Tessuti Lois Dress Pattern Review
When this drapey, elegant Blackbird Fabrics Ecovero viscose fabric landed in my mailbox (disclosure: gifted), it was screaming to be a dress. Would you believe I barely owned any dresses before I started sewing? Now for some reason, they're most of what I make.
The Lois dress is a vintage-inspired simple day dress with a deep v-neck and has a few deceptively couture techniques. The little design features and general shape are just VERY flattering.
🦄 Unique finishes🦄
I learned a few new couture techniques. I can't describe it easily, but the way the neckline is finished is very clean; the side zip is installed into a dart; the front part of the skirt wraps around to the back, so there are essentially no side seams.
🌷Size🌷
Many sewists noted sizing was really big for this one - I was between a 6 and 8 so I went for a 6 and it was perfect.
Matchy Matchy
I even made Kitten a little bandana from the scraps of this dreamy fabric. It’s just a long skinny triangle with finished edges!
🌪Size inclusivity🌪
I hadn't realized until this pattern that Tessuti’s size range is quite small- this dress caps out at a hip 45in/ 116cm I exchanged some messages with the owner Collette, and she shared their insta post statement- mostly saying that while they’re trying to be more inclusive, they can’t do it for all patterns. For this one, they tried and couldn't keep the integrity of the design at a bigger size and don't have the expertise in the plus size market to do better. I don't have the smarts re: drafting to know how valid that is or isn't, so will just leave that here, up to your discretion. They are expanding their size range on other patterns. Either way, it’s a shame this dress can only be made for certain body frames.
🍊The Neckline🍊
This isn't your pattern if you're not a fan of a deep V situation, it hits at the low bust line. I haven't quite figured out the bra deal yet. My nipple stickers are fine but the situation could benefit from a little lift. I need to get one of those deep plunge bras I think.
All in all, I will for sure be making another, but no rush to.