Pattern Review: SATC Essex Dress
Well folks, 2021 is almost over and what a year it’s been! I didn’t blog as much as I wanted to this year (my last blog post was in January 🤣) but in my defense I did get a LOT of sewing done this year, so I’m happy about that. I shared most of my makes over on Instagram and I even managed to create a couple of reels this year, so yeah, we’re living and learning 💁🏽♀️lol.
For my final make of 2021, I’m so happy that I was once again able to sew up a pattern by Sewing and the City! If you follow me on IG, you may remember how much I loved sewing up the Bowery Sweatshirt. I loved it so much, in fact, that I made 3 of them! And I’m not one who repeats patterns often so that’s saying a lot. I think Christine takes great care with how she designs her patterns so that you end up with a great fitting garment that you’ll love and reach for again and again.
So without further ado, here is my review of the Essex Dress by Sewing and the City.
Pattern Description:
The Essex Dress is described as an easy fitting pull on dress with a deep v-neck, gathered shoulders, ruffle sleeves and elastic waist. It has side seam pockets and an above the knee hem. The back neck and sleeves are finished with bias tape.
Pattern Sizing:
It comes in sizes 2-20 (Bust 32-46”, Hip 35-49”)
I graded from a 14 at the shoulder to a 16 at the waist and an 18 at the hip.
Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?
Yes, it did. And let me add that the silhouette is SO perfect for a pear shape like me! The flutter sleeves add width to the shoulder line which minimizes the hips, and the elastic cinches everything in perfectly at the waist. I can tell you right now that this dress is going to get worn a LOT. And it seems pretty easy to style as well. It can be dressed up or down and worn in winter simply by adding tights and maybe a turtleneck underneath.
Were the instructions easy to follow?
Yes, but I would say they are geared towards a more intermediate sewist than a complete beginner. I say that only because there aren’t any instructions for how or when to finish your seams, so it’s assumed you know how to do that. Also, there are very few notches included in the pattern. The pieces all fit together beautifully, but I think having additional notches would help a beginner feel confident that they’re matching everything up correctly.
What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?
I absolutely LOVE how the bodice is constructed. This was a new technique for me and I actually cut the bodice out incorrectly the first time because I assumed it would be like any other bodice I’ve made in the past, wrong! So don’t do like I did and ignore the provided cutting layout 🤦🏾♀️. The front bodice is actually cut out twice ON THE FOLD and then the instructions show you a genius way to put it together so the front bodice is essentially self lined and has a really nice clean finish. I absolutely love the V-neck and I didn’t find it to be too deep for my comfort. Also, it seems like a small thing to have two rows of casing for the elastic instead of just one, but I think it’s a genius move. Not only do I think it makes the dress more comfortable to wear, I think it’s so stylish!!
Fabric Used:
Ok so I’m participating in the #whole30fabricchallenge hosted by @pinkmimosabyjacinta so I was determined to make this dress using only what I had on hand. I opted for an army green stretch polyester woven of unknown origin. Basically it’s fabric that’s been in my stash so long I don’t remember where I got it or how much I paid for it. It’s from very early on in my sewing journey, before I settled on a system for keeping track of my fabric stash. Anyway, I had just enough to make the dress, but not enough to make matching bias tape. So I raided my bias tape stash and found a brown that I thought coordinated well with the fabric and here we are.
Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:
I graded between sizes to fit my pear shape (B: 14/ W: 16 /H: 18)
I shortened the bodice by 1.5 inches (I’m 5’1” for reference).
I finished the hem with bias hem facing rather than folding it over twice.
This was the only pic I managed to get of the back. Not the most glamorous pose, but you get the picture. I didn’t do a full seat adjustment like I normally do and I think it still works!
Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?
Definitely! I see so many opportunities for hacking this pattern. I can totally see attaching this bodice to pants for a super cute jumpsuit! Next time around, I’ll do a narrow shoulder adjustment because currently it’s sitting ever so slightly off my shoulder, but it really doesn’t bug me, I absolutely love this dress!
Conclusion:
Great pattern! Lots of hacking possibilities and a great wardrobe piece that can be worn throughout the year. Be sure to follow the hashtag #satcessex to see all the cool versions already on IG! And be sure to tag me if you make one, I want to see!!
Styling:
Ok now let’s talk styling real quick! Styling up a new garment is one of my favorite parts of the whole process, so let’s get into it. I see so many possibilities for this dress, but I decided to limit myself to two looks for photos this time.
For Look 1 (left), I opted to keep it simple with brown booties and a coordinating polka dot scarf. I love how the scarf draws the eye upward. It’s giving me slight, flight attendant vibes, but I’m not even mad at it 😆!
For Look 2 (right) I’m rocking my knee high black boots and leggings. My belt is actually a lucky thrift store find. It’s Coach, but I paid $2 for it. It was too big for me when I purchased it, but a quick snip with my scissors and a new line of stitching was all it took to make it work for me. Which look is your fave? I was going to wear earrings with Look 2 but I forgot them and I wanted to make sure I got these pictures taken before I ran out of daylight! These winter days are SO short!!
For cold days I’ll layer this dress under a jacket or I think even a trench coat would look nice.
Anyway, thanks for reading this far! Here’s to making 2022 our year! 🍾🥂
Keep on stitching sewing friends!