Sinclair Patterns "Vera" dress

 I think I bought this pattern during it's release. I don't really have recollection of it. Or maybe when they were having a sale. At some point early this summer, I came across "Lifting Pins and Needles" version. I watched her channel on and off over the years and this one caught my eye. It was exactly what I needed to replace an existing rayon sundress that was starting to actually get holes. Somehow I got distracted in my quest for a sleeveless tank and got obsessed with making a Vera. 

I had some good fabric I could use, but nothing for a muslin. I went to my local Giant Tiger, a discount chain store in Canada. They always have cheap sheet sets. I picked out this nice grey set, came home and washed it up. There didn't seem to be a top sheet, but I had already recycled the packaging...but I do remember it was packed up like from the factory, so I guess they don't come with top sheets now?

The fabric sucked. It was slippery. It frayed like crazy. The only thing going for it was I could tell the right side from the wrong side. I even managed to melt a tiny bit in a shoulder strap. 

I had heavily debated on what size to make. My measurements put me at an 18 with a C/D cup, but that wasn't sitting well with me. I'd been struggling with my health and looked bloated and heavy. I didn't know if I had measured poorly, or it was a bad day, or what. I asked Karina in the comments of her blog about the sizing. There seemed to be a typo in the pattern that said the waist ease was 30cm or 4" which are not the same. I could get the same finished chest size using the 18 C/D or the 16 E/F (but both were a smidge less ease than what was recommended). I just did not feel like an 18. Karina said to go by the measurements, do not randomly choose. Well, I wasn't randomly choosing--I've made many items that were too wide in the shoulders because I was trying to fit my bust. 

In the end, I went with the 16 E/F, petite file. 

I posted it to the Sinclair Patterns group on Facebook, because I couldn't believe it seemed to fit without any adjustments! This wasn't the picture I posted but I think I deleted it. Several noticed the rug edge and thought I had made an angled hem.

I wasn't sure about the dart. Surely I should have to lower it, since I'm not 30, but it actually was where the directions said it should be.

I put pins in to mark the dart tips. This is so not a flattering angle LOL. The darts have a bit of a bubble, but did I mention how terrible the fabric was?

I also felt the neck was little high, though it didn't look like that in the sample photos or on Karina.

I wore it for the afternoon and decided I needed to let out the side bust seams just a little. I took them out 1/4, which was easy because I made the facing version, so it's much simpler to adjust than if I had bound them. There was no way I was making binding from that fabric.

I made the side seam pockets, awesome. It would really benefit from some ties but did I mention the fabric? 

I made it while making and eating dinner. And of course, got something on it. I prompted washed it, gently scrubbing the spot with stain remover and my gentle brush. Pulled it out of the dryer (only dry for a few minutes, then hang to finish), and noticed the colour had been affected where I scrubbed.

I was so sad! I could still wear it with a scarf I think. I don't seem to have a full length picture of it on.

I adjusted my pattern, adding 1/4" to the front and back seams from the waist notch to the armhole. I lowered the dart 1/2" because the opinion was rather split in the FB group on if I should. I had this gorgeous linen (blend?) and got to work.  I also lowered the neckline a bit.

What a difference a good fabric makes. So much easier to cut and press. I did have some issues with the lining matching up, but it was late at night and I think I was rushing. It worked fine the next day when I took my time and used a million pins.

The strange this is....this one is a bit LOOSE under the arms! What?! It'll be easy to take it in. I just need to wear it again to decide how much to take it in. I bought some more fabric, a bright pink floral in 100% cotton. We're going to Jamaica in October, so I hope to have it done by then! One month, actually!