Go Patterns 4001 Sleeveless Dress

I have held back on posting this review because i still don’t know what I am doing as far as posting, but I guess the only way to learn is JUST DO IT!

This pattern is for a very classic sleeveless, fully-lined sheath dress wth princess seaming detail, curved front pockets, and boat neckline. Very Audrey Hepburn/Jackie O!

Going by the size/measurement chart on the envelope, I cut between sizes 14 and 16 for the bodice, blending to a 20(!) at the widest part of my hips. This style of dress has minimal ease and probably a sheath dress dress isn’t the best choice for such a pronounced pear shape as mine, but what the hay. The chic, sleek, and slinky illustration on the cover beckoned to me…
Wild and crazy girl that I am, I did not bother to make a muslin (or even stop to try it on) and found the finished dress to fit very nicely as well as being quite comfortable.

The instructions were very detailed and very well illustrated. I didn’t have any trouble following them, although (like another sewer on PR) I had to read the pocket instructions a couple of times. I loved all the high end RTW tips like staying the edges of the pocket and which side faces up and which side faces the feed dogs when sewing the curved seams.
I also liked that the the instruction sheets and pattern tissue paper are printed just like the large pattern companies. Mostly though, I loved how well drafted the pattern was and how well it all fit together.

The inexpensive synthetic brocade from Jo-Ann’s was a pain in the neck to work with as it was a bit stiff and the edges frayed very easily, but this was the first garment I have made in quite a few years and I didn’t want to make a big investment in case I messed it up! The only change I made to the pattern was adding two inches in length as I am tall and have a horror of showing my fat knees to the world.

I received lots of compliments on this dress and would definitely recommend it to experienced sewers. It is not a pattern for beginners due to all the curved seams, invisible zipper and a good amount of hand finishing.

I love this pattern and plan to sew it again in the fall. The next incarnation will be in a black wool crepe (or dupioni maybe?), probably lowering the neckline a tad (an inch or so). This is absolutely the perfect LBD (little black dress) pattern, the kind of dress you can wear forever!

I can’t wait for more patterns from this company! The only other pattern in their line at the moment is a caplet. If it had been a cropped jacket with ¾ length sleeves, I would have been all over it! I am very grateful to Go Patterns for the smooth sewing experience. It has given me the confidence boost I needed to start sewing again!