pattern tester roundup

Genevieve Tunic Dress Pattern Tester Roundup Part 2

Posted on by Ann Grose
Greetings my lovely sew’ist friends 💗 – Yesterday was our first fabulous instalment of our Genevieve Roadies and we continue today with our PART 2 for the stunningly beautiful new Genevieve Tunic and Dress – and prepare to be ALWAYS be WOWED by all of our roadies makes. 
 
The Genevieve is constructed in a fluid woven for a beautiful figure-skimming silhouette that will elegantly drape and flatter everybody. 💗 
 
Offering a Tunic or Dress length – along with 2 types of sleeve shapes – a fold up loose shirt sleeve or an on-trend tie cuff – the Genevieve will be your go to for a stylish easy to wear gorgeous silhouette.
 
The look of the Genevieve makes you think of leisurely Sunday BBQs with a bubbly drink in hand, or a casual walk down the esplanade sipping a latte. 
 
Teamed with a belt (dress) or casually tucked into jeans (tunic) the Genevieve will be your go to for a stylish and flattering.
 
 
 
And don’t forget yesterdays installment of all things STUNNING for the Genevieve Rockstar Roadies Pattern Tester Roundup Part 1 here.
 
And our roadies would like to share the following with you all :
 
1. Your name and where you live ?
2. Your choice of option for the Genevieve and why ?
3. What fabric did you choose and where did you purchase ?
4. What alterations did you have to make to your Genevieve toile ?
5. What sewing tips can you share when sewing the Genevieve ?
6. What was your favourite thing about making the Genevieve ?
7. Did you make more than one combo of the Genevieve ?
8. Have you worn your Genevieve yet and what compliments did you receive.
 
And the finer details;
(AU/UK) 6 – 30 (US) 2 – 26 (EU) 34 – 58
Cup Sizes – B, C, D, DD
 
On Sale for a limited time only – $9.95(US)
Very Confident Advanced Beginner and Above Sewing level
 
Hello I’m Ashley R from London, I’m excited to share with you the amazing new Genevieve tunic/dress pattern!
Genevieve comes with options, which is great for a single pattern. You have different sleeves options and tunic or dress length.
I made the tunic and dress as I loved the design, I used a crepe for my tunic from Jo-Ro Rags which worked really well, lightweight perfect for summer. I also used a viscose also from Jo-Ro Rags for my dress with button up sleeve. Both styles can be dressed up or down and still look great. The only alteration I made was shortening for my height and love how they both look. I have worn my Genevieve top and got lots of compliments on it which makes me feel really good knowing I made it myself. I can see myself making many more for the summer as its the perfect pattern to feel comfy in.
 
Hello everybody, Brenda here, from the Netherlands.
Are you ready for a new pattern? This pattern has such a cool detail, the V placket.
It is something you probably need to get the hang of, but you are going to love the look of it!
My most favorite part of the shirt is also the part that you will have to go slow and be really specific in where and what to sew. Read carefull and go slow there.
For my Genevieve I used a satin from Dolce & Dior, I got a bolt of it when Droomstoffen shut down and was selling of their stock.
I only did my regular alterations for the Genevieve.
Not yet worn it outside of the photoshoot, the weather took a 180 turn and it was freezing again.
For this Genevieve I picked the blouse, I love wearing jeans around the house and I always need more tops. I fell in love with the roll up sleeve, so that was a dead give away for me to do.
Want to see more of my sewing give me a share on IG: https://www.instagram.com/fabricfairybrenda/
 
Howdy, I’m Carmen from Georgia. For my Genevieve, I used a crinkle polyester that I bought from Sewphisticated Fabrics. It was the perfect fabric for a billowy top like the Genevieve.
One tip I can share which I think most people would appreciate, is to press your seams as you go. Another tip would be to pay special attention to the seam allowances for the placket. It will make your sewing experience less of a headache.
I wanted a top because I have so many dresses and a top like this would fit into my wardrobe really well. I made the double turn sleeves with button tabs. My fit alterations were to shorten the double turn sleeves and the bodice. I really think the two sleeve options are a plus for this pattern.
I’m definitely planning a dress next!
 
Hi, I’m Diane from the UK.
I used a satin fabric from Pound Fabrics. The instructions are very clear for the Genevieve but take your time when doing the placket as it is important to get it sewn without puckers. The highlights of this design is the super flattering curved high/low hem, the neckline and the way it drapes. My version could be worn to the office or equally for a special occasion; it is very versatile. I haven’t worn it yet but will be next week when I return to work. I did a size 1B and shortened the length by 2”(I am 5’2”).
I am definitely going to make more Genevieve tops and also a dress too!
 
Ann Hello! I am France L and I am from Gatineau, Québec, Canada.
For my Genevieve tunic I chose the lightest fabric I could find: chiffon from Fabricville. I had it in my stash for a while waiting for the right pattern! It was the perfect match for this flowy and light blouse. This pattern comes together easily – the only technical difficulty would be the precise sewing around the placket. If you are an experience sewist with time on your hands and lots of patience, go for the chiffon but otherwise stay away and go for challis!
For this make, I chose the back with no pleats and made minimal adjustments to shorten the sleeves a few inches as I am 5’3″.
Spring and summer are around the corner – although the picture tells another story – and I plan to give Genevieve a lot of use both at the office, or with shorts, or even on top of my bathing suit around the pool. A versatile piece, I plan to also sew as a maternity top for my daughter’s 2nd trimester.
 
Hi everyone! I’m Huike from Singapore and my Genevieve top is made from a mystery woven fabric that I got from the local Chinatown. I made sure to get a fabric that is both drapey and “floaty”, that allows the top to drape beautifully when french tucked into bottoms. I really love my new top and the fact that I can dress it up as a work top and then dress it down for weekends is just icing on the cake!
My genevieve top is already doing heavy duty work as both a weekend attire and also work attire. My favorite way to wear it is paired with a pair of shorts for an elevated weekend look which is so lovely and different compared to my usual messy weekend attire.
I like how just by pairing this top with a simple jeans bottom, I can look well put together even when just going to the neighborhood grocery stall then by switching out the shorts for a pair of office pants, I can easily go to meetings and look very professional indeed!
The genevieve dress is next on my list and I fully intend to pair it with a cute thin leather belt for another sophisticated yet comfortable look that can be again dressed up and down!
The versatility of this pattern is fantastic don’t you think?
Follow me on instagram at www.instagram.com/kekesews to see more of my makes and you can also read about some of my reviews of patterns over at kekesews.blogspot.com
See you all there! ❤❤❤
 
hi All you DS fans! I’m José and I’m from the Netherlands. Here to tell you about the newest pattern release, Genevieve shirt and dress.
This flowy and woven goodness with your choice of shirt or dress length!
I love the pull up sleeves and did a dress length to wear to an informal wedding party. I added gold buttons and gold belt buckle to an elastic waist elastic belt. I absolutely love the look with long boots 💕💞
Perfect summery look (don’t mind the snow😅😆)
My shirt length is made out of a flowy chiffon and I love it tucked in a pair of jeans.
My best tip to get the tricky facing and pleat to match up is to not baste the pleat untill after you matched it up with the collar pieces. Make sure to line up the top collar piece with the top fold of the pleat and you’ll have your perfect collar!
I also like the look of a narrow hem on the bottom curved side. So my trusty rolled hem foot for the sewing machine came to the rescue again.
Make sure to match your needles to the fabric, microtex needles for fancy wovens work best for me, and you’ll have this finished in no time!
Fabrics are both from Shanitex, local fabric market guy, one of my favorite places for wovens!
Like to see more? Come over to my Instagram to see my DS makes and more: https://www.instagram.com/jose.vernooy
 
Hi, I’m Barbara and I live in Northeast Mississippi, USA!
For my Genevieve, I chose a satan silk and chiffon Ankara combo that I purchased from Ankara Malkia (Ankara Sales)Group. (Facebook)
When working with satin or chiffon, the sewing was much easier when I serged around all of the raw edges.
I made the Genevieve dress with chiffon sleeves to wear this Spring and Summer.
To custom my Genevieve dress, I graded sizes and shortened the pattern for my height.
I have not worn my Genevieve yet, as we still are having cold weather.
I love that this pattern is very easy to make, and it has pockets for the dress! There will be many more Genevieve’s for me in the future.
 
Hi there! Kiran here and back with another lovely sew for Designer Stitch. Isnt the Genevieve top just lovely? When I saw the line drawings for it, i just loved the neckline detail so I HAADDDD to sew it up.
As always, its a pleasure sewing up one of Ann’s creations because the lady is so good at what she does! The pattern instructions are clear and the line drawings leave no question as to the directions. Its a quick sew once you have cleared the neckline detail so get ready to churn these out for the summer!
I only have one word of caution and that is don’t rush the neckline detail. Take your time and likely, you will be using drapey fabric, so even more so incentive to be extra meticulous. Just remember, you need everything to sit nice and flat and those corners need to be sharp because its smack in the middle of your blouse. Every bit of extra caution helps 😊
For my blouse, I used rayon from Cotton and Steel. For the accent, I decided to highlight it by using a contrasting fabric which ended, in my opinion, as a slight faux pas because the weights of the fabrics didn’t match making it a little heavy at the cuffs. I do love the main fabric though because it is drapey and cooling to the touch, perfect for my local weather as I plan to wear it to school.
For my next Genevieve sew, I think I might just try a short sleeved version. Do check it out at my instagram page at www.instagram.com/sew_kiran_sew
 
Hello! I’m Kristin, and I live in London, Ontario, Canada. I used a beautiful forest green cupro rayon fabric from my local fabric shop. The best tip I can offer, is to take your time. Practice the front pleat and the ties around the sleeves on some scrap fabric before you move on to your garment. This will help with the polished look of your finished garment. I chose the shirt length Genevieve with the tie sleeves. I made my usual adjustments, size 3 at the shoulders, blended to size 1 at the hips. I have received many compliments on my Genevieve, both the fit and how on trend the top is at the moment. I have some beautiful fabric sitting in my stash that will be my next Genevieve!
 
1.My name is Lynne and I live in southern Michigan
2. My fabric is a lovely chiffon from an estate sale.
3. Press every seam every time. It sounds kinda extra, but it makes the sewing so much crisper and easier to manage, particularly with very slick fabrics.
4.I sewed a size 5 longest length dress with shortest sleeves, rolled up with the button tab.
5.size 5 longest length dress with a 2″ FBA from the DD cup. I did end up narrowing the shoulders by about 1/2″ to get them to sit just so. I also ended up shortening the sleeves a bit for my adorable little T-Rex arms 😜
6. .I wore my dress to church and received many compliments on it practicality and ease of wear.
7. Not sure yet, I don’t often repeat a pattern in the same year.
8.IG: Lynne.sellers.seamstress
 
Hello, here is Marieke from the Netherlands.
As always I can repeat myself and say: this pattern is my new favorite one!
If it’s a blouse or a dress- both are gorgeous to wear and it’s a fun make!
My blouse I already worn- and with the fabric I choosed- it is if I wear just air!
Be just carefull with your choice of fabric. You want to have fabric that is leight and flowy. That thin stuff isn’t making your sewing easier, but it’s so worth at the end.
My tip: when you use such leightweight fabric, use a small strip of thin interfacing around the neckline together with the staystitch.
My dress is just love 🥰 It’s a linen- viscose mix and the best of both fabrics in one.
The result is a casual-chique-feeling- gorgeous-dress!
Just pair your blouse with a skinny and boots, or a pencil skirt- tucked in and your fav pumps or, or, or…many possibilities!
For the rest: just 1 advice: happy sewing, lol.
I you like, you can follow me on Instagram on https://www.instagram.com/jongdesign
 
Hi all! Marit here, from the Netherlands. I fell in love with Genevieve the moment I saw her and I am so glad I could test it! I made two versions, turns out I have small shoulders and I needed to size down the top for my final make. I made a size 3 to 4B. I already wore my toile in the outside world and I had so many compliments. It really is a great combination with jeans, faux leather pants, leggings, and even fancy joggers (seriously check out the Varley-Genevieve combinations they are WOW)
It is a nice sew and the placket instructions are really clear, so fear not!
I found hemming a bit of challenge so I did that before I completed the side seams.
I made a viscose and a crepe version and I really love them both.
Happy sewing!!!
 
Hello everyone! 👋🏻 I am Michelle from Singapore 🇸🇬.
I made a Genevieve Tunic in size 3 B cup with pleated back.
Fabric used is polyester from a local shop and it is light and flowy.
I especially like the sleeves option of having 3/4 length with a tie or fold back sleeve with button tab. I pair my blouse with shorts for a relax look to the café on weekends. Might try a dress version in long sleeves with tie in future.
Sewing tips: follow the instructions in the tutorial and go slow on the placket for a pucker free corner. Don’t be shy to ask questions on Designer Stitch Pattern Support group! 😊
Check out my makes in my Instagram page 😉 https://www.instagram.com/michellechan_handmadewithlove/
 
Hi Everyone, my name is Sharon. I am from Singapore 🇸🇬. I made Genevieve in tunic version. I shortened the bodice to adjust for height and also shortened the sleeves by 3” for the shorter sleeves version. I used viscose rayon from See You At Six for my Genevieve. It’s one of my favourite fabric blend. Silky soft, light weight, drape beautifully and it gives the garment a gorgeous flowy look.
I have tried Designer Stitch patterns before, so I cut straight into my final fabric. But if you are new or unsure about the sizing, it’s recommended to make a toile first. The sewing was a breeze for me. Make sure to follow the tutorials carefully to create a pucker free corner when you are attaching the placket. Mark your seam allowance as stated in the tutorials. It might take a little more times to create this piece but it’s so worth it. I absolutely love my Genevieve tunic. Have worn it a few times and received compliments as always.
Follow me at www.instagram.com/sharont.sews/ for my sewing journey 😊
 
Hi, I’m Sonia and I live in SW Missouri.
I used a light weight polyester for the Genevieve dress and a chiffon for my Blouse. Unfortunately my local fabric shop is not online.
My biggest tip is to make sure and use the measurement guides. Also pay close attention to snipping your corners on the placket.
I made the dress and blouse both with the tab sleeves.
I do plan to make more and I especially want to try the tie sleeve version.
I look forward to wearing my Genevieve’s when the weather warms up. They will be the perfect addition for my summer wardrobe.
 
 My name is Stacey and I live on the South coast of England
2. I used lyocell fabric that I purchased on ebay
3. For the neckline, which is the only tricky part to sew, I would pin or tack first and adjust if necessary, as this may save some unpicking!!
4. I style my Genevieve either with my Varley trousers or skinny jeans, both look great! I finish the look with some nice high heels
5. I didn’t have to make any alterations to my Genevieve, as the pattern includes cup sizes, so all the hard work was done for me!
6. I should get lots of wear out of my Genevieve, as I have just started going back into the office, after 2 years of working from home
7. I can’t wait to make the dress version for summer!
 
I am Synthia and live in Central California. I enjoyed sewing up the Geneivieve, I sewed up 2 tops and 1 dress. For one of the tops, I used a rayon fabric, a Tencel rayon for the other top, and for the dress with ties on the sleeves, I used a rayon poly type fabric. For my 1st top I measured according to the pattern for length and shortened 2″. For the 2nd top I left it at normal length to be able to wear with leggings, I like my bum covered with leggings, both tops have the fold up sleeve version. For the dress I did not shorten so that when worn with a belt, it hits at just below knee level. Tips; set the iron heat just right when using light weight fabrics such as chiffon. Also, when sewing your front pleat, make sure the pleat is folded right over left, when facing on the front exterior of fabric. Love the simplicity of sewing and wearing the Geneieve garment. Thank you Ann Grose for a lovely design. Orbey really likes the dress version with out the belt.
Blog: https://sewsynsewn.blogspot.com
https://www.facebook.com/Synthia20000
IG:https://www.instagram.com/sewsynsewn/
 
Hi everyone I’m Tina from sunny California. I used this floral crinkle woven I’ve had in my stash for awhile to make my Genevieve Dress! I love how light and flowy my dress is and love the pockets n neckline details. I plan on wearing this as a swimsuit cover up for our upcoming cruise. I also have plans on making the top version next with the ties on the sleeves for a casual look.
Hello!! I’m Pauline and I am from Singapore.
For my Genevieve I used seersucker that I had gotten from @justitchery and I think it’s perfect for our humid weather here and drapes well.I would like to advise marking the pleat marks and to read the instructions well and I would suggest pinning it down accordingly and checking again to see if it looks right before you sew it down as I made a mistake and had to unpick twice so don’t make the same mistakes I did!

My Genevieve is a tunic version in a size 2 c-cup and because the pattern flares out I was super stoked that I didn’t need to grade for my waist. I shortened the bodice by about 1” and it’s so cute with the ties at the sleeves. Wear it over a pair of jeans or with the upcoming Varley Joggers and you have a match made in heaven!!!!!
For my next Genevieve I know I’d like to try the dress version! And I’ve worn my Genevieve out and both my mum and mother-in-law loved it and are asking if I could make them one too!
Follow me on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/pmlah/
 
My name is Meiling and I live in Perth, Western Australia.
I used a deluxe satin from Spotlight which feels super nice to wear.
Some tips whilst sewing the Genevieve are to go slow and follow the steps carefully, maybe practice the front Placket on some scrap fabric first.
I made the top with the ties. I made a size 2 but needed to size the neck and shoulders down to a 1. The neckline kept sliding otherwise.
I have worn my top to work with jeans and received many compliments. ‘Oh, you made that?’ Are always the best compliments!
I plan on making more in a supersoft rayon fabric.
My facebook page is
www.facebook.com/Sewaholiccreations
Instagram: www.instagram.com/Sewaholiccreations
 
 

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