adult's clothing, sewing

not everything works out for me

I recently made the Tessuti Alice dress.  It’s a lovely dress, and I’ve seen some beautiful finished samples of both the top and the dress online.  If only I’d taken the advice of those who’d made it before me, and sized down.

Tessuti Alice dress in Darn Cheap Fabrics linen - way too big

This is the size Medium, which corresponds to my measurements and is usually the right size for me in Tessuti’s patterns. You get a better idea of just how big it is on me when you can see the armhole.

Tessuti Alice dress in Darn Cheap Fabrics linen - way too big

Yep, massive. Which is a shame, because both the linen (from Darn Cheap Fabrics – and NOT from the $2 table but bought at full price) and the really special yoke fabric are both just lovely. Other than the sizing, I really like the style.

Tessuti Alice dress in Darn Cheap Fabrics linen - way too big

I did take a really deep hem, as I think it gives a dress like this a little more weight and substance and helps the skirt to hang nicely. This dress will be given away (Mum, do you fancy it?) but I do have another one cut out – two sizes smaller!  Incidentally, I have also made a Tessuti Ruby top in a size 12 according to my measurements, and the fit is fine!