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Saturday 14 June 2014

Darling Ranges Dress

The Megan Nielsen Darling Ranges Dress


Here's my summer version.  I didn't change a thing with the pattern.  I cut the smallest size, which seems to fit well - perhaps the waist could be taken in a little but overall it feels great.  I was a little concerned that a Full Bust Adjustment (FBA) would be required as I have a large bust (ahem!) and usually struggle to get dresses to fit due to this, but no problemo at all!


I originally added ties at the back (as Megan suggests in the pattern) but the gathers on the skirt felt just too poofy! So I took them off and opted for the belted look instead, which feels much better as I'm not too comfortable with the "sack" feel.

It really was a joy making this.  I downloaded the pattern as a PDF and of all patterns I have downloaded this was the cutest instruction booklet!  Megan gives a vast variety of options (which are not evident on the pattern brief-definitely getting your money's worth!) of styles to play with.  The instructions are super clear.  I've always struggled making my own bias binding but I'll be following Megan's instructions from now on as it was soooo simple and worked a dream!
I used a cotton lawn fabric, which I also loved working with, but I think I overstretched it a little on the neck and the back neckline isn't quite sitting right but hey ho!  I've had heaps of positive comments on this dress and people seem genuinely suprised it's not a ready-made!
I also added the pockets into this which are great, you can actually fit your mobile phone into them, roomy!  When reading around on this pattern I saw a few people having problems with pointy darts - I'm fortunate enough to have not had that problem with this.  I think it may be due to the type of fabric?  The cotton lawn is so easy to press giving a nice crisp finish.

Unfortunately I cut a little too much off the length than I actually wanted but it's still wearable and I'll just adjust the pattern for the next one!  There are some great tutorials on Megan's website for this dress.  I've already started drafting a round neck for the next one!