Hot Patterns-HP103 Amber's "Cha-Cha-Cha" Dress

Project Details

Pattern: Hotpatterns - HP103
Fabric: Rayon Challis (100% rayon)
Notions: 1½ yds. of ¼" wide ribbon; 1½ yds. of ½" single-fold bias tape & 1 to 1½ yds. of ¼" wide elastic.

Description: Scoop-necked dress has long flared raglan sleeves and a slim skirt, sleeve trimmed with a narrow self fabric frill.

I never think about how tiny my daughter is (compared to me) until I get ready to sew something for her... she's a 5'3" pear - "Shape A". There were quite a few alterations I made to get a perfect fit. I cut the bodice front and back and sleeves in a size 6. Because she is petite, I had to cut 5" off of the sleeves. I knew right off the back that I would have to make sure that the skirt portion of the dress was cut in a soft a-line instead of the straight, slim-style it was originally. This meant that I needed to gradually go from a size 6 to a 12 (thank God for nested patterns). The dress features a bias-tape casing for the ribbon tie at the neckline and an elasticated under-bust seam that was done using an invisible casing. Attaching the sleeve frill was a matter of attaching the pieces at the ends, hemming 5/8" and gathering. All of the seam allowances are pressed open and overlocked. Once I attached the bodice to the skirt, we tried it on to make sure the fit was good and to check the length and she decided that she didn't like the skirt frill, said it was "too much" so we left that part off and just used a 5/8" hem.

I plan to make the halter version for myself but this time, I'm going to be "typical Erica" and go against the pattern company's suggested fabrics and use a matte jersey and cut the skirt on the bias. Can you imagine how incredible the drape would be?