MAKE THIS: Farrah Dress

Sometimes you see a sewing pattern, and you simply have to have it. Such was the case with the new Farrah Pattern by Chalk and Notch (keep scrolling for 15% off your pattern).

When the e-mail first came through asking me to be a part of the Chalk and Notch Summer blog tour, my initial response was ‘no’. I had too much on my plate, too many deadlines, too many personal responsibilities, blah, blah, blah. But then the strangest thing happened. I couldn’t get the dang image of the Farrah top and dress pattern out of my head. I started buying fabric with that specific pattern in mind. A few days went by when I realized…I needed to be a part of this tour. I needed to sew this dang dress. (Has that ever happened to you? Please tell me I am not alone here).

Having worked with Chalk and Notch patterns before (click here to see the Waterfall Raglan), my expectations were pretty high for this new pattern. I am not kidding when I say that I get compliments every. single. time. I wear my waterfall raglan out and about. That being said, the women’s Farrah dress did not disappoint.

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MAKE THIS LOOK: Farrah Dress

Use coupon code ‘jessica’ for 15% off your Farrah Blouse and Dress pattern purchase!

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Make this Look: Farrah Dress

• Time needed: Weekend project (8-10 hours)
• Skill level: Intermediate

 

MATERIALS:

• Farrah Blouse and Dress pattern by Chalk and Notch
• Approximately 3 yards woven fabric with drape (think rayon)
• 1/2 yd Lightweight interfacing
• Coordinating thread
• Measuring tape
• Fabric scissors / rotary cutter
• Sewing machine
• *Optional – Rolled hem foot
• *Recommended – Serger / overlock machine

 

Use coupon code ‘jessica’ for 15% off your Farrah Blouse and Dress pattern purchase!

 

FABRIC SEEN IN THESE PHOTOS:

• Cotton and Steel From Porto With Love, Snack Time Rayon Fabric Lavender by Sarah Watts. (Fabric for this tour was generously provided by Miss Matatabi Shop. If you have not already, be sure to check out her incredible fabric shop HERE – your wallet will hate me for it.)

 

THOUGHTS ON THE PATTERN:

Chalk and Notch patterns lived up to my expectations in providing a quality product. Clear, concise instructions, accompanied by perfectly detailed illustrations, made for an intermediate level pattern that sewed together beautifully. There was not a single point where I doubted my steps. The pattern pieces fit together beautifully, and I absolutely loved the underarm godets. I did have trouble ironing them while trying to keep my ruffle from getting wrinkled (as you can see from my pictures), but it is also time for a new iron in my house – and I will try to steam them next time. I love, love, love the fact that there is no zipper or keyhole opening on this dress, but rather that I can simply slip it over my head. I also really loved the construction of the bodice yoke, and how we were able to sew it together without a single seam showing. French seams are optional, bias binding, and more. A serger is definitely recommended for the sewing of this dress, but not necessary. You can simply add a little extra seam allowance on the side seams, and sew french seams there as well.

Pattern alterations – As someone who might be considered ‘height challenged’, I did have to shorten the length on this dress. I tend to like my patterns slightly above the knee, and altered the length accordingly. Furthermore, I brought in the dress width just a smidge to hug my body just a little bit more. With the ruffle extending slightly beyond the shoulders, I wanted to truly let the dress flatter my body and not just hang loose. The hip hugging curves and shortened length helped achieve this look. That is really a personal choice, rather than a necessary one. As with all women’s sewing patterns, I would recommend making a muslin. You do not want to be trying to unpick those side seams, especially with the cool side vent construction, after the fact.

My two regrets – Firstly, I wish I had sewn the lining ruffle. Kicking myself on that one!!  Initially I wanted to keep the ruffle super lightweight and flowy, and opted for the faux rolled hem seam. In retrospect, it would have been much easier to simply sew the optional ruffle lining – and it also would have given me a fun little peek-a-boo ruffle fabric if I had chosen a coordinating fabric. Secondly, I wish I had thought to pattern match the yoke to the dress. It drives my CRAZY seeing the birds cut off at the bodice yoke. Why oh why didn’t I think to cut the dress pattern accordingly, so that the fabric pattern would be more seamless.  Both regrets, totally my fault.

Final thoughts – If you are an intermediate level seamstress, or even an advanced beginner looking to increase your sewing skills, than this dress is a fun challenge. You will love the underarm godets, the side vent construction, the notches, the construction of the yoke, and all of the other professional finishes that make Chalk and Notch stand apart. Furthermore, her body measurements are spot on. What you see is what you get when it comes to a C + N pattern, and I look forward to sewing the blouse version of this pattern to wear with jeans this Fall.

 

If you would like to purchase the Farrah Blouse and Top pattern, use coupon code ‘jessica’ for 15% off your purchase!

 

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a Rafflecopter giveaway

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Thanks so much for stopping by, and until next time…

Happy sewing!