Lansdown Patterns Hadley Dress

I’ve decided to write up a blog about this pattern even though I really feel as if it needs tweaked for me to be happy with it.

The Pattern

This is a versatile pattern, wearable in any season and for any occasion. There are a lot of variations: sleeves of full length sleeves; full back or open lower back; top back neckline keyhole opening or fully closed. The dress features a boatneck, gathered skirt, partially elasticated waist (making this super comfortable) and deep hip pockets – you can fit an awful lot in them! The princess seamed bodice is fully lined.

Sizing

Lansdown Patterns have their own size range (1-12) which are the equivalent of UK 6-28.

I did have hard time with the sizes, to be honest; I do not like a lot of ease. My measurements would have suggested I make a 7 with a D cup (and an FBA on top of that). But when I made a toile there was no definition at all. It was huge on me…

So I sized down to a 6 with a D cup and it still came up big. However, because I couldn’t be bothered with a toile number 3, I just sized down to a 5, thinking that would account for the bagginess… it didn’t. I still have so much excess fabric on the upper bust, bust and especially (more than anywhere else) under the bust. I still have so much work to do.

Construction

The instructions are pretty thorough, although I did deviate from them quite a bit to get under stitching all the parts possible. It would be totally achievable for a beginner sewist. I did make a simple sleeveless version but knowing I was endeavouring to deal with a little bagginess I opted not to have a keyhole and the open lower back just wasn’t my style at all.

What Next?

If I get around to making this again, I’ll size down on the bodice again! And probably perform an FBA. I’m so used to vintage styled clothing that I just can’t love excess fabric on my body!

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