Sometimes a pattern testing call just speaks to you, so you apply and hope to get chosen for testing. I’ve never tested for Ragamuffin Patterns before, and was excited about testing for them. I’ve got to say, Jennifer was super easy to test for. She was very open to all comments on or questions about the pattern pieces, construction, and how everything fit all the testers.
One of the main reasons I was drawn to the Princess Party Dress was the cup size options and the flattering shaping they provide. Whether you have an A or an E (or larger) sewing cup size, having cup shaping that fits your body means you’ll get the most customized and flattering fit.
To ensure proper sizing, testing started with a cami top. My measurements put me in a size Large E cup. I graded out to an XL from waist to hips because I was making the classic length and using rayon/spandex, and didn’t want the back to ride up. Fabric will always choose the path of least resistance, and if it’s too snug across the hips, it will ride up towards a narrower part of the body.
My cup sizing was spot on, and the E cup size fit well.
The cup shaping is so flattering, and the straps are perfectly placed to hide my bra straps. Since I was using a somewhat lighter weight rayon/spandex which doesn’t have as much rebound/recovery as say a nylon spandex swim fabric, I reinforced my straps with elastic.
Since I knew that the size Large in an E cup fit, I was ready to sew my dress. I contemplated whether to do the princess seaming on the bodice, along with the seamed cups. After a bit of dithering, I decided that with a printed fabric the simple bodice would look best, especially since I planned to accent the cups, straps, and hem with coverstitching in a contrasting color.
One of the best things about sewing your own clothes is that you can adjust things to fit your unique body. For instance, I am longer than average from shoulder to bust point, so I made my straps 14″ long. For being taller than average, I am a bit short-waisted. I tried on my bodice before adding the skirt, and ended up taking 1″ off the bodice in the front, tapering up to 1-1/4″ at the side seams, and up to 1-5/8″ off at center back. I love customizing clothes for a perfect fit, it’s just so satisfying!
Since I’m tall, and wanted to ensure that the knee length dress actually ended up at the top of my knees, I cut the waist at my size large, but cut the hem at P2 length, which ended up perfect! It’s long enough for modesty, but short enough to be fun and flirty. Here’s my favorite tip for hemming a circle skirt: serge the raw hem with the differential turned up to 1.5. This will slightly gather the bottom so that when you turn it under to hem, it will lay nice and flat for you.
It’s a perfect summer dress, and I wore it to a party that weekend. The nylon/spandex swim fabric from Ragamuffin Fabrics is breathable, comfortable, and perfect for a fun, swishy dress.
I’m very happy with my new Princess Party Dress. It fits well, it’s a flattering silhouette, and with cup sizing, it lays smoothly over the bust, with no wrinkles or pulling. Yay!
Patterns with plenty of options really make me feel like I’m getting my money’s worth. The Princess Party Dress pattern includes a simple cami, cami with three piece cups (with or without princess seam panels), a lace-up corset style option (with front or back lacing), narrow, wide, or tied straps, cami lengths from crop to classic, and peplum, mini, or knee length skirts for the dress option. Whew! I hope I’m remembering everything.
I’ve worn the dress and the cami a couple of times now, and am very happy I made them. They are comfortable and cute additions to my wardrobe whether I’m taking my granddaughters for a stroller stroll, attending a party, or walking the beach.
Sew Beach Life 