. All part of the sewing learning journey. How is that special dress going?
I. Love. This. Dress.
Thanks Jenya. I just stole a quick look at your yellow Sorbetto and it’s awesome. Here’s to more selfish sewing…