Finished: BWOF+SS08 - 414A Dress

This is my "Dress of Invisible Features". Everything I like about the design is invisible to the naked eye.

Pattern Description:
Shirtwaist dress with contrasting sleeve bands and hem band.

Pattern Sizing:
European 46 - 54

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?
Yes

Were the instructions easy to follow?
Typical BWOF instructions

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?
I like the design. I prefer tailored dresses over dressy dresses. I like the contrasting sleeve- and hem-bands, although my fabric selection didn't show off that contrast - the first invisible feature. If you look really closely at the photo, you'll notice the hem band and sleeve band have a subtle stripe. Another feature you can't see is the bib in the bodice. (Click smaller photo to enlarge) The edgestitch foot made it very easy to achieve even top stitching. Clipping the corners made it easy to achieve square corners. But, those details are lost in the fabric. You'd have to have your head in my bosom to notice them (and unless you are Denzel Washington, Morris Chestnut, Taye Diggs or my next husband you're not going to get that close). Usually I wouldn't wear a dress with a seam at the waistline because it calls attention to my NDW Syndrome (No Discernable Waist). But this dress silhouette is boxy enough so I can get away with it. The pleats in the skirt give the illusion of a waist. The dress is shown with a belt in the magazine, but I may or may not try to find a belt. The skirt has in-seam pockets, but one would want those to be invisible.

Fabric Used:
"Linen-look" from JoAnn. Linen is my favorite fabric to sew, but because it wrinkles so much, it's not my favorite fabric to wear. This synthetic linen is just as easy to sew, but it isn't as breathable as the real thing. It's a good weight and works well as a dress fabric.

Pattern Alterations or any design changes you made:
The only change I made was to lengthen the bodice by one inch.

Conclusion:
I wish I'd chosen fabrics with more contrast. The features that attracted me to the dress are nearly invisible because of my fabric selection. However, the dress is comfortable and I'm satisfied with the fit.