The Safari Dress is Finished!

Whew! Stick a fork in it 'cause it's done!

This is my version of New Look 6815- the Safari Dress. I kinda made view A, the dress, with the pockets from view D, the shirt. The pattern size runs from 10 to 22. I cut a 14 through the neck and shoulders and a 16 from the underarm down.

I really like the "safari" styling of this pattern, although I have to admit, I kind of ran with it. I also like the princess seams in the front and the multisized (lower) pockets. I didn't like the back of the dress. It's absolutely plain- one piece cut on the fold with two darts. I decided to change that.

I began the project by making a 1 inch princess seam FBA. Then I took the back pattern piece and I drew a yoke seamline four inches down from the collar seam. I also drew a vertical line, parallel to the center back, through the dart. Then I traced new back pieces with seam allowances: one yoke piece, a center back piece and a side back piece. This gave me princess seams in the back as well as the front.

I also decided I needed some extra "safari" details. So I double topstitched the entire dress in heavy duty gold thread. I added a D-ring and loop to the lower left pocket and the upper right pocket. I also added a "locker loop" and button to the center back.

Originally I planned to make the belt to go with this dress, but when I tried it on last night, I decided I don't need it. I like it without the belt. I think it looks smooth and trim just like it is- a belt might make it look too fussy and might draw unwanted attention to my not-so-slim waist. The beltless princess seams work for me, I think.

The only thing I don't like about this dress is the length. I really wish I had added just a little more when I adjusted my pattern. It's completely my fault, and I think I can live with it as is, but if I ever make it again, I'll add enough to bring it down to mid-knee.

It's really a cute and easy shirtdress pattern. I doubt I'll make the dress again, but I might make the shirt. It would be cute with jeans. The pattern instructions were clear and easy to read, and the pieces went together with no problems. I highly recommend this pattern If you have it in your stash, or were thinking about picking it up, go for it! I think you'll like it.