Milla Dress Pattern Testers Roundup Part 1

Hey everyone. Thank you for coming over to check out Part 1 of the new Milla Wrapped Draped Dress where our wonderful family of pattern testers – aka pattern roadies – test the new to be released PDF sewing pattern from Designer Stitch.
When testing the pattern, they approach it from a purchaser’s point of view. They go over the pattern with a sharp seagull eye to see if any errors, typos or unclear instructions can be found.
The actual design, fit and grade is always set in concrete as this is done in-house and will never change when it gets the roadies.
That way – usually – their first toile fit garment will usually be very much a wearable garment so not a lot of money is being wasted on cutting a few garments for fit alterations.
Once one of our roadies knows what adjustments they need to make on their pattern for fit those same alterations are done for any new pattern that is tested in the future.
So, without further ado let us introduce our first round of pattern testers – with their Milla make – who would like to share with you the following:
1. Your name and where you live?
2. What fabric combinations did you choose and where did you purchase.
3. What sewing tips can you share when sewing the Milla?
4. What was your style choice for the Milla?
5. What fit alterations did you have to make to the Milla?
6. Have you worn your Milla yet and what compliments did you receive.
7. Any plans for future combinations of the Milla?
And the finer details; (AU/UK) 6 – 30 (US) 2 – 26 (EU) 34 – 58
Cup Size Choices – a, B, C, D and DD
On Sale for a limited time only – $8.95
Very Confident Advanced Beginner and Above Sewing level.

Hi, my name is Annet L and I live in the Netherlands. I immediately fell in love with Ann’s Milla design. I made my Milla dress in a Linen Viscose. A wonderfully airy, fine fabric for the summer months. This dress is flattering for every woman. The wrap stays in place well, which is a real advantage. I made my own size 3 and it fits perfectly.

Hello, I’m Ashley R from London. Today, I’m excited to talk about the new Milla wrap dress. Milla is designed for woven fabrics with a bit of flow, and I used this beautiful turquoise viscose blend from ABC Fabric here in the UK. I chose a solid colour to really highlight the details of this lovely dress.
I always recommend making a test fit first with an old fabric of the same weight as your final choice to see if any adjustments are needed. For myself, I tapered the back neckline slightly for the best fit, shortened the bodice by 1/2″, and the skirt by 1.5″ to suit my 5-foot height, ensuring the dress sits perfectly.
I styled my Milla dress with a pair of heels for a glamorous look, but it would also look great with sandals for a cool summer vibe. I’ve worn my Milla out for lunch and received lots of compliments. It’s such a great feeling when people ask where you got it from, and you can proudly say, “I made it!”
I can see myself making more of these dresses, as it’s a versatile pattern perfect for all year round—pair it with tights and boots for winter.

Hello everyone, Camelia here with my version of the Milla dress. This is one of those dresses you will want more than one in your wardrobe! I made mine in a solid color to show the design details, but I have planned another one in a printed cotton viscose, did you see the other testers, with their gorgeous prints?
My fabric was a viscose linen, very soft and with great drape. This design will work with all kinds of medium weight fabrics.
There are a lot of beautiful details in this dress: the pleats in the bodice, the beautiful sleeves with deep cuffs and don´t forget the gorgeous draped skirt!
If you make this dress, you will discover a great feature of the underlapping skirt.
Find soon a full review with all the details on my channel here https://www.youtube.com/calcedoniasewing

Hi! I am Caroline, from Belgium.
I absolutely adore my Milla’s. I made both in a viscose fabric. One from an old SYAS collection, and the blue one was a fabric crush from two weeks ago. Maybe I shouldn’t be following my favourite sewing shops on Instagram if I ever want to sew up my stash…..
As tips for the Milla I would say.. don’t cut out your fabric when tired and pay attention to place your pattern piece correct size up on the fabric. (Guess who first cut out a mirrored skirt piece? ) Also, mind your interfacing. I used a flimsy one for my floral and decided on a sturdier one for the blue dress. I much prefer the collar standing up and I find my front facing stays in place better too. On the floral one I will sew in a stud to keep things in place.
And of course, as always, try one for fit first before cutting your good fabric.
I opted for elbow length sleeves here, as it’s the ideal length for my office. But I am currently working on my third Milla which has long sleeves, as I find that sleeve length and the details so incredibly classy.
As for alterations: I did my usual grading, small biceps adjustment, shortening of the bodice by 1cm and lowering of the darts upfront. After my first Milla I decided to also take out 4cm off of the front piece (on the diagonal side) and to slim down the sleeves a tad more. I’m absolutely thrilled with the fit and I’ve worn my blue one out several times already. Each time resulting in compliments, what a confidence boost ! I can’t wait to finish up my 3rd Milla and for sure there will be more. I will have to make one in plain/uni coloured fabric too. I love a good wrap dress. And the darts create the perfect, figure hugging, fit. Milla is my new favourite pattern for sure.
If you want to see more of my sewing, you can find me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nachtnaaisels

Hey, I’m Girl in Uniform Lieve from Ghent in Belgium. I made an elegant feminine Milla in a Minerva Exclusive Wildflower Fusion Charmeuse Silky Satin Fabric (https://www.minerva.com/mp/1/CSSTS1-M00057). If you want to make the Milla in a flowy slippery fabric, I recommend using lots of pins. I made the Milla with short sleeves and the middle length for the skirt. Believe it or not, but I hardly had to change anything about the pattern. I only did a small sway back adjustment. It is a lovely dress, I definitely want to make another one with a long skirt and with those lovely long sleeves for winter. Want to see more of me? Surf to www.girlsinuniformblog.com or to www.instagram.com/girlsinuniformblog.

Hi everyone, here is Marieke from the Netherlands. A huge fan from Ann her patterns since years already!
I always start with writing that the latest pattern is my new favorite and guess what…This time again, hahaha
But honestly, this pattern is an absolute must have! It’s stylish, comfortable, very fun to make and it’s a real wrap dress!
With using different types of fabric you can make it over and over again and always have the best dress for any occasion.
The biggest tip I can give you is to sew a toile first, I personally know my sizes on Ann her patterns pretty well, but hey, who ever said no to two dresses right? Lol
Anyways, I have two totally different looks now: but they are both still wearable at any occasion.
Here also the type of shoes are playing a huge part…
I have to admit I am in love the most with my checkered one and already worn it twice (and this weekend the third time on a casual/ outdoor wedding)
The most time it took me to cut out everything to match the sideseams, yoke etc etc. And it was fun! I do love quick projects, but I adore patterns and fabrics that cost a tiny extra of thinking. For me this is relaxing time.
I can tell you more, but I would say: grap your fabrics together and start sewing!
You can always have a look at my Insta if you like: https://www.instagram.com/jongdesign

My name is Synthia, and I live in Central Ca. The Mila isn’t your normal wrap around dress, it has some pazazz with the stand-up collar and a wider style tie belt, very classy. I made my Mila using a rayon blend fabric in a light sage green color. Because I am 5′ 3 with a longer torso, I did need to fit and adjust my dress 3x until I was happy with the fit. I love the Mila wrap around dress and do plan on sewing another to use as a lightweight jacket style, mid-thigh length, and wear with jeans. Tip; as always sew a muslin first, so important to obtain the proper fit and follow instructions step by step, no skipping steps. Great design DS. Oh, I will say while doing my photo shoot, I did get some men just standing around admiring the dress. https://sewsynsewn.blogspot.com… and SEWSYNSEWN on FB.

Hi, I’m Meiling from Perth Western Australia!
I chose to make the Milla dress in shortest length with long sleeves in a beautiful Japanese cotton/linen fabric. I also made one in the shortest length with elbow length sleeves and the most gorgeous rayon/viscose blend. Both fabrics from www.fabulous fabrics.com.au
The rayon/viscose blend was much trickier to sew with being so slippery. So don’t use these kinds of fabrics unless you are a bit more experienced with sewing 
I didn’t need to make any alterations to my size 2’s that I made.

My name is Triin and I live in Estonia. My IG handle is triin.stitch.create When i saw the line drawing of Milla i was instantly excited to make it. The full wrap with collar and collar stand is a classic and should be in every wardrobe. I made mine in 100% linen I love the look and feel of it.

 

 

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