Pattern Review: Elisa-lotte Dress [By Hand London]


elisalotte 1

Pattern: Elisalex Dress and Charlotte Skirt combo from By Hand London
Fabric: stretch cotton from Metro Textiles
Size: Bodice – US 6; Skirt – US 8

Originally, I planned on making the new Georgia Dress by the BHL ladies for vacation, but I got a bad cold one week and it completely fouled up my vacation sewing plans.  I knew the Georgia Dress was going to require a bit of time to fit, and time wasn’t on my side, so instead I turned to a dress pattern I’ve been clinging to for awhile: the Elisalex Dress.  I knew the simple princess seam bodice would be easy to fit, and it was!


elisalotte 4

I cut out the lining first and used it for a test fit to see if I would need to make any fit adjustments.  At first, I thought the 6 would be fine since the bodice would hit above my waist.  When I pinned the bodice shut in the back, (do you know how hard that is to do on yourself??) I could tell I needed some more room and graded out the last two inches of the bodice to a size 8, which corresponded with the skirt that would attach.

The skirt attached perfectly to the bodice.  I didn’t bother moving the darts to align with the princess seams because of the busy print, but I would consider it if I used a solid fabric or smaller print.  What I found to be interesting about making the skirt this time, and I’ve made quite a few already, is that I had to take the sides in quite a bit!  I’m not sure if it had to do with the fact that the fabric I used had some stretch in it, but when I tried the dress on once it was sewn to the bodice, it wasn’t nearly as fitted as I wanted.  To get it to fit, I took off roughly the equivalent of the seam allowances.  Weird, huh?


elisalotte 3

Also reflecting back on the skirt, I think I should redraft the darts on subsequent garments – maybe take them in a little more.  The skirt is designed for a gal with more hips than me, so there’s a good amount of room in the pelvis that I should try to get rid of.  However, it is helpful for eating big meals, like the dinner I had wearing this dress at the Hard Rock Cafe!


elisalotte 2

The back is my favorite part!  The scoop adds a little bit of “back interest” to this somewhat demure sheath dress.  I made sure to understitch the neckline and underarm of the bodice to keep the lining from rolling out, instead of topstitching as the pattern suggests.


elisalotte 5

Obligatory high fashion pose!  You know how those models hunch and round their backs for those designer photo shoots, hahahaha.  Anyway, I feel so chic in this dress, and can’t wait to wear it more this spring and summer.

By Hand London gals, a big kiss from me to you!  Keep those fantastic patterns coming.

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11 Comments

  1. March 12, 2014 / 12:17 pm

    love this version! the fabric looks perfect for a sunny vacation.

  2. March 12, 2014 / 2:00 pm

    This is gorgeous! What a fun, bright dress!

  3. March 12, 2014 / 4:57 pm

    Haha! this turned out lovely and I am in LOVE with your high fashion pose. 😀

  4. March 12, 2014 / 6:56 pm

    Haha love that model pose. I've tried it out myself, but I have to say you are much better at it. Your dress has me pining for warmer weather.

    • March 13, 2014 / 12:13 am

      Lol thanks, we were just clowning around on the sidewalk going to dinner, and Chris snapped this one of me

  5. March 12, 2014 / 7:36 pm

    This dress is so cute, another dress that makes me want to by the Elisalex pattern.

    • March 13, 2014 / 12:13 am

      You should! The tulip skirt isn't really my style, but when I saw other bloggers mashing up this bodice with other skirt patterns, I knew I had to try it. A circle skirt would be lovely!

  6. March 14, 2014 / 10:45 pm

    Great summer dress! Pretty print and very good fit, looks amazing on you!

  7. March 22, 2014 / 8:10 pm

    So pretty! I love it!

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