Nola Dress
I've been eyeing this Nola Dress pattern from VikiSews for a while and decided to give it a go. I recently purchased a bag of fabric from the thrift store that had a ton of yardage and I'd really like to use this lavender fabric to make it. I'm going to New York this week and I'd really like to wear this on my trip.
I had some issues assembling it because the instructions are not as comprehensive as other patterns I've used. There's no arrows to line the pages up once you print it which is confusing. Also, you only purchase your size instead of most patterns where you get a spread of all sizes. From what I have read online these patterns were only recently made available in English. Kudos to those who figured out how to make an already complicated pattern in English - in Russian!!
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| I kind of like how the sleeve looks without the elastic - I may just leave it like this on the next one! |
I bought 5 spools of elastic thread at Jo Ann's to try my hand at shirring. I have been wanting to try it for some time but am a bit intimidated. I watched a tutorial on YouTube that was super helpful. Apparently you should hand wind the bobbin with the elastic thread and use normal thread for the top of the piece. The video had a great tip to do a continuous stitch instead of ending each row to waste the least amount of elastic thread. So glad she mentioned that tip as I never would have thought of it! Update: I didn't even use one full spool of thread for this, but will have the thread on hand for future shirring projects. Sewing the shirring was super simple and it looks really great. I am looking forward to making more shirred pieces in the future - way quicker than sewing a zipper (although it's been forever since I've sewn one so maybe it's easier than I recall).
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| I love that VickiSews included a photo of a model wearing the largest size and a longer skirt version of this dress. I love how it looks longer and can't wait to make one in this style. |
I made the largest size available (US 14) and it's still a bit small for me, but it works. I wish the size range on these patterns were more inclusive! I am 5'8" and made the tallest version of this pattern (she offers different sizes based on height) but it's still quite short. I'd like to make another one that is midi length since I feel slightly uncomfortable in a dress that is both short AND low cut. That being said I've worn it a few times and I do really like it. I think I will feel more comfortable in it with a pair of tights.
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| The first try on! |
The main issue besides the shortness of the hem is the shoulder piece. It's quite narrow, and I'm not sure if my shoulders are more broad or if this is the intended design. The piece is so narrow I cannot even wear a bra with straps with this if I wanted to! It also sort of slips off the shoulder. I'm going to try to make this piece a little wider when I make the midi length version. I found this sew along video on YouTube making this pattern and it was SOOO helpful. I am beyond grateful for all the lovely people who document their sewing process and make things easier for the rest of us.
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| Love the design of this dress - looks like a lot of expensive Reformation type dresses but I made it very cheaply using thrifted fabric :) |
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