You can enter to win a pattern from Make It Perfect! Scroll down to the rafflecopter below.
Today I get to be part of Make It Perfect’s Pattern Parade!
When Toni asked me if I wanted to join, I took a look at their patterns and really loved the comfortable style of the Coastal Breeze dress. I had been on the lookout for something to wear over my swimsuit at the pool and decided this would be perfect.
I already used it at the pool once and loved how I felt completely comfortable, yet still cute while wearing it.
The pattern calls for pleats on the front and back. I decided I just wanted to do some gathering stitches instead and I like how that turned out, plus it sped things up even more while sewing.
I sized down since the pictures looked more loose fitting than I wanted. And it worked. I cut my neck binding too long which made it hang funny. What I should have done is unpick the neck binding and taken some length off. But what I did instead was take in the neckline with a dart in the middle of the back. It works. Plus there is a little more coverage this way and I can still easily fit the dress over my head.
What I love best about this dress is that you can leave the armd and bottom un-hemmed if you wanted because it is made with knit fabric. I really wanted a casual look for the pool, and left the arm holes and the bottom un-hemmed. Well, the bottom is not hemmed because I actually barely eeked out this dress from one yard of fabric (I’m that good ;) ). Anyways, my point is that I didn’t want to hem it because it would have been too short for my liking. I love how quick making this dress with gathers and leaving hems unfinished was.
Want to dress it up? No problem, throw on some heels or wedges, a blazer, and you look ready for a night out. Perfect!
Plus you can still race your kids! Cute, comfortable, and practical. My kind of dress! Sorry for the blurry pic below—my 5 year old took it :).
Pattern Pieces, Instructions, and Skill Level
The pattern printed out fine with no problems. The instructions were very clear and I didn’t get confused during the process at all. I feel like a beginner could easily tackle this project.
Sizing/Fit
I made the XS, sizing down from my measurements to get a more fitted look. I didn’t hem the bottom or the sleeves so I could have the casual style I was going for.
Modifications to Pattern
Left sleeves unhemmed. I also did gathers in place of the pleats and took a dart at the back neckline to keep the neck from gaping since I cut the neckline binding too long.
Fabric
I used knit fabric from Fabric.com (not in stock currently).
How Long it Took to Sew
These numbers I can never be sure if they are accurate, but my guess is from start to finish, including cutting, it probably took an hour.
Things I Might Change Next Time
I’d cut a smaller neckline, just raise it a bit I think. I would also shorten the neck binding so that it doesn’t gap away from the body like mine did.
Wearability
So comfortable and so cute!
Overall Impression
I love the dress! I recommend this pattern!
Elizabeth
Pity that fabric is out of stock because that is one gorgeous dress! What kind of knit was it? I always have such trouble finding the right amount of stretch etc. I do love the gathers you did instead of the pleats. Overall a very bright happy looking dress :-)
Christie Hurst {a lemon squeezy home}
Thank you! It is a spandex jersey–so a bit slinky but drapes well. It is lightweight but not enough that it is see through. I’d guess it has a 30-40% stretch. And thank you! Also, I added two more facebook entries that I thought were already included, just fyi :).
Lise
That dress looks brilliant on you!
Lise
Sorry, should have commented on the patterns! I think the Coastal Breeze is my fave, but I also love Spring Fling and the Poppy Tunic. Oh, and the Versatile Wrap!
Christie Hurst {a lemon squeezy home}
Just wanted to make sure everyone who has entered thus far, that there are two extra entry options now :). Sorry they weren’t there before!
Sarah Woodhead
i love the coastal dress and think it would be perfect for any busy mum to change from casual to smart. fabulous.
Christie Hurst {a lemon squeezy home}
Just wanted to make sure everyone who has entered thus far, that there are two extra entry options now :). Sorry they weren’t there before!
Becky Dykstra
Yeah – the coastal breeze dress is probably the one I would choose as well!
Christie Hurst {a lemon squeezy home}
Thanks Becky! Also wanted to let you know there are two extra entry options now :).
Liz aka Fibergeek
Cute dress. Looks very comfortable.
Christie Hurst {a lemon squeezy home}
It really is very comfortable! I wanted to let you know there are two extra entries available that weren’t on this morning. I thought they were but when I checked something I did wasn’t right. It’s fixed now :)
Teresa @ Aurea's Kitchen
I love the Honey Blouse. Thanks
Christie Hurst {a lemon squeezy home}
Just wanted to make sure everyone who has entered thus far, that there are two extra entry options now :). Sorry they weren’t there before!
HeatherK @ A Reformed Heath'n
The versatile wrap is super cute and looks quite comfy. Love the way your dress looks on you too =) Thanks for the chance to win!
Christie Hurst {a lemon squeezy home}
Just wanted to make sure everyone who has entered thus far, that there are two extra entry options now :). Sorry they weren’t there before!
Megan
I think I would have to totally copy you and go with the Coastal Breeze dress :) It’s so effortless but still defined at the waist. Thanks so much!
Christie Hurst {a lemon squeezy home}
Just wanted to make sure everyone who has entered thus far, that there are two extra entry options now :). Sorry they weren’t there before!
Flavia Gaspar
love the shearwater kaftan, the poppy (girls and ladies) and the waterfall top!
Flavia Gaspar
love the shearwater kaftan, the poppy and the waterfall!
Danielle
I love this dress pattern and would love a chance to sew it up!
Emily
Love your version! What a cheery fabric! I like sprout and the shearwater kaftan.
Cath Laird
Wow, great fabric and dress combination! And out of a yard is impressive. My favourite patterns at the moment are the essential shorts and the coastal breeze. Both look great for school pick ups in a place with lots of wind :)
Gina
I would love to try out one of their patterns. I really like the Summer Fling top.
Jenny Larking
Love that fabric and pattern. Knits are so much more flexible than woven fabrics and so much more comfortable too.
marjo
So many patterns to choose from! i like the summer fling.
Nupur
SO many cute patterns- I love poppy tunic!
Metka
I love Coastal breeze. It looks fantastic.
Nique Etienne
Shearwater kaftan.
Your dress looks great.
marjinthemaking
Love the look of it!
Lisa
This dress looks so great. I’ve been wanting to make the Shearwater kaftan which I think I’d get more wear out of.
Cathy Burnett
I, like you, love the Coastal Breeze Dress. I need a new pattern to help me get my creative juices flowing.
Jill
I like the Coastal Breeze Dress (and especially your fabric choice!), the Serendipity Coat, and the Downtown Boy Jacket!
EHC
I love the Poppy dress/tunic!
Lifes Little Adventures
I absolutely love this dress!!! You did an amazing job. It is adorable.
Delia
You are so pretty Christie!