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Dress Up Party – Pattern Review – Stylish Dress Book

DressUpParty
This post is part of Dress Up Party. For contest rules, full details, and schedule, please click here!
Today’s post is from Kate of See Kate Sew.

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I’m excited to be here reviewing a dress today for Sara! I use this series as an excuse to get the Stylish Dress Book by Yoshiko Tsukiori. I have had my eye on this book for literally years! I just love the cover dress, so I decided to sew it up, in a very similar fabric, too!

The fabric I used is a bow chambray from Joann. I bought it a few months ago without an actual project in mind. I had two yards, but I wanted to add about 8″ to the hem of the dress so my two yards didn’t end up being enough for the whole dress. I added a light pink polka dot for the back yoke piece, which I designed on Spoonflower fabric. I’m actually glad I ended up using two different fabrics. It gives the dress a funky feel. I used the same polka dot fabric for the pockets.

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I chose the size based on my bust size and it turned out to be a great fit! The dress design itself is fairly loose-fitting and flowy, so I figured it would fit well as is. I did not make any modifications, except adding the length like I mentioned before. I slashed the skirt pattern and extended the bottom down before cutting the fabric.

I love this dress! It took me about 3 hours from start to finish and it is a really fun style! I love loose-fitting dresses that I can pair with tights in the winter or sandals in the summer. It is quite a lot of fabric, but the front pleats and side dart draw it in at the bust so it is still pretty flattering.

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I have never sewn a pattern from a book like this before. I really like having simple instructions all on one page of the book. It was pretty convenient and seeing only 11 steps to get through made it seem very simple.

The pattern pieces are full size and included in folded sheets in the back of the book. They were a little confusing because all the pieces overlap and you have to trace them onto pattern paper.

The pattern pieces didn’t include seam allowance, which was tricky at first, I kept forgetting to add it! But it was nice that you can choose your own seam allowance if you want to. Overall, this was a fun, quick sew and I am excited to delve into the rest of the book!

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4 thoughts on “Dress Up Party – Pattern Review – Stylish Dress Book

  1. lucilledupuis says:

    It’s lovely! Your fabric choices and the length suit you to a T, whatever a T is.

  2. ybat says:

    I love your version of the dress. I have the exact same fabric that I just bought and the book so I know what I will be making next. All I need is some of that polka dot fabric.

  3. Susan says:

    I have this book and made one of the blouses from it! I love seeing this pattern made up IRL!!! It looks great on you and thanks for the review!

  4. Lynda says:

    this has inspired me to get my book out and finally make a dress for myself, thanks.

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