As soon as the new Sew Over It City Break ebook came out, I knew that I wanted to sew the patterns up for fall. I fell in love with the Alex dress – partially because it shares my name!
I decided to make the dress in an orange designer chambray. The fabric is thin enough to be worn in Fall and Spring, but its color makes it perfect for year-round.
The dress was easy to cut out and sew. It features just a collar piece, rather than a collar piece and stand. The button bands are formed by folding the front pieces, rather than attaching a second button band. The adorable yoke and pleat in the back give it a polished ready-to-wear look.
After the dress came together, the real fun began. It was MASSIVE. I took about 4 inches off the hem and took in the side seams a bit as well. As you can see, it is still rather large, but at least it is wearable with a belt. For my next version of the Alex, I will definitely be sizing down – maybe by two sizes. My advice: Before you make this pattern, measure a shirt dress or other loose fitting dress that you own. Compare these measurements to the finished garment measurements mentioned on the Alex Dress Pattern. You might think you know what 4-8 inches of ease looks like, but it is MUCH more than you think 😉
All in all I am very please with my Alex dress and can see many more in my future. Perhaps out of this diamond tencel chambray. What would you make an Alex shirt dress out of?
Alexandra is a librarian and blogs about her sewing and reading adventures over
at The Library of Alexandra.