Pattern Review: The Alice Dress
Well friends, I’ve officially completed my first make of 2021!
A new year deserves a new dress, am I right? Here’s to hoping 2021 isn’t as big a dumpster fire as 2020. (Edit: Welp, that lasted a whole 6 days. I can’t even process the man baby shit show that went on at the capitol this week. And you didn’t come here to read about the possible fall of American democracy, so I’ll keep this post about sewing).
This is the Alice Dress from Simply Sewing Magazine.
Fabric for the sleeves and tie belt is from Queenora Renee Fabrics and I’m so in love with it! Btw, if you see a fabric from her that you like, you should definitely get it while it’s on pre-order. Her stuff is quality and it sells out fast!
I scored the solid fabrics at a local bridal shop that was having a going out of business sale.
And without further ado, here’s a quick review of the pattern.
Pattern Description:
The Alice Dress is a knit faux wrap dress with a gathered waist and two length options. It is described as "a ballet-inspired style for your everyday wardrobe"
Pattern Sizing:
UK 6-20 / US 4-18
I made a size 16 (14 US)
Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?
Yes, it did. I made view A (the shorter version) and I found it to be almost too short. If you're taller than me (I'm 5'1) you may want to add length to view A. I did a narrow hem to avoid making it even shorter.
Were the instructions easy to follow?
Yes they were pretty easy and the full color pictures were helpful. I think anyone comfortable working with knits would have no issues putting this pattern together.
What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?
I like the faux wrap style and that it can go on over your head without the need for a zipper or other closures.
Fabric Used:
I opted to color block mine so I used 3 different fabrics. The print is a cotton spandex and the solid fabrics are both poly knits. They have stretch, but I forgot to test the percentage before cutting and the stretch on the solid fabrics wasn't actually quite enough, so when I first stitched it up (thankfully with basting stitches) I couldn't even get it on lol. So I had to unpick it and then I basically just ran it through my serger without any seam allowances for the underarm and side seams. That seemed to fix it ok, though the bodice is still a bit snug. To be safe, next time I'll choose a fabric with at least 50% stretch.
Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:
I opted not to cut the back on the fold and I shortened the bodice by a half inch, which I didn't actually end up needing to do because the bodice is actually quite short. If you're tall, you'll definitely want to add length to the bodice on this one. I also increased the amount that the wrap crosses over in the front. The instructions tell you to try it on and then increase or decrease the overlap according to preference.
After sewing it up and trying it on, I liked the look but felt like something was missing, so I decided to sew up a tie belt using remnants of the print. I think it helps to define the waist and makes the whole look a little more cohesive.
Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?
Definitely! It's a quick and easy dress that can be dressed up or down. That's a win in my book!
Conclusion:
Great pattern! Just be sure your fabric has enough stretch and double check the length of the bodice and the skirt before cutting into your fabric.
