By Amy Mayen
If you don’t want all the nitty gritty details, scroll to the bottom for a short summary.
Have you been lusting for the Scirocco pattern by Figgys?
I haven’t worked with PDF patterns, so I didn’t know what to expect. I was pleasantly surprised that no brain surgery was required to tape it together though. It was really easy!
I’m not thrilled about printing it each time I need it, or about transferring it to pattern paper- but I love the instant gratification of click, print, sew. Plus I feel good supporting independent designers.
The Scirocco runs size 18 months to 8/9. The stand out feature is a twist across the shoulder blades, and an adorable open back.
The front bodice a has a really cute embellishment technique.
You start by sewing a 1/2 straight seam down the center front. The bodice is cut on fold, so when you stitch it wrong sides together, then press it flat, you get this nice placket thingy. You can tuck lace, ric-rac, piping, ruffles, or whatever odds and ends you have under the sides.
I went with ric-rac. I love the half exposed look. By the way, this was my favorite part of making the dress. I pulled out every scrap of embellishments I have in the massive stash- it was sensory overload. There are so many cute options here.
This pattern is listed as advanced beginner. I think it’s an extremely fair assessment. I didn’t have any trouble sewing it up, but I admit I had to read the instructions for the bodice a few times. I had to lay it out and pin to make sure I had it right. And then unpin and pin again.
I liked it because the pattern says, “here’s the trick to the bodice”. Kinda like,” Pay attention. If you mess up this will be where.”
The instructions use the method where you pull the lining through the bodice and stitch in layers, so there are no seam allowances inside. I’ve tried to figure out how to do it on my own and not had luck. Also, I’ve tried using this method with commercial pattern instructions and ended up wanting to punch someone in the face. Mission accomplished on Scirocco, and I love the finish. The way it sews up, it feels like an expensive dress. You won’t find a lot of ready to wear constructed so beautifully.
Now, I should tell you- and this is the most important part of the review if you plan to sew the Scirocco dress-
IT’S WAY TOO SHORT!
I’m not sure if this is a common thing among PDF designs, but I could easily add 5″ or more to the size 8. I put it on Bella, the size 8 bodice fits perfectly on a size 8 child. But the skirt will need length added to the lining, bottom stay, and all 3 flounces. (Although, I hear the length is fine in the size 5T. See comments. )
I had to get a shorter model to show you guys this dress. Meet Maris! Isn’t she a gem?
( Maris is about a size 6 slim. Since I made a size 8, the bodice had to be pinned in on both side seams by an inch. The gaping you see around the neck, bodice back, & armholes is nonexistent when Bella wore it. )
Again, it just needs to be lengthened, a lot. I haven’t made the smaller sizes yet, they may be more proportionate.
The good news is this pattern is easily frankensteined though. The bodice will easily interchange with any elastic waist skirt or shorts. You would need a flat front, with elastic only in back for it to work.
I really like the fact that there are no buttons, ties or zippers. Girls can easily dress themselves wearing Scirocco, and that the dress is fully lined- so no need for surging. (I did surge my hems before folding over and stitching in place, but if you fold over 2x, there’s no need. )
Summary:
Skill level: advanced beginner
Beautiful construction with no exposed seam allowances & no serging required
Bodice fit is true to size
Skirt needs A LOT of length added
Adorable!! It turned out great! Thanks for sharing at Artsy Corner :)
Lindsay @Artsy-Fartsy Mama recently posted…Popsicle Stick Bracelets
Amy, I just adore this dress! Thank you for sharing on Crafty Thursday Obsessions!
Kendra recently posted…DIY Inspirational Sign
Oh WOW Amy!!! I just LOVE the dress!
Thanks for linking up at The DIY Dreamer… From Dream To Reality! See you tomorrow evening! :)
Christine recently posted…Sisal Wrapped Tin Containers {twelveOeight}
What a beautiful model. Thanks for sharing at Fluster’s Creative Muster. I’m looking forward to seeing what you link up next week.
Super cute. I love the ric rac trim!
Diana Rambles recently posted…Pin Me Linky Party #21
Super cute dress! The ric-rac you added is a great embellishment.:)
Love your Scirroco dress. I made one in size 5t for my daughter (haven’t blogged about it yet) and I felt the overall length is just fine. However, the skirt lining could be a couple of inches longer in my opinion. On my daughter, the bodice was a little long, but I didn’t discover this until the dress was finished. Loved learning a new way to make a fully line bodice. Visiting from The Train to Crazy party.
Thanks for the tip! I was wondering about that! I’ll update the post :)
Hi. I love this dress. I have used a quite a few pdf patterns and what I do is print them on cardstock and tape together and trace the size I need on to large tracing paper. That way I have it already printed and usually different sizes are colored so it makes it easier to follow. And then I don’t run into a hiccup if my tape came loose in the middle of tracing or cutting out the original.
Thanks for linking up at A Crafty Soiree.
Sarah
http://sarahmschultz.blogspot.com
Sarah Schultz recently posted…Pintrest Inspired Project: Dress Form Pin Cushion
That’s smart! I’m a newbie to PDFs so I’ll take all the help I can get. Do you buy cardstock at Office Depot type places, just like a regular ream of paper?
Yes. Usually it is a pack of 250 sheets. Should be available at any office supply store.
Sarah
Sarah Schultz recently posted…5 Free Fonts Friday
I love this pattern! I don’t really sew for girls, but I’ve had my eye on the pattern! Looks great!
louise recently posted…Pretty Little Pouch Swap
So cute. So much fun to create with your own hands.
Lori Poppinga recently posted…Irish Blessings and Black and White Photos
Adorable dress! My girl is way too big for cute pink dresses now, but yours looks adorable! Visiting from the Muster Party.
Dana recently posted…Custom Alphabet Photos Wall Art Tutorial
I love the ric rac detail–so cute!
Gina recently posted…Whole Wheat Pancakes Recipe
Lovely dress and really cute in pink… and a wonderful model :)
Didn’t you managed rearranging your linky parties page?
MammaNene from
SergerPepper.blogspot.it
MammaNene recently posted…Work in progress, some new clue – Qualche nuovo indizio
So cute! I’d love for you to share this or any of your great ideas at the link party going on now (and every Saturday through Tuesday) at ‘Or so she says …’ Hope to see you there! http://www.oneshetwoshe.com
Mariel recently posted…A Little Crazy Camera Fun ~ Capturing Everyday Moments (she: Veronica)
This turned out super cute! I love the twisted open back, adorable!
domestic bliss squared recently posted…DIY Fabric Wall Art
This little outfit is just precious but not as precious as your little model:) She is just adorable:) Great tutorial!!
Just dropping in from Live Laugh Rowe to meet you and follow you:)
I would also love to invite you to join Let’s Get Social Sunday and link up your blog and all your social sites at one great place to meet some lovely new friends and gain more followers!! (150 bloggers every week:)
http://www.myturnforus.com/2013/02/lets-get-social-sunday-8.html
Hope to see you there and have a totally awesome day!!
Evelyn @ My Turn for us recently posted…Lets Get Social Sunday #8
Cute dress! Thanks for sharing @ Submarine Sunday!
T’onna
Bella is a star, thanks for all your support. Love Mitch and Judy
I love this dress! It’s cute in the pink. I’m pushing it out on my sewing list until the weather starts to warm, but I’ll remember to check the length-thanks for the heads up! I’m glad to hear you skill assessment this dress looks like it could be a hard sew, encouraging review!
Rachel recently posted…Pattern Review: Cowlneck Pullover Jacket
I can’t wait to make the Banyan pants.
Nice review, love the pics.