Lily Dress
Getting pretty close to half way with the #abcPatternStashChallenge now! I’ve been really digging the spring vibes still even though we’re well into summer and the Lily dress is a great option to have for any season of the year. Now that we know what my L pattern is, lets get into the details!
The Pattern
Options Available
This challenge has been great for increasing the number of flattering dresses I have in my wardrobe. The Lily dress comes with enough options to make a different dress each season.
Lengths: Peplum • Dress • Max
Neckline: Crew Neck • Scoop • Placket
Sleeve: 3/4 Sleeves • Short Sleeves • Tank • Long Sleeves
Hem: Subtle or Dramatic Hi-lo hem
Optional Pockets and optional slit for the Maxi option.
Let me just say that this was NOT an easy decision to make when deciding which options to go with. I finally went with the dress I ended up with after considering the material I was going to be using, and what season I was currently in (Spring / Summer)
Sizing
As with most Sonia Estep Design patterns, the Lily Dress has a wide range for their sizes.
Size Range: 00 – 30
I fall into a size 8 for this pattern. Main areas to focus on when choosing a size for this pattern would be the bust and waist. While you also need to consider your hips, because it flows out from the waist, I was not as concerned where my hip measurement fell.
NOTE: These patterns are drafted for a 5’5″ height. I am 5’7 but found I did not need to add any length since it falls right above my knees which is my preference.
Size 8 tank dress with a subtle Hi-Lo and scoop neck.
Were the instructions easy to follow?
For the options that I made, I found the instructions to be very easy to follow. Now, while I did not make the optional placket or pockets, I did take a look at the instructions for those as well and found them to be quite thorough. So much so that if you decide, like me, to not do those options, you don’t even start the dress construction until step 27!! That’s plenty of steps to cover the more intricate optional parts of the pattern for sure.
The Fabric
This fabric. I don’t even know where to begin with how amazing this fabric is. The colors and texture of this rib knit are to die for. The name of this fabric is Cullen from Amelia Lane Designs and it has a deep blue background with Mauve florals. How could I not pick this for my Lily!
This Yummy Rib knit is 87% Polyester, 13% Spandex - 180GSM
Other Recommended Fabrics
I personally just love rib knit and use it whenever I can. But the other fabrics that are recommended for this pattern are:
ITY Bamboo • DBP • SBP • Modal • Modal Point
The intended fit is meant to be fitted in the bodice and a flowy skirt. I found this pattern to be exactly as the intended fit suggests. I was able to make my dress within the suggested 1.5 yards of fabric.
Feedback and Final Thoughts
I actually really love how this dress turned out. If I could make it again, I really don’t feel like I would need to change anything because the fit is nice enough on my body type.
Likes, Dislikes, Issues?
I really liked how the bodice is fitted, and then tapers at the waist mainly because I have quite prominent hips.
Issue I ran into: To be honest this is more of a “me” issue than anything to do with the pattern but I wanted to share. When you are going to gather a skirt, I HIGHLY recommend using a thread color that does NOT match your fabric. For some reason I decided my basting stitches could be done with navy thread. I could barely see where to pull resulting in too much time just locating the threads to gather lol. Anyway, don’t be like me, use a very bright contrasting thread to baste and gather.
Get the Look!
