I rarely ever research a pattern before I buy it. I know a lot of sewists do, and perhaps I should, but I don’t. So when I saw the Sabrina dress from BHL, I snapped it up without a second thought. I’d been searching for the perfect pattern to use with Gertie fabric, and this gave me beautiful 90’s nostalgia. So imagine my surprise when I finally searched and found almost no reviews…
What’s with the hate, sewists? The pattern is fairly straightforward, alterations are easy. In this rayon, it’s light and breezy, perfect for summer. Putting it on, I immediately wanted Dr. Pepper lip smacker lip balm, glittery eyeshadow, and platform shoes. I wanted to sit in an inflatable chair and watch Friends. How could any of that be so bad? Is it the buttons? I’ll admit, when I saw the pattern call for 30 buttons, it seemed a bit daunting. In reality, though, I could only fit 14 on the dress, and my buttons were pretty small. What gives, folks?
To be fair, I did make some slight alterations. Once the dress body was assembled, the dress gaped too much under the arms. To remedy, I just made a dart at the top of the side seam, if that makes sense. I added pockets, albeit too low pockets. It’s a fairly common mistake for me, but sometimes I place my pockets at the most comfortable place. I have fairly long arms, so this is rarely flattering, they should really be several inches higher. I also omitted the facings, because I hate facings and I try to take them out whenever possible. I’m not a big fan of creating thin straps, either, so those had to go as well. I lieu of the facings and straps, I have thin bias tape. I bound the neckline seams with bias, and extended it up to create straps. Quick, easy, and it didn’t cause me to lose my temper. Win win.
The placket was the only thing that really threw me for me a loop here. I’ve never sewn a placket without using interfacing, and this dress calls for none. I wasn’t really sure how well my machine would handle buttonholes on uninterfaced flimsy fabric, but it went flawlessly. I think I will probably nip the waist in a bit more, but overall, it’s a great, comfortable dress. It’s been oppressively hot and humid in Ohio lately, but I stayed as cool as possible all day in this. Really, you guys, what gives??
I’ve looked at this pattern a number of times and considered whether I should get it or not, I’ve sewn with a few BHL patterns since and I think I will get a copy – your version is super fun and super 90s which I love!
I love this pattern!! It’s so easy to put together, and alterations are so simple.
Crazy that you say this because I’ve never even heard of this pattern. I love the look of yours, I’m going to have to check it out! Thanks for sharing!
I hadn’t either! It’s not a new pattern, I just don’t get how it’s getting passed over. Anytime 🙂
I think your dress looks fab, I’m the same with the straps, I hate turning thin loops and I’ve tried several ways, bias sounds perfect. This pattern isn’t on my list due to the lack of nice weather where I live, it’s a super summer floaty dress.
Loop turning never ever works out for me, just drives me nuts. I’ve actually been thinking of doing a hybrid of version 1 and version 2, the thicker straps of version 1, with the button placket of version 2. I think it would look awesome in corduroy or a plaid wool, for fall!