Jessica dress #2

As much as we like to try out new patterns, we love our TNTs (tried and true). We love them because they fit, because we know which adjustments would make them even better. Often, we can sew them with our eyes closed. In some cases, we make a few garments using the same pattern in one go, but sometimes it takes a while before we come back to the pattern we love. After a two and a half year lapse, here is my second take on the Jessica dress.

I loved this dress from the very moment I put it on! The design is versatile. It’s somewhere between casual and dressy, meaning I can wear it anytime without feeling either over- or underdressed. Suitable for knits, this dress is perfect for cycling, and so it has won my heart again. Last, but not least, I find this particular design in harmony with my on-going quest for a personal style.

The fabric I used for the second version is a little bit more luxurious than the previous one. I purchased two metres of this knit fabric from the Tessuti online shop last year and have kept it for something special. When it came to cutting the fabric, I faced a big dilemma: matching stripes! With only 2 metres of fabric it was quite a challenge to fit and match the pattern which requires 2m of fabric. It took me two evenings, lots of moaning and Instagramming, to try to figure out how to match the fabric in the most efficient way. Although, I knew I had to sacrifice a look of either back or front parts, the end result was quite satisfying. I was glad I managed to match the front bodice panels, because that the front is the first thing that catches the eye, and the back, because that’s the second thing that catches the eye :)

With Style Arc patterns, my top corresponds to a size 8 and the bottom to a 10. Since it’s always easier to modify the skirt, I ordered this pattern in a size 8, but have not made any changes to it except elongating the bodice by 10cm.. Oh yes, my waistline is longer than the average and extending the waistline is a common pattern adjustment of mine.
From the construction point of view, everything was pretty straightforward. Even if the pattern contains minimal instructions, there is a step-by-step technical drawing of the front piece (the knot part), which some may find a bit tricky. I serged most of my seams with the exception of the sleeves and the hem. The only piece which I took extra-special care of was the neckline binding; I handsewed it for a neater finish.

At this stage, I would like to think that the 3d dress will be made from some plain fabric and the Jessica pattern can be truly called my TNT. There are a few other patterns which I’d love to repeat this summer: the Soma swimsuit (this time a bikini version), another pair of the Jamie jeans and a few Nettie bodysuits/dresses/tops.
What about you? Who is the Queen of TNTs out there? What made you repeat the same pattern again and again? Were you happy with the repeated version?