Last month I made a Bleuet dress by Deer & Doe in some dark blue silk, it’s turned out beautiful if a little snug…
I decided to make another but generally go up a size. This time I used some turquoise batik style cotton from Boyes, I love the vibrant colours. I’d already cut out the pattern to a size 14 when I made it first, so I just followed the pattern increments to make it more like a size 16. For non-dressmakers amongst you, pattern sizes bear no relation to ready to wear – in shops I usually buy a 12, to be honest I think pattern companies have kept their measurements the same whereas shops have gradually changed their sizing so people think they fit into a smaller size – put it this way, when I was in my 20’s I was a size 10, I’m now 2-3 stone heavier and I’m a 12!
I had a slight disaster when I was making it – I was trying it on when the front and back were attached, as I took it off I heard an awful ripping sound and the fabric had torn 2″ down the back, to my knowledge there wasn’t a snip in the fabric there so I’m not sure why it happened. I decided the only way to rescue it was to bondaweb a patch over and stitch round the edge, luckily it’s a densely patterned fabric so it really doesn’t show!
My next issue was trying to find buttons to match, sixteen of them! Turquoise is one of those colours where it’s very difficult to find a match, in the end I bought some buttons to cover. It took me a while to cover sixteen buttons, but they look good. Please excuse the slightly crumpled look, I’d worn it all day, been shopping etc when I finally got my OH to take a photo.
This one is certainly more comfortable and roomy to wear, though if anything it feels a little on the big size now – maybe next time I’ll just increase a bit on the side seams. I missed the back bow this time as it would have been lost on this fabric. I added pockets again as I do like a dress with pockets.
Maybe third time lucky I’ll get the perfect fit!
thecraftycreek 
love the colour and I reckon, in this heat, you’ll be glad it’s a little on the loose side. Will keep you much cooler!
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That’s a lovely colour and, as Claire says, the slightly looser fit will probably be more comfortable when the weather is hot.
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Agreed that cool sometimes equals looser fit!
But if it still bothered me after several washes & wears, I’d be tempted to look at those side seams…
😉
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I love the batik colours. I would keep the slightly larger size now we are allowed out for lunches & afternoon teas again!
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Having put on several pound at the embroidery summer school that’s a good plan 🙂
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That’s my favourite colour! Like the others, I’d keep the slightly larger size, but maybe take a tiny bit more in at the darts to nip your waist in just a little more – it seems to be skimming a bit, whereas the first one was beautifully fitted.
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I love the colour! I do need something in between sizewise, so it fits beautifully and I can eat and breathe in it 🙂
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Beautiful color! I’m thinking the blue silk is actually closer to what you want, fit wise? Maybe try the 14, but with a 1/8 inch narrower seam at the waist and the bust, but not the back? With the Princess seams that might be just enough to keep the fit and add the comfort?
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I certainly feelI need something in between, I think I ned to try them both on again and analyse whether I need more at the front or back, or just the sides. Third time lucky 🙂
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