I had the honour of being part of the Pattern Emporium test group for the Every Day's a Weekend dress and it was a great experience. Working with Kate and Mel was wonderful, and the dress is fantastic!! This is a free flowing, easy-to-wear dress with a fashion trend impact. It is a wonderful addition to any capsule wardrobe as well as being a perfect transitional piece for shoulder seasons.
There are so many sleeve styles and necklines to choose from, you could make a dress for every season! I love the variety that Kate always includes with her patterns. They are easy to follow and come with so many suggestions and very clear directions. If new techniques are introduced in the pattern there are always great accompanying pictures as well as video tutorials.
Over here in Canada our weather is just starting to warm up enough to wear short sleeves and no leggings or tights, and for that reason I choose to make the short sleeve, mid-neck version of the dress in a size 16 bodice with size 14 tiers. I am 6 feet tall and carry my height through my legs so I used the tall knee length tier and it worked perfectly.
I added a 1" adjustment to the length of the tier, and 1' to the sleeve length which isn't much at all. On other patterns I often have to add 5-7", so I really appreciate the fact that Pattern Emporium patterns include tall options. It is such a treat not to have to add so much extra length and worry about the shape of the pattern changing. As there is a tall bodice option, I simply used the pattern as is with no adjustments. I choose the tapered bodice for this dress.
This was the first time that I used clear sewing elastic. I used the elastic on both tiers and they have not stretched or sagged at all. Simply baste the gathered tier to the bodice, then lay the elastic over the gathered tier and bodice and overlock. Kate includes really straightforward instructions for how to apply the elastic, simply take your time and you too will be thrilled with the end result.
I am really pleased with my Everyday's a Weekend dress and have worn it several times already. It is easy to dress up with a jacket, scarf of sweater for work or going out, or simply slip it in on and lounge around the house with it. I highly recommend trying this pattern for yourself.
I am very sure that I will be writing a blog post about at least one more version of this dress for the summer/fall season, not to mention the roll neck long sleeve version I already want to make for winter, after all....there is Sew Much To Design!
Happy Sewing,
Lou Sheffer
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