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Serendipity Studio Monique Dress

I.LOVE.THIS.DRESS.

Somehow, when I first saw this sewing pattern from Serendipity Studio, I knew it would be a winner. I had my doubts halfway through the project, mostly about my fabric organization, but it turned out great and I can’t wait to make another one! It is so comfortable and I hardly had to make any changes to my size, it pretty much fit me perfectly.

Fabric – The wonderful thing about this pattern is that there are so many options for how you want it to look. You can have the pieced bodice, ties, trim, flower detail, whatever you like! I decided to use 3 different fabrics from Robert Kaufman’s Tufted Tweets line in orchid. Your yardage will depend on the size and options that you choose. I made the XXS and found that I needed to make little changes to the pattern (the pattern designer is working off an “average” height of 5’4″ and ‘B’ cup chest; I’m a little shorter than that, but that’s pretty much where I was at). I used 1-1/4 yards of fabric for the skirt, and 1/2 yard each for the bands and for the bodice.

Pattern Pieces – There were many pattern pieces to cut out; there are separate pattern pieces for the bodice if you choose to make the pieced bodice (I didn’t). The size range is from XXS-XXL. The pieces are printed on tissue paper, and I didn’t have much trouble getting everything transferred over to the fabric.

Illustrations/Instructions – The illustrations in this pattern are all hand-written drawings of what you need to do to sew up this dress. The only color photos are on the front cover of the pattern. I found the drawings to be very helpful and clear. The instructions are very very long (even more detailed than Amy Butler’s) and very very precise. There is no confusion at all in this pattern, and there is a lot of time spent discussing how to make the optional details, like waist ties, flowers, trim, ruffles, etc. I went with the plain options since I wanted the fabrics to be featured.

I wouldn’t change anything on this pattern. I realize everyone’s body is different, and therefore someone with a different body type might have a different experience, but I followed the instructions to the letter and came out with great results. I usually have to make lots of alterations to the bust area when I make clothes for myself, but I didn’t really have to change anything on this dress.

The dress does not have a lining, but rather, it has facings on the neckline and armholes. I like this a lot better because I used a lining when I made the Amy Butler Lotus Tunic, and while it’s okay 1) it’s a lot of extra work (like sewing a whole second dress), 2) sometimes it bunches up, and 3) it’s warmer, especially during the summer. Definitely liking the facings!

This was the first time I’d installed an invisible zipper into clothing. The designer had an invisible zipper tutorial on her blog that was very helpful, chock full of lots of photos of each step. It was really a breeze and I don’t know why I haven’t tried it sooner. I’m going to put an invisible zipper in all clothing from now on. 🙂

Conclusion – I would recommend this pattern for an intermediate sewer. It helps if you’ve sewn a dress before, so you know what areas you need to focus on during construction. For example, as soon as I had the front and back assembled I tried it on to see if I needed to adjust the shoulders and bust area. This is a great, great pattern if you need something to spice up your wardrobe!

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24 thoughts on “Serendipity Studio Monique Dress

  1. Sharon says:

    Beautiful dress! I love the fabrics you used. I’m going to have to look into this pattern because I’d sure love to have a new summer dress this year. 🙂
    Thanks for sharing.

  2. Tiffany says:

    Love the dress! The fabric is so pretty.

  3. Riel says:

    Very bold and fabulous! A head-turning dress for sure!!!

  4. This is darling!!!!!

    Hey i nominated you for the trendy award!
    to get it go to my blog at

    http://www.tootsiewootsieboutique.blogspot.com

  5. come and show off this cute dress at my first linky party! also i have a new giveaway going on at my blog!!!

    http://www.tootsiewootsieboutique.blogspot.com

  6. GabbyRM says:

    CUTE! I love the shape of this dress.

  7. Megan says:

    Oh gosh I love this dress! It is just perfect! The shape, the fabric, the color, everything! I think this pattern will be added to my “to-do” list!

    Thanks for linking up! Happy {Sew} Modern Monday!

  8. Becky says:

    adorable! Those purple tufted tweets are some of my favorite fabrics. This looks great!

  9. Elizabeth D. says:

    Oh my gosh, I adore this dress! The fabric – gorgeous! The pattern – so retro and cute! Thanks for the thorough pattern review, I definitely will be adding it to my wish list. 🙂

  10. DeniseAngela says:

    Beautiful love the fabric!

  11. QuiltyGirl says:

    This dress is so fun!

  12. Shelley says:

    Gorgeous dress! Love the cool fabrics – so bold!

  13. Thanks for linking this up!

    Have a great day!

    XOXO

  14. Sara, I have been so lax in the blog reading, I’m so glad I didn’t miss this post! I have this pattern and have been wanting to make it. I’m going to wait until its warmer, though! Thanks for the review, I’m excited to try it! 🙂

  15. Rochelle says:

    I LOVE her patterns and I also love that fabric. In fact, I just purchased some myself!

  16. I love it! I just got the Sew Serendipity book and now you’re making me think I need to make a dress. It looks great on you too! Thanks for linking it to our Stash Project post.

  17. Michelle says:

    Love it! I don’t normally make clothing anymore, but this dress may just be what it takes to bring me back into the fold!

  18. Berta says:

    Very cute dress. I made this dress too. It was my first dress. I didn’t know how to adjust the pattern, but now I’m learning. Great job. I love the color.

  19. I’m thinking of buying this pattern. Thanks for your review!

  20. Kat says:

    WOW! your dress is awesome! so… i’ve had this pattern for over a year and been afraid to sew it… i think i’m a bit intimidated by the instructions and i’m a pretty confident sewer. i love a bunch of her patterns but haven’t bought them since i was too scared to make this one…. i know this is an old post but i found your review of a collette dress from their flikr stream then linked to your blog. thanks for the review- i’m definitely going to make this dress now!

    1. cynthia says:

      I don’t know how to get the pattern, I have click all the links and found no pattern. do you think you can send me the pattern?

  21. cynthia says:

    where is the pattern?

  22. Evebloom says:

    I love the colors you chose for the fabric, just delightful!
    I just bought this pattern, but have been having difficulty with sewing the front and back facings for the neck together. The pattern says to use a 1/2″ seam allowance. Did you have any issues with this?

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