Textile Studio Barceona Dress

Reviewed by:	Ann Smith	About Ann Smith CA USA Member since: 8/24/02 Reviews written: 154 Sewing skills:Advanced Favored by: 185 people patterns reviewed: 151 Bio: I love to sew for fashion, especially unusual designs. I own way too many patterns and fabric! I hav...full profile
Posted on:	5/13/03 4:09 AM
Last Updated:	5/13/03 2:57 PM
Pattern Size:	Regular
Pattern Photo:	Textile Studio Pattern Information Pattern Information provided by Ann Smith
See other patterns in this category:	Dress
Available for sale on PR:	Yes
Pattern Description: This is a long flowing dress with a U shape neckline and soft V shape waistline. It has an uneven V shape hem. Pattern Sizing: Sizes XXS (Bust 33) through XXL (Bust 45) all included. Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it? Yes although the picture on the pattern is a sheer fabric. In the instructions, Loes suggests taking care not to stretch the bias seam in center front and center back. I did this at first and found that the stitching pulled the seam up so there was no V affect. I ripped that out and stretched the seam a lot as I stitched it and that resulted in a better drape and the desired V line at the hem. Were the instructions easy to follow? Very easy and complete. Also very quick to make, 1 1/2 hour construction time. What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? Besides being quick and easy, this dress is very slenderizing. Fabric Used: A drapey rayon tropical print. Pattern Alterations or any design changes you made: The only alteration I made was to shorten the length about 2 inches. I usually make a full bust alteration but didn't on this. I made the small exactly and it fits great. I am actually 1 inch bigger in the bust than the size calls for and it fits very closely but not too close. Just perfect. Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others? I highly recommend this. It looks quite different in different fabrics and is timeless. It would be possible for a beginner unless there are fit issues. Conclusion I have made Loes HInse French Country Dress a few times and think it might be useful to make a comparison. The Barcelona dress fits a little more closely as it doesn't have the tucks in the bodice that the French Country Dress has. Also the skirt is fuller on the Barcelona dress. I think the FCdress results in a more retro look but the Barcelona dress is more slenderizing. Of course the FCdress includes optional pockets which are very nice.