SLIDER

Shelby Romper // Pattern Testing


Hey all!

Today I'm sharing my version of the brand new True Bias pattern, the Shelby Dress/Romper!
You can see the release post with more details HERE.

This pattern is a princess seamed dress or romper with a v-neck and button front bodice which includes waist ties. There are 2 dress views with traditional short sleeves, and 2 romper views with cap sleeves. The view variations are the hem lengths, which are mid-thigh and just above the ankle.


I had the opportunity to test this pattern and I'm really pleased with how it turned out! One of the things I really enjoy about pattern testing is that it pushes me out of my comfort zone to try some styles and patterns that I would otherwise probably not choose for myself.


I'm going to be really honest here and say that this was definitely one of those patterns! :) I wore dresses in my 90s childhood that were pretty much identical to the dress version of this pattern and I was never super happy that my mom made me wear them. Lol.

I've always, ALWAYS, been self-conscious of my tummy area, and I always felt like this style of dress accented an area I wanted to camouflage.


Well, I'm here to tell you that I honestly had a different experience with this pattern! First of all, I chose to make the romper version. Which is seriously, seriously FUN!!!


The second thing that made a difference in how I felt in the romper was that during testing, my fellow tester, Meg, suggested to tie the ties at the front. Such a super small change, but it really does have a different affect! The gathers can be concentrated toward the waist, which does a better job of camouflaging. And then as a group we discussed the easy modification of lengthening the ties to be able to be wrapped around the entire waist. I'm totally loving that idea!!


For sizing, I made a straight size 6. My measurements at the time of testing were: B:35.5" W:28.5" H:37". My current measurements are: B:36", W:28.5 - 29", H:38", and the fit is still good. I'm 5'3" tall, and I shortened the bodice by 1/2", and the legs by 1/2". Next time I would probably take an additional 1/2" out of the bodice for a total of 1".
*Ps. If I make this pattern again, I will go up a size, my body has changed over the last few months!

I made no adjustments to the neckline and found the v to be perfect and not too low. I would be sure this height doesn't change if I make it again in a larger size.

I found the cap sleeves to be a bit snug. I used a 1/4" seam allowance instead of 1/2" to give myself a little more room, and next time I would do a true full bicep adjustment. My upper arms are definitely not slim, so if you don't typically have a problem with sleeves being snug, you should be fine. And also, I was/am at the upper end of the size 6, so going up a size may help with that.

There were only a couple of minor changes made since this tester version. There was a little bit of gaping taken out of the neckline, and the other change was made only to the shorter views. The hem was lengthened by an inch.


The fabric I used is 100% rayon challis from fabric.com that I purchased through Amazon, and appears to be sold out at both sites.

This fabric is a great match to the pattern! Any lightweight flowy fabric will work great with this pattern! And I think a linen or linen blend would be really good as well.


That wraps it up! Overall, I'm really happy with my Shelby Romper! Those legs give me all the heart eyes! :)




Details:
  • Pattern: Shelby Dress/Romper
    • Size Sewn: 6 (next time will size up as my measurements have changed)
    • Height: 5'3", shortened bodice 1/2" and leg length 1/2" (next time will shorten bodice 1")
  • Fabric: Rayon Challis from fabric.com via Amazon - sold out.

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