Pattern Review: Ottobre 5/2008 #7

Peggy L. made this lovely dress for her beautiful daughter-in-law. The pattern is from Ottobre Woman Magazine, a pattern magazine from Finland similar to BWOF. Here is her review.

Front View

Back View

Line Drawing

Fabric
57″
97% Cotton 3% Spandex (Sateen)
(sold out)

Prewash: Cold water wash/dried in the dryer on permanent press. Honestly, I didn’t measure it afterward so I don’t know if it shrank. If it did, it wasn’t noticeable.

Alterations: I traced a size 38 at the top with a size smaller waist and a size larger hip. The muslin fit great with a few minor adjustments. I did a slight sway back adjustment and took it in at the hips. When I made the actual dress, I ended up taking it in approximately one size all over. I am blaming it on the lycra in the fabric and not “operator error”. It did involve some “unstitching”!!! Not my favorite task.

Construction Details: The instructions were adequate. The pattern only has 4 pieces but has nice shaping. I don’t think this is for a beginner because of the neckline notches/markings not lining up. You have to wing, it but it was not a problem. An intermediate sewer should have no problem. I did fully line this with ambiance (rayon lining) and used an invisible zipper. If you make it without lining, I would finish the armholes by binding them.

Conclusion: This style really looks cute on my daughter-in-law. I’ll most likely make a wool plaid one for her for fall/winter. Fun dress to make and the fabric is a dream to sew on. Daughter-in-law wore it out to a wine bar event.

Thanks Peggy! What a lucky daughter-in-law. A very flattering style for her.