I’m so happy to finally be able to share one of the projects I’ve been working on in the background. This is The Tatum woven dress from Style Arc and the pattern launches today!
I was so fortunate to be sent this pattern prior to launch.
The Tatum pattern has a button through front, collar & half moon collar stand, western style panelling, a fitted waist, flared A line skirt, full length sleeves with buttoned cuffs, optional inseam pockets and optional topstitching!
I loved the pattern as soon as I saw it, but knew I would have to adapt it to fit my shape which proved challenging as each individual panel needed to be adjusted, but I’m super happy with the result. Even if it does mean that the panels are a different shape to how the pattern intended due to my large bust and tummy.
I initially couldn’t decide between a linen or denim fabric but eventually went with a lighter weight soft denim fabric from Minerva as I felt it matched the western style theme. I don’t own a denim dress so it is a nice addition to my wardrobe. I could have opted for a thicker denim but as the skirt is flared I didn’t want it to be uncomfortable, ruched up underneath me in my chair. The denim is soft so this doesn’t seem to be an issue. I also chose to omit the pockets for this reason.
After the fabric indecision I also then spent a while choosing the colour. I eventually settled on the darker denim but also think it would be lovely in a lighter colour too.
You know I love topstitching so I chose to include this as I felt it just added something special to the dress.
It took me a fair while to get through the fitting stage of this dress, I’m sure most people wouldn’t have to make all the adjustments I did. I was really conscious that I didn’t want my adjustments to change the original feel of the dress and while my panels are not the same shape as they are in the original version. I think my curvy ones don’t look bad.
As usual hubby very kindly cut the pattern out using a rotary cutter. There are a lot of pieces to this dress so it definitely helped to label everything as it was being cut.
The instructions were very clear, although I’ve made several shirt dresses now so I kind of knew what I was doing. I believe there is going to be a sew along included in with the final pattern.
I sewed the majority of the project using a denim needle. As I chose to include the topstitching I picked a topstitch thread from Gutermann. I could have gone for a white which would have really highlighted the stitching but I decided I wanted a subtle finish. With hindsight this was definitely the right decision as I got very frustrated when my twin needle refused to work with my topstitch thread so had to resort to using a single top stitch needle and doing two rows of stitching (really not ideal). I’m a little OCD with topstitching, the reason I love it is because the stitching is so neat and even. This was not the case with two single rows, no matter how hard I tried, there are areas where the stitching isn’t perfect and it really disappoints me.
Overall I do love this dress and I would definitely recommend this pattern.
(Image description: there is one photo showing an outline sketch of a shirt dress from the designer and then five photos showing Yvonne seated in her wheelchair wearing a medium dark denim dress that has topstitching)
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#IWearMyOwnClothes, #CurvySewist
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