Elbe Textiles x Peppermint magazine Bardon dress review

 Peppermint magazine have popped out a new free pattern!  And like last summer, it's Lauren from Elbe textiles who has provided us with a new, trendy summer dress.  Just like everyone, I want to make all the gathered things.  (Aw you winter people, it will go with a long sleeve baselayer and a cardigan! DO IT!)

So I made this.  I did a shocker and actually planned ahead when I went to the fabric store, though 2.5 m of fabric was JUST BARELY enough.  I rarely convince myself to buy that much fabric!  It's rayon from The Fabric Store which I got in Auckland. 

I put together this dress in one day.  Size 3, though I could have sized down.  It has a reasonable amount of ease as it's supposed to be a loose dress, and the darts are a bit wide on me.  I have a solid inch of ease on each side of the bodice.  I shortened the bodice 1 inch and the first tier by 1 inch.  My hem is probably something like 2" deep.  Elbe patterns tend to be for tall people so shortening was an imperative.

The pockets are delightful. 

 Instructions were sufficient, and I did read them through.  Construction...well, wtf bias taping?  Really?  I cut out two bodices and did a simple burrito to make a clean finish which will support the weight of the dress better.  I do not think a 3 tier dress should be supported by bias tape.  But be my guest, if you like bias tape, go wild. 

 

 I'm gonna use these pocket pieces for everything from now on.  They are beautiful, deep pockets. Did I say that already?  You get it. 

This was easy, and I wore it the next day even though I hadn't pulled out all the stray gathered threads.  I am wearing it right now.  I wore it the day after surgery for these photos, and you would never guess I could barely stand up straight! This dress is a winner.  In order to wash it I might actually have to consider making another one.