The Gunmetal: my latest pattern test!

Lolita patterns launched their "Gunmetal" dress/top pattern last week and I was lucky enough to be one of those involved in testing the pattern.

While not a style that I would usually wear (anyone who knows me would not class me as "Goth" or "Lolita style" in any way - my wardrobe is more "simple stuff that I can do mum stuff in") I do think this is a pretty nifty little pattern,  one that has the potential for many more "looks" (as evident from other testers interpretations which you can read about here). 

To my "amateur" home sewist eye it appears well drafted - seamlines matched up where they should and the fit was pretty spot on for my chosen size (a 16 which corresponded with  my measurements). 
The fact that the pattern is offered in TWO size ranges ( 2 -14 and 16 -24) is a nice change for independent patterns. With a lot of other indie pattern companies only offering a  "standard " sizing range (often petering out at the 14/16 mark) and others specialising in mainly in plus sized ranges (leaving out the lower end of sizes), its nice to see an company that is trying to be more inclusive, catering to women of all shapes and sizes in the one pattern.

The only thing I would wonder about is what would happen if you were in between sizes- or had wild variances between your upper and lower body sizes. This issue could also easily happen with the "Big Four" commercial patterns who sometimes spread their patterns over both a "plus" and "regular" size range- the difference here is you wouldn't be forking out again for a second size range if you decided that you needed it.

The instructions are well explained and illustrated. This pattern was described as "easy"  for skill level but it's has a lot more detail than standard commercial "easy" patterns- so expect to be committing a fair bit more time to your project, but then again that's how you end up with all the lovely details ;) 
That said the actual steps themselves are pretty straightforward, you are just working with many pattern pieces.
 The hardest step I found was gathering the ruched panels, the pattern suggest sewing one continuous line of stitching to gather three separate areas of stitching. 

If I made this pattern again I would sew individual gathering stitch lines for each separate area - with breaks in between each area- as I found that in pulling the thread to gather one area I would often distort previously gathered sections on the same fabric piece. 
I would also sew two lines of gathering stitching next time, as quite often my fabric would "catch" on the gathering thread and I couldn't gather beyond that point.
I actually quite liked the look of the bodice before the sleeves were set in and am thinking that a sleeveless version might be on the cards next time and would work in with my wardrobe/lifestyle.

One of the features I LOVED most about this pattern are the gathered panels down the sides . I think the bodice could be lengthened and the peplum/skirt left off to make more of this feature as a top or even carried on down the sides of a straight skirt addition, turning it into a figure hugging style dress.

The fact that you can change the look of this pattern by overlaying different fabrics is an interesting option giving lots of scope for creativity- and is great for those of us who shop mainly in the thrift/fabric sale section! What was originally an offcut too small to make anything from suddenly becomes a feature panel :D

In case you missed the links above you can read more about the Gunmetal pattern (and follow the sew along) here at Lolita Patterns.
After the Sugar Plum dress and Fuschia skirt I'll be intrigued as to what they'll come up with next ;) 
Definitely one to keep an eye on !

Happy Sewing!

Kate x