Sorry I couldn't think of anything remotely witty or interesting as a title today.
As you may have guessed from the plain talking - today I'm writing about the True Bias Shelby Dress.
Full disclosure as always - I did not pay for the fabric.
I mean I didn't nick it or anything, it was a brand ambassador gift from Minerva in exchange for popping the pictures and details up on their site which you can see here.
I’ve had the Shelby Dress on my radar for some
time now, and bizarrely it seems to be having a bit of a resurgence in the
sewing community it seems.
After finally getting the pattern printed up, this Minerva Viscose Challis in ‘Pause Play’ was the perfect accompaniment to a fresh project!
This fabric is so vibrant in real life. It has the perfect drape but remains opaque for sewing any kind of project. The colours really called out to me in these neon greens and my usual fondness for mad print won out again.
The Shelby Dress now goes up to a size 32 which is great. I did download the 0-18 range however my measurements put me in the 16/18 size.
With regards to sizing, there is a LOT of ease in this
pattern and there was potential to go down one. That being said, the 16/18 fits by shoulders and back well so
any smaller and it starts getting tighter in those areas. As the pattern has
princess seams it was fairly easy to pin out some excess in the bust area. As you can see above, my top button missed the mark somewhat so I had to pop a stitch at the top of the dress to keep it from gaping open.
I realised True Bias patterns are drafted for a larger C cup and so it did feel baggy across the bust initially. After pinning out the excess I’ve transferred that onto my pattern so hopefully next time it will come up a little better fitting. I already have another planned.
The pattern is quite fabric hungry and took the full 3 meters. I also had to patchwork the neckline facing a bit as I couldn’t fit the whole piece on the remaining fabric. I think the pattern actually called for 3.4m which may explain that.
I did go for the shorter length dress but it’s quite long. I’m 5’7” and thought it would fall above the knee but I do like this length. I think for tights and boots in winter it would be good to go a little shorter.
I love the swish of this dress and the causal feel. I’m transported back to the ‘90’s wearing this and can feel the urge to pop some chunky boots on!
The back ties give the dress a nice bit of shape without feeling and looking overly fitted.
The construction of the dress is really simple with princess and side seams. The neckline and button placket are just a simple facing. The one thing it is missing though…. pockets.
Note to self for next time.
#teampockets
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