The Catherine's Choice pattern is "An Easy Empire style for all
stages of
motherhood-pregnancy,
breastfeeding
and beyond".
It is a
pattern from
Baker Lane
Dressmaking
& Design. It
is a
wonderful
dress to
have around
being so
versatile! A
design like
this is
lovely and
modest.
Pattern
Overview
This is a
pattern
aimed at the
intermediate
seamstress.
You will
receive 15
pages of
suggestions
and
instructions
in sewing.
There are
some
excellent
instructions
for altering
the pattern
for that
perfect fit.
I loved this
dress! The
design for
the nursing
access
eliminates
the gaping
issue so
common with
nursing
clothes.
"Side access
nursing
plackets are
concealed
beneath the
full bodice
overlay."
Some of
these
instructions
may help
clarify some
real basic
problems you
could run
into. After
sewing this
dress once
you will
understand
the pattern
clearly and
be ready for
your second
dress to be
sewn in a
breeze.
Fabric: I
used 100%
cotton for
this
pattern.
Lightweight
fabrics are
suggested
from rayon
challis,
lightweight
linens,
denim,
seersucker,
and cotton
or cotton
blends. I
would avoid
any stiffer
fabrics as
it will
effect the
lay and look
of your
dress.
When cutting
out your
dress you
will want to
pay
attention to
several
things.
1.
This is a
long dress.
For short or
average
height women
you may want
to alter the
skirt
pattern and
raise the
skirt
length.
2.
Bust- If you
are long
waisted or
have a large
bust you
will want to
cut out a
mock bodice
to see where
it will fall
on you. My
sister found
she needed
her
bodice/underlay
pattern
lengthened
for nursing
comfort. I
would
recommend
taking the
time to make
a mock
bodice if
you intend
on nursing.
You may be
sorely
disappointed
after
spending all
this time to
find the
nursing
opening is
not quite
what you
wanted.
3.
#4 pattern
piece is
Bodice
Back/Back
Underlining-If
you cut out
the scoop
neck view
(instead of
tracing off)
you will
loose the
jewel
neckline as
you cut!
This is true
for the
Bodice Front
Underlining
as well.
4.
Remember the
45" pattern
layout view
does not
show #8
needs to
have 4
panels cut
out.
5.
Keep your
scrap fabric
to cut out
the bias
strips for
finishing
edges of
Bracelet
Sleeves.
Sewing Your
Pattern
1.
As you sew
note all
grey shaded
pattern
pieces are
showing the
WRONG side
of fabric.
2.
Scoop neck
nursing
view-Note
your right
sides and
wrong sides.
It will be
right side
of overlay
with wrong
side of
underlining
on top. Very
important!
3.
When
pressing
seam towards
underlining
the seam
will be
pressed
showing
wrong side
of fabric to
right side
of
underlining.
When
understitching
you will be
pulling
underlinings
up to see
wrong side
of fabric as
you stitch
near the
seam.
4.
Butttonholes:
Be aware if
this is a
nursing
dress.
Buttonholes
will be on
front
overlay. For
Non-Nursing
View
buttonholes
are on
Bodice
Front.
Interfacing
will be
applied to
wrong side
of fabric.
Jennifer
Dean is a
homeschool
graduate who
works as an
office
manager and
business
owner.
It is her vision to encourage
mothers as
they raise
the children
God has
given to
their care.
Visit her
site,
http://www.NewLittleBlessing.com,
for
motherhood
products,
articles,
resources,
and to read
her personal
blog.
