I have immense love for Kennis Wong’s Itch To Stitch patterns. While her style is classic and graceful, her patterns cater to a wonderful variety of tastes. Her drafting is impeccable, and I have come to trust that if I measure myself correctly, I will look great in her patterns. That’s exactly the case with her brilliant new Anza Dress and Jumpsuit! I really appreciate it when you use my affiliate links here to make your purchase, it keeps me motivated!
The pattern is on sale till Sunday, 4/30/2017, midnight CST.
- A, B, C, D and DD Cups
- Unlined, relaxed jumpsuit/dress cinched by elastic and drawstring waist
- Pleated breast pockets with buttoned flaps
- Integrated, cuffed dolman sleeves
- Front-buttoned V neck with a facing
- Side pockets on both the skirt and the pants
- Shirttail hem on dress
- Ankle-length, elastic hem on jumpsuit
I chose to test the dress version. I haven’t ever tried on a jumpsuit, as I’m not sure my big belly will work well with the elastic waist and blousy front of the pants. I also asked to be allowed to skip the pockets, much as it killed me to, since I’m nursing and really don’t need any more attention drawn to my ginormous rack right now. The nifty buttoned front is amazing for ninja nursing needs, which is a HUGE plus right now. I expect my handmade clothes to last a lot longer than a year or two, most nursing-specific tops don’t work once you’ve weaned the baby.
My fabric is this gorgeous polyester crepe woven, lightweight with a slight stretch and sheen to it. The colors are fabulous, reminding me of the trees in M’s favorite show, Wallykazam. Okay, it’s my favorite show too. It was easy to cut, and very easy to sew. Only hemming was a bit of a pain, but that was solved with Kennis’ great tutorial on 1/4″ rolled hems.
I cut and sewed a straight size 14 D cup. I decided to live dangerously and not make a muslin before I cut the final fabric. One, because I trust Kennis blindly, and two, because I have so much final fabric that I would wear it anyway and I know I have no time to sew up two garments! As you can see from the photos, I did good! All I needed was to shorten the bodice 2″ as I’m terribly short-waisted, and it’s a modification I do with all patterns. You should, too.
It took me all in all about 7 days of 1-1.5 hour shifts. With a two month old, I’m proud I could swing that. I’d like to thank my husband, my kids and most of all my mom for that! I did go wrong someplace and trim off a little too much while grading the seams but it doesn’t affect the main fabric, just the seam allowance. Don’t look there, promise me?
I decided to wear the dress simply, let the color do the talking, and styled it with my chunky tan heels and scarlet lips. I am absolutely planning to sew up a jumpsuit and probably do a muslin this time. I adore Kennis’ black jumpsuit here, and I’m probably going to make a solid black one for my capsule wardrobe. Get your Anza Dress and Jumpsuit today!!!