Pattern testing for Empty Hanger Patterns

Hello everyone!

I am happy to be sharing my pattern testing experience for Empty Hanger patterns today.  To me, it is always an honor to be a part of someone's vision or dream.  That is definitely one of the main reasons I decided to pattern test for Emily of Empty Hanger patterns.  First, I love her designs! Second, I enjoy supporting new things that others are doing--especially when it is sewing-related!

As a mom with a busy schedule, I had a two week timeframe to complete the gorgeous Tomi dress that Emily sent to me:

I got started as soon as I got the pattern because if I didn't, I knew something would "pop" up in my household.  And yes, surely enough, the night before the deadline my youngest son got hand/foot/mouth disease.  Thankfully, I was done with the dress at this point, and only needed to put it on and take pictures. Crisis averted!!

Here is the description for the Tomi dress that I tested:

"It’s the perfect knit fit-and-flare dress: the fitted top shows off your bust and waist and then widens into a classic full skirt. And the best part: no waist seam, so nothing to pull uncomfortably if you decide to have seconds (#perfectholidaydress). The elbow-length sleeve finishes in a fun split-cuff detail. You can choose from two pockets, a patch pocket with a split echoing the sleeve, or a roomy in-seam pocket."

First, I absolutely LOVE this dress, and plan to make more in the future.  I wasn't sure how the fit would be, so I chose a size 38, and used a lightweight lace print ITY knit that I purchased from Fabricmart fabrics some time ago.

The instructions were very easy to follow.  There is an order of sewing included for intermediate to advanced sewists.  That makes it very easy to skip over parts you are familiar with, and concentrate on the techniques you need more hand holding on, if any.

Also, the Empty Hanger patterns contain cutting and stitching lines, clearly marked.  The cutting line has the seam allowance included, and the stitching line does not.  So, you can use the stitching line, add your own seam allowance, and check the fit all in one.  Because I did not want to use a 5/8" SA, I chose to add 3/8" to the stitching line for my size.  It worked like a DREAM!

Better than that, I was so impressed that I did not need any back adjustments.  My only issue was the pockets.  I inserted them per the instructions, and could not get them to lay flat without any gaping.  I tried interfacing the front and back where they joined, but that didn't help.  So, at the last moment, I decided to take them out.

Now that they are gone, this dress is one I will easily wear over and over.  

In fact, I forgot about my favorite part, the split cuff sleeves:

I hope you can see the cuff in the photo.  I used interfacing for the neckline and cuffs, and they looked great.  The neckline in particular, was the EASIEST V-neck I have ever constructed!  It was a different technique used (I believe one that is mostlly used in wovens), but it did the job for this knit dress too.

Overall, I would highly recommend this pattern for anyone looking for a staple wardrobe dress!  It fits well, works with other garments, and has just enough features to make it special, like the split cuff sleeves/additional pocket.

If you are interested in this style of garment, head over to Empty Hanger Patterns and give this dress a whirl!  I think you will find it to be an exceptional pattern!

I will be back tomorrow with my Year in Review  and my goals for 2018.  There is some wonderful news I will be sharing too!

Stay sew-filled!