Love Notions Chorus Maxi Dress

With a few adjustments, the Love Notions Chorus Dress turned out to be a success. I opted for the version with a shallow front neckline, no sleeves, and a plain back, excluding pockets. It surpassed the muslin version in quality. However, I do find myself missing the pockets.

Love Notions Chorus Dress

Back View

I might attempt a version featuring a deeper draped neckline with a plain back. The Chorus dress offers so many variations that it might be impossible to sew them all!

Happy Sewing

Bonnie

Love Notions Chorus Dress (Muslin)

I'm a huge fan of Love Notions Patterns. Their latest release, the Chorus Dress pattern, caught my eye, and even though it's quite similar to the Styla Portofino Dress pattern I already own, I couldn't resist making it! The pattern was straightforward to sew, and I liked the pockets.

 For my trial version, I chose the short dress with a deep front neckline, draped back, and split sleeves. The draping is decent, but the dual drapes at the front and back make the dress prone to slipping off my shoulders. The sleeves are fine, but not exceptional. The combined bulk at the waist from the pockets, skirt, bodice, and elastic was overwhelming. Perhaps my choice of fabric print also played a part in my dissatisfaction.  Don't get me wrong, I don't hate the dress but I'm probably not going to finish the hem & wear it.

Love Notions Chorus Dress

Back View

Split Sleeves

I believe this pattern holds great potential, so I will attempt to sew another version of it.

Happy Sewing

Bonnie

Seamworks Benning Dress (Muslin)

I experimented with a pattern company new to me. Seamworks offered the Benning Dress PDF Pattern for free, so I decided to give it a try. The pattern was straightforward to sew, requiring only a few minor fitting adjustments. For instance, I lowered the bust dart by 1 inch, a typical alteration I need to make.

I created a quick muslin using a repurposed bed sheet and followed the pattern instructions closely. The skirt tiers required sewing three rows of stitches for gathering, which I liked. The neck facing and side seam pockets turned out perfectly. Overall, I liked this pattern, but I believe a softer fabric would be more suitable.

Seamworks Benning Dress

I think a 1-1/2" round back adjustment is necessary for the final version since the dress tends to shift towards the back on the shoulders. The lengths of the skirt tiers seem more reminiscent of a nightgown, so I might consider altering them in the future.

Back View

Happy Sewing

Bonnie