pattern tester roundup
Shelby Dress Pattern Testers Roundup Part 1
Greetings my lovely sewists.
Thank you for visiting with us for our Shelby Dress Tester Roundups.
And I hope that you enjoy see the wonderful dress that our rockstar roadies have made.
Every make is absolutely fabulous. Our pattern testers have sure made themselves proud this time with all of their Shelby Dress makes.
Some elected to make the Shelby Dress with the rouching in the front/back, whereas others elected to sew with a standard front/back.
Either way it certainly doesn’t detract from the overall design.
The Shelby is full of key design details.
Draped and twisted collar, ruched sleeve and fabulous keyhole at both the centre front and centre back and gorgeous paneled flared skirts.
So, my friends – please give a SHOUTOUT to our fabulous Shelby Dress Pattern Testers Roundups – Part 1.
My roadies would like to share with you
1. Their name and where you live?
2. What fabric combinations did they choose and where did you purchase.
3. What sewing tips can they share when sewing the Shelby Dress?
4. What was your style choice for the Shelby Dress?
5. What fit alterations did you have to make to the Shelby Dress?
6. Have you worn your Shelby Dress yet and what compliments did you receive.
7. Any plans for future combinations of the Shelby Dress?
And the finer details; (AU/UK) 6 – 30 (US) 2 – 26 (EU) 34 – 58
On Sale for a limited time only – $9.25
Very Confident Advanced Beginner and Above Sewing level.
Shelby Dress
Hello, I’m Ashley R from London. Today, I’m here to talk about the new Shelby dress. It’s the perfect dress for parties! I used this cool black and white square viscose jersey fabric from @abcfabric. I would always recommend making a test version first in an old fabric of the same weight to see if you need to make any adjustments. I shortened the length for my 5-foot height, I made the shortest length but it was still too long, so I went up another 5cm to get the perfect length for me. I wore mine out for dinner and felt great in it. I paired it with heels, but it would also look cute with sandals for summer. Since Shelby comes in different lengths and sleeve options, my next one will have longer sleeves and a longer length as it’s getting cold now. https://linktr.ee/madebyashley
Hello, here is Marieke from the Netherlands.
It’s actually for quite some time I made myself a knit dress and forgot how I also like these to make. And to wear!
Again the fit is perfect and the details are making this dress really special; the sleeves together with the neckline and the optional ruched parts sounds like a lot, but it fits so well together.
I wanted to go for an autumn look and used a fabric I had in my stash for quite some years.
Together with my all time favorite boots my look is ready, easy peasy.
The Shelby dress is- even when it looks complicated- an surprisely quick and fun sew!
Do yourself a favor and make yourself one as well.
When you want to have a look at my Insta: https://www.instagram.com/jongdesign
Hello from Perth, Western Australia! My name is Meiling.
I used a Stretch jersey material from www.spotlightstores.com
I suggest taking your time and following the instructions especially around the neck line collar twist. If you follow what it tells you to do then you will find it easy!
I made the Shelby in the shortest length with the short sleeves. I was did have to sew up the back open section slightly to stop it from gaping open.
I have not worn my Shelby yet, but I am planning on wearing mine soon!
Definitely plans for more Shelby’s, I just love the neckline and the sleeves!
You can find me at www.facebook.com/sewaholiccreations and www.instagram.com/sewaholiccreations
hello! Im Sandra from the Netherlands. Did you see the newest pattern of designer stitch? What a beauty is Shelby!
I used jersey for Shelby and love the result. The neckline looks difficult, but is easy to make! I added a but of lenght (1cm) ar bodice and dress part. I wore my Shelby last week and received nice compliments. Most people know I sew most of my dresses, but still they say something about it when i wear it. I made the version without elastic in skirt part, so my future Shelby will be the one WITH elastic in skirt. Saw so many nice examples from the test team!
I used jersey for Shelby and love the result. The neckline looks difficult, but is easy to make! I added a but of lenght (1cm) ar bodice and dress part. I wore my Shelby last week and received nice compliments. Most people know I sew most of my dresses, but still they say something about it when i wear it. I made the version without elastic in skirt part, so my future Shelby will be the one WITH elastic in skirt. Saw so many nice examples from the test team!
My Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sandra_wilbrink_sewing
Hi, I’m Diane from the UK
I used a lovely viscose jersey fabric which was a nice weight and draped very well. I thought it was perfect for the Shelby dress. I made my dress in size 2 graded to 3 at the hips and shortened the bodice by 0.75” for my height (5’2″) and raised the bust darts 0.5″.
The instructions are very clear and although it looks difficult, the neckline and sleeves are surprisingly easy – just take your time and follow each step. I also sewed elastic into the seams around the waist and shoulders.
I wore my dress last week when meeting friends for dinner and received lots of compliments. It is already washed and ready to wear tomorrow when I go out for a family lunch. So I think this is going to be my favourite outfit this Autumn! When I made my toile I did the sleeveless version with the ruching on the front and back and is a great alternative. I think I will sew another sleeveless version soon to take on holiday. A very versatile pattern for all seasons!
My name is Carmen and I live in Barcelona, I have sewn a wearable toile with jersey fabric with drape, and now I am sewing another version with a slightly thicker jersey fabric. I sewed the version with gathering in CF/CB, my recommendation is that the dress should fit tightly so that the gathers don’t bulge.
I’ve sewn size 38 top and 40 bottom
At the intersection of the two I corrected the curve.
Modifications:
I corrected the centre of the darts 1.5 cm upwards.
On the body front and back I adjusted one cm on each side.
I sewed elastic around armholes and waist and improved the fit.
I narrowed the sleeve mouth by 1.5cm
My husband has seen the dress and he loves it, it highlights the feminine forms with elegance. And it is very comfy. I’m sewing another more autumnal version, with longer sleeves. I will sew a version combining two fabrics when I find 2 that match well.
I am totally in love with this dress, I am delighted to have tested this beautiful pattern.
I’m Maria and I live in Sydney Australia
2. What fabric combinations did you choose and where did you purchase
I chose a firm zebra knit bought from Spotlight for the test version
The second version is a blue on beige odd print from the US that I bought at least 8 years ago
3. What sewing tips can you share when sewing the Shelby?
Firstly follow the sewing instructions. They’re brilliant.
Secondly, check your body measurements before you print out your pattern.
Check all the adjustments you need to suit your curves from the test version.
4. What was your style choice for the Shelby ?
The shortest skirt
The shortest sleeve option
The flat tummy and flat lower back option.
5. What fit alterations did you have to make to the Shelby ?
Skirt – shortened the darts to 10cm long. I know where my curves start so I do this for all my dresses and trousers. Once I finished sewing the dress I raised the hem by 5cm because I am short.
Bodice –I raised the dart by 2cm and shortened the dart by 2.5cm. I angled the bodice dart up by 2cm. I took out 5cm from the bodice length below the bust dart.
6. Have you worn your Shelby yet and what compliments did you receive.
I wore it to lunch and I got a nice compliment from my husband. It was a wolf whistle.
My design friends absolutely love the collar. They really do.
7. Any plans for future combinations of the ?
I’ll try the tummy and lower back gathers for a black version, to add some interest in the design.
8. Social media URLS
Blog Velosews – What Maria sews
Facebook
IG Maria – I sew (@velosews) • Instagram photos and videos
Hello Everybody,
This is Brenda from The Netherlands.
I’ve made the Shelby in the shortest length without the gathers on the front and back, with a lovely viscose by driessenstoffen.nl.
The amount of details in this dress are amazing. First the neck, it looks complicated, but if you just follow the instructions it is easy peasy. Next, the sleeves. At first I thought the elastic that is used for the gathers would irritate me, but they don’t. I love the look of these sleeves, it’s like no other sleeve. Last the back, the slit on the top give it just that little bit of extra.
If you want to see more of my sewing go to: https://www.instagram.com/fabricfairybrenda/
Love Brenda