Happy 4th of July to my fellow Americans (and happy boring Monday to the rest of the world)! I wanted to be patriotic this year and sew up something special just for the celebrations. This dress is the Colette Parfait. I actually bought this pattern (and a couple of her others) a few years ago but hadn’t gotten around to making them. You know how it goes, some new shiny pattern comes out and you forget all about your list and jump on that one!
I’m kinda of kicking myself for waiting because I really like this dress. I’m beginning to realize that A line shaped skirts are way more flattering on my pear shaped body than gathered full skirts. Another bonus about this dress? Breastfeeding friendly – SCORE!! (I totally forgot to take a picture of the strap unsnapped – oops!)
My measurements were 36-30 1/2-40 at the time of making this. According to Colette that puts me at sizes: 6 (36) – 10 (30 1/2) – 8/10 (39-40 1/2). I made a muslin (2 actually) and the top was a tad bit big. I ended up making size 4 on the bust (35 in Colette), 8 waist (29) and 8 hips (39) because I wanted it to be very fitted. That said, yes it is a little hard to get over my shoulders to put on and off, but I think it looks better than the looser (correct) size.
I didn’t really do any alterations. I did start the buttonholes and then realized that the straps should be longer, so I closed them and added KAM Snaps at the very end of the strap, this way it gave me a little more length.. I wish I would have positioned the top strap to lay over the bottom better, currently you can see the bottom poking out. I also did this on the muslin. Sometimes I never learn. Anyways, next time I make this I will add 1″ to the strap (pattern piece I) then I can use the buttons. I don’t mind the snaps though, they are easy.
The second muslin I made was from this cute Paris print I picked up at Walmart for $1.50 a yard. I really do like how it turned out, but white isn’t flattering on me. On this one I put the buttonholes exactly where they were supposed to be and you can see the fit pf the bust looks a little to matronly. On the 4th Of July dress the fit in the bust is MUCH better, all because of that 1/2″ I got from lowering the snaps.
I also left off the buttons for the pockets. I decided to leave them off because I don’t want to have to unbutton them all the time to stash my phone in them. It’s just a lazy factor, nothing else. But aren’t these pockets super cute?!
I wasn’t going to admit this, but I did make a 3rd muslin from knit. I keep thinking this dress would be great in a knit. While making it I was watching a movie and not paying attention and put my knit interfacing on in the wrong direction – which means there is no stretch at all. When I tried it on I had to cut myself out of it! Needless to say, I gave up on that and decided I’d try that again later. Maybe.
Inserting the invisible zipper is a little awkward but nothing too bad. On the 3rd make of the dress it wasn’t a big deal at all. I couldn’t find a zipper in the correct size so I used one much longer, tacked it where I needed it to end and the cut it below the tack. I also tacked down the facing because facing drives me insane. Since the fabric is navy and the thread matches perfectly, you can’t even tell.
Overall I love this pattern, it’s super girly, comfortable to wear and easy to make. I already have another version planned and will be hopefully making it in the next few weeks, so keep an eye out for that.
Hope everyone has a safe and fun 4th of July!
WOW….I love both of them…you blow me away on how great you are at making clothes and other things ( the quilt you made me ) …need to see more of Nikolai clothing…as he models them…lol. You look good in both dresses….and I see ur wearing ur daddy’s ring ❤️ Happy 4th of July…be safe
Both dresses are great! I agree with you that the bust is better in the navy one after you altered the straps. Happy belated 4th!
Thank you!!