Lisette Portfolio Dress Sew-Along

A few weeks ago I decided to participate in the Lisette, Portfolio Dress Sew-Along.  Though I am a bit late in posting this, I did technically finish my "muslin" a few days ago, just before the deadline.  But a few sick days kinda creeped in and I didn't get the chance to take pictures, but here they are now!  I decided to make a muslin (which I NEVER do) simply because I didn't want to mess up a lot of really nice expensive fabric, and I really wanted this baby to fit.  I don't have pictures of it on me, I'm home alone today and don't have a mirror that would work for taking shots!  I hope to take more pictures next week! And yes, this tunic does fit, and this "muslin" is a keeper to wear!

Up close detail stitching done by machine.

So, what did I think of it?  Well....I will start by saying that I LOVED the instructions, and the pattern itself, very simple, easy to construct, and honestly I put this baby together in one day.  I am super excited to try their other patterns.  I cut it out on the size based on my measurements, and it fit, a little big, so I took in the side and back seams about 1" - 2" in spots.  I also made this a tunic instead of a dress, and this took quite a lot of pattern altering to delete the pockets, but I was able to figure it out, and keep the nice swoop on the front that I loved so much.  I am pretty darn short, so before I cut it out, I had to take up about 1.5" in the mid section to make it shorter, plus I shortened the cut line to make it a tunic.  I was pretty pleased when all was said and done, it fit well, felt good, and even though the neckline was a lot higher than anything I normally wear, I liked it.

What is the catch?  Well when my husband got home, I tried it on for him and asked him what he thought.  His response and following conversation:
"What is it for?"
Ummm...a shirt to wear. 
"Where?"
During the day, around the house, you know everyday clothes.
"So, not in public right?"
Why, does it look that bad?
"Well....it looks handmade, not the construction or anything, but you can tell it is something that you can't buy in the store."
So, it looks that bad?
"It doesn't look good, or not very flattering."
Well poo....

So now that he has said all this, honestly, what do I think?  Before he came home, I was pleased, but could see that it wasn't the most flattering shirt that I own, maybe it is the fabric, maybe it is just too baggy in the middle, but on a whole, I was happy with it and planned to wear it.  Now, I guess I won't be wearing it in public! HA!

All that being said, I do plan to make another with the original floral print that I bought for this pattern.  I am going to eliminate the neck band, and just replace it with a thin bias tape finish, and keep everything else the same.  I think one of the main problems with mine was that the collar band didn't lay flat at all and kind of stood out from my body, and was just too high around my neck.  Maybe he will like the next version, or maybe not, oh well, you win some, you lose some!