Ella Dress Review With Minerva Crafts Floral Viscose Challis

Materials:

• Ella Dress pattern by Silver Saga Patterns
• Floral Viscose Challis Fabric from Minerva
• Elastic
• Invisible Zipper

This birthday treat to myself turned out to be a masterpiece! The fabric was a breeze to sew – soft, lightweight, and a total joy. The whimsical yet contemporary silhouette of the Ella Dress got me all heart-eyed, and I'm already planning my next one. 💃🌼

Picture this – a pattern that's both whimsical and contemporary, making it an absolute joy to work with. The instructions were like a sewing fairy godmother, guiding me effortlessly through each step. What I liked best about this pattern was the inclusion of lots of measurements - especially when it came to the gathers at the neckline. It was super helpful to know just how much I needed to cinch it up before attaching the bias binding at the neckline.

This dress would be best suited for intermediate sewists looking to level up their game. But fear not, adventurous beginners, the pattern is so well-crafted that it's a fantastic skill-building project. This would be great if you're looking to practice sewing zips, gathering, or to get a better understanding of unique garment drafting / construction.

One thing to keep in mind: portions of this dress are cut and sewn on the bias. Meaning: they may stretch and grow a bit with handling and wear. I had a couple pattern pieces that didn't line up because one of them was cut on the bias and stretched out. This ended up being ok, as I just trimmed the excess at the hems (on the sleeves and skirt pieces). However, if you're not used to working with fabric cut this way, you may end up surprised! Try not to over-handle these areas of the garment, and maybe save hemming until after the fabric has stretched a bit to avoid any wonky finishes.

Now, let's talk fabric love! 💖 This floral viscose challis from Minerva Crafts is a game-changer. It's like sewing with clouds – soft, lightweight, and oh-so-drapey. The floral print added a touch of romance to my dress, making it a showstopper. The fabric's forgiving nature is a blessing for those still mastering the art of sewing. Trust me, it's a match made in DIY heaven.

I was genuinely surprised by this fabric, as the fluid drape had me convinced it would be sliding all around my sewing table. However, this fabric handled very well and pressed like a dream! I was so glad that it mostly stayed in place when on my machine. It did move around a bit though, but nothing that a few extra pins couldn't handle!

If you've made a resolution to start sewing your own clothing this year- I'd highly encourage you to give this truly gorgeous pattern a try.

So, to all those contemplating their first stitch, take the plunge! Your wardrobe will thank you, and you'll discover a world of creativity and empowerment one seam at a time. Happy sewing!