Sew and Tell: A Real Talk Review of the DIY Empire Dress Pattern
Hey, fellow sewists! I recently tackled the Empire Gathered Dress Pattern for my Halloween costume this year, and here's how it went. Crafted by TransformedByTracy, this pattern is the perfect start to bring Cottage Core into your wardrobe.
Sizing: 9/10
Straight out of the gate, the sizing of the dress was a winner for me. No major issues to report, except for my personal blunder of ending up with a skirt that's a tad too short. While this was entirely my own fault for not cutting the skirt at a longer length to suit my height, there were also some challenges aligning the pattern pieces perfectly, nudging the rating down to a 9. It could be my own misstep in the cutting process, but it's worth noting.
Instructions and Clarity: 6/10
Here's where personal preferences come into play. As someone who thrives on written instructions and diagrams, relying solely on a YouTube video for guidance didn't quite hit the mark for me. Rewinding and rewatching in the midst of sewing became a bit of a hassle. Adding the elastic presented a stumbling block as well. Opting for a different method than the one demonstrated in the video, I found myself sewing shut the opening for the elastic before attaching it. This section lacked the clarity I desired, contributing to the rating of 6.
Difficulty: Easy-Medium
Navigating through the DIY Empire Dress pattern proved to be a breeze for someone with a bit of sewing experience under their belt. While I would categorize it as easy-medium, beginners with a modest skill set could tackle this project with some effort. The construction flows logically, making the overall process quite manageable.
Pattern Features and Customization Options: 3/10
When it comes to features and customization, this pattern didn’t provide many. However, it's crucial not to discount the overall quality of the pattern based solely on its customization offerings, as I still liked the pattern overall..
Lessons Learned:
Elastic Placement: Understanding how to add the elastic before sewing is key to a smoother process.
Skirt Length: Take the extra moment to cut the skirt at the right length, especially if you're on the taller side.
Recommendation to a Friend: 8/10
For a sewing friend looking for a reliable dress pattern with a few caveats in mind, I'd confidently recommend the DIY Empire Dress with a solid 8. It may have its quirks, but the end result is undoubtedly worth the effort.
In conclusion, this pattern offers a satisfying sewing experience, producing a wearable piece with a touch of personalization. As with any pattern, it's about finding the right fit for your style and preferences.
Let me know what you think if you’ve also used this pattern in the comment below.
Happy Sewing!
