This is the second dress that I made from the fabrics that I bought in Indonesia. The beautiful print and color combination caught my eyes immediately. The price is also a bargain at about USD5/meter.
The fabric is stretch polyester and quite slinky. I knew that I wanted to make a dress with it, preferably with as little seamlines as possible so the beautiful print wouldn’t be cut. So I was quite happy when I stumbled upon Kielo wrap dress by Named patterns, a simple maxi dress with an interesting shape. It has diamond shape with two waist ties and back vent. The dress has a couple of sleeve dart on the front and a couple of back darts.
Named patterns are designed for the height of 172 cm / 5’8″, which is quite far from 150 cm / 4’11” that is my height. I used the same way that I usually do for Burdastyle patterns, printing the pattern at 92% and cut size 38. I found that this is the best way to make the pattern petite for me. Further alteration were shortening the bodice about 1 cm and the skirt about 5 cm. Everything is about making the pattern shorter!
Eventually all the alterations worked quite well. The dress is now at the right proportion to my body. Sewing process was quite simple. The most lengthy process was probably making the ties since it has to be lightly interfaced and turned out. The neckline and armholes are finished with bias binding.
I find that the dress can be worn in several ways. With the ties wrapped around for a tighter fit or loosely tied for a looser fit. You can even knot the ties at the front or the back for a different look. A very versatile dress.
One thing that I don’t really like about the dress has nothing to do with the pattern at all. Since the fabric is polyester, it turned out to be not the perfect choice for summer. In the hottest days, the fabric emanates some sort of ‘burnt polyester smell’ if you know what I mean. It is also quite transparent so I have to wear slip dress underneath, which cancels the purpose of a loose summer dress. But it sure does look good!
I’m still very intrigued with the pattern, so hopefully I will find another nice fabric for my second Kielo!
Pattern is Kielo wrap dress by Named patterns (PDF), size 38 printed at 92%
7 Comments
Lovely. One of my favourite sewing patterns. Aiming to purchase one day. Would you mind me sharing this on Sassy Sewing Bees in the future? I link to your post and let you know when. https://www.facebook.com/SassySewingBees
Your dress looks very elegant and so flattering, the fabric looks lovely and its a great design
This is gorgeous!! What a shame the fabric isn’t ideal for summer as it looks fabulous! Named patterns have such nice design details.
Beautiful dress and backdrop for it! I love the print and you’re right sometimes you need just the right simple pattern design which will showcase the fabric we’ve fallen in love with ;)
Thanks for the tips about how to make patterns petite! I always struggle with the Big 4 patterns (and really any pattern except for Japanese patterns) since I’m short lol.
I’ve seen lots of really nice versions around but wowza does yours ever look great! I’d say the alterations worked for sure!!!
I’ve been seeing kielo dresses everyewhere and this is another lovely one. I love the print on the fabric, it’s such a shame you can’t wear it on a hot day.