Making Waves - Sicily Slip Dress Review

Jul 25

Jul 25 Making Waves - Sicily Slip Dress Review

It is only right that I share the details of this gorgeous slip dress with y’all since I loved the first one so much that I decided to make another. I never thought I’d be excited about a slip dress as I could never find one that I loved enough to buy. Somehow here we are. My first version has been one of my most worn garments of the past year so making another was a no-brainer.

Pattern Details & Size Made

The Sicily Slip Dress by Sewing Masin is the pattern I used. It is available from size A to size J (33”bust, 35” hips to 54” bust, 56” hips). I made size E graded to size F at the hips. Although my weight has fluctuated a bit since I made my first version, I still used my old measurements to make this one since it is cut on the bias and is quite forgiving. Bust-42”, waist-35”, Hips-45” My first version pictured below

Since the pattern is cut on the bias, it takes up more fabric but it also means it is quite forgiving in terms of fit as the fabric gains a little more stretch to it. This is probably why I think I could have sized down to Size D at the waist but it was better for me to cut out a bigger size which is easier to fix than a smaller one. I love that this dress skims the shape of my body but isn’t form fitting.

Fabric Used

There are so many types of fabrics that can be used for this pattern. Lightweight fabric with some drape is probably best. In this case, I used an Ecovero crepe viscose from Juni Design which was gifted to me a couple of months ago. The lovely print, called ‘June Art Print’ is an exclusive design by them.

Pattern Adjustments

As usual, I made a few a couple of changes to achieve my desired look.

Made tie straps instead of the regular straps - I cut 4 straps instead of 2. I also made the straps twice as long and adjusted from there once I tried the dress on.
Added back darts for a little more shaping at the waist (Note: I could have simply sized down at the waist to achieve this which is what I’ll do for my next version)

I also put a few stitches in to keep the facing and main body together. I wouldn’t consider this an adjustments but it helps to keep the facing in place.

Styling

Styling my makes is my favorite thing to do outside of sewing the actual garment. Although I dressed this up a bit for my first wear, I know I will be wearing it more on the casual side so a cropped jacket like the one pictured below will probably be go-to. Since I have already made this pattern before, I know I can wear it almost all year long depending on how I style it and I am super excited about that. I hope this helps you if you are considering this pattern.