Dear readers,
Today I’m back with one of Makemylemonade’s latest patterns. A pattern that made me jump for joy and excitement when it was released: the Chiara dress pattern. This dress stands out for its vintage, dressy, very ladylike vibe. Its crossed sleeves and boat neckline give it a really lovely, even romantic feel—a dress you’ll immediately want to adopt.
Here, I made it in a size 36, based on readers’ comments. I first headed to social media to read the various opinions about this pattern, especially regarding the fit and sizing. Reviews were more or less mixed: some had sizing issues, others found the back was really gaping… but I still went for it—it was stronger than me. The only issue I ran into was during sleeve construction: the notches didn’t line up properly. But before shouting it from the rooftops, let me try again—maybe I’m the one who made the mistake.
I found this chambray at Mamo Tissu (1 rue de Tombouctou, Paris 18th). After a lot of bargaining, I managed to get it for €3 per metre. It’s a fairly stiff fabric and good quality. I recommend making your version in a fabric that’s a bit more structured than lightweight (but not too stiff either!), as it will give more structure to the neckline and cap sleeves, and really enhance the overall look of your outfit. There’s also a belt that goes with this dress.
PS: The bag is the Aime comme Marie weekend bag—also ideal as a trendy diaper bag. Head here to find out more.
Dear readers,
I am getting back to you today with one of the last patterns of Makemylemonade. This pattern literally made me jump when I first saw it: the robe Chiara. You will recognize this dress by its vintage dressy and ladylike style. Its small crossed sleeves and the beautiful boat neck collar will just make you want to sew it.
I made this dress in a size 36 (8 UK) on the basis of the various comments I had read on the internet. I starter out by reading on the Internet various comments and suggestions on this project, the goal here being to have the more information possible on the cut and the fitting of this pattern. The feedbacks were mitigated, some had problems with the sizing, others ended up with a way too wide back, but this did not stop me from trying this pattern out. The only problem I encountered was at the fitting of the sleeves, the sleeve ends were not meeting. However before I can confirm that this is a problem from the pattern, I rather try again just in case I am the one mistaking.
I got this Chambray material from Mamo Tissu (1 rue de Tombouctou, Paris 18e arr.). After bargaining I was able to buy it for 3 euros/Meter. The fabric is quite rigid and I believe that this really helps the dress to sit beautifully on me, especially at the neckline and at the sleeves. The dress also has a belt that matches it.
PS: The bag I am holding is the weekend bag from Aime comme Marie, also ideal to use as a trendy nappy bag. Click here to read more about this easy going bag.
