I'm just going to go ahead and throw this out there: I'm not a dress person. Here's why:
- I have three kids four and under.
- I am nursing an infant.
- I am still self-conscious about my legs.
- And my pasty-white skin.
But whatever, I made a dress anyway. It's the Inari Tee Dress by Named Patterns.
That was my first mistake. My second mistake was cutting the wrong size - a US 4. On the pattern website, only the finished garment measurements were listed (not the body measurements). I assumed that was all that was given, so I chose a size I thought would work and went with it. Only later when I opened the instructions to get the seam allowance did I realize that the body measurements WERE included, just not in the initial pattern information. Those put me in about a US 6 or 8.
So as you can see, there are some fitting issues. The fabric is kind of bunching up above my chest and bum, whereas it's supposed to be loose and drapey. But speaking of the fabric - isn't it lovely? I purchased it at Mood in Manhattan last summer. My husband said it looks like someone took x-ray films and cut them up. It's a bit heavier than shirting but not as heavy as twill. It has a little bit of stretch, too.
My only issue with the pattern is that the neck facing wasn't offset properly and therefore wasn't the same width all the way around the neck. If I made this again, I'd draft my own facing. Otherwise, the pattern was good. The cocoon shape is interesting and even flattering - but only in the right size with the proper amount of ease.
I think this dress has a future calling as a shirt. You know, when my nursing boobs have calmed down a little. Then it might be a great addition to my wardrobe.
What do you think? Have you tried the cocoon shape? Are you a mom who longs to wear dresses but...well...can't?
