Hi Everyone!

It’s a little while since my last post. I have been sewing. But you know, the weather has not been particularly conducive to blog photography, so the “to-blog list” is increasing! Here’s a dress a made a few weeks back which has been getting worn a fair bit. I find it’s a great layering piece, over tights with boots and under a cardigan. It’s the Kielo Wrap Dress by Named Clothing. 

I had this piece of jersey in my stash for forever, so I figured it wouldn’t hurt to experiment with this style. I always knew that I would shorten this dress to knee length and also add the (free add on) sleeves. Like I say, this is a different look for me. I don’t generally favour jersey pieces too much, but this is very comfortable and easy to wear (wavy hem and all :-)).

As ever, you can check out my review below, but what I wanted to say is that this dress goes up to a UK size 18, which is fine for me in the shoulders and bust, but I would say that I am larger than that through the hips. However, the shape of this dress is very forgiving and overall I don’t think the fit is too bad. Give it a try: you might be surprised.

Pattern Review 

Pattern Description: 

• Very simple maxi dress with an interesting shape
• Sleeveless design, you can download a free sleeve add-on for the dress (which I did)
• Wrap tie closure at the waist
• Slim skirt and a vent at the back

Pattern Sizing:

EUR 32 – 46 (US 0 – 14 / UK 4 – 18)

I cut a straight size 18.

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?

Well, like the shortened version with sleeves, yes, I think so.

Were the instructions easy to follow?

I wouldn’t say easy…

There are no lengthen/ shorten lines on the pattern and I found it quite hard to decide where to shorten the pattern.

Also, I found the instructions to use the sleeve expansion pack not that helpful either.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?

I do like the finished garment a lot. It’s very comfortable and has that cool Named Clothing aesthetic about it.

Apart from the instructions which I don’t think are that great, I disliked the fact that no neckband piece is included (ok, not a big deal, but still), and the marks for the position of the ties on the size 18 seem off. Also, even though I used the layered function to remove all other sizes from my PDF pattern, there seemed to be other erroneous lines on the pattern.

Note, that strictly speaking I probably fall outside of the body measurements for this pattern but it is very forgiving (even with me accidentally cutting the front in two instead of on the fold and having to insert a seam there!) I found the fit through the shoulders and bust to be quite good.

Fabric Used:

A mystery jersey from my stash. Maybe a viscose jersey?

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:

• I used the (free) sleeve expansion pack.
• I removed approximately 50 cm (20 inches?) in length from the hem of the dress.
• I shortened the bust dart by 1.5 inches and angled it to point more to my bust apex.
• I stay stitched the neckline – this is not included in the instructions.
• I shortened the sleeves by 1 inch.
• I narrowed the width of the lower sleeves.
• I took a 1.25 inch hem.
• User error: I accidentally cut the front in two pieces and not on the fold, hence my dress has a centre front seam.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?

I might and yes I recommend.

Conclusion: 

A unique shape and love the free sleeve add on. Try it out!