I was really excited to test the new Sugar Plum dress from Lolita Patterns. It comes as a paper pattern or a PDF, your choice. So, yeah, it looks like separates but it’s a dress! And what a cute dress. The bodice is made out of a lightweight fabric and I used the Art Fabrics voile I bought a couple of weeks months ago. I bought it cos it’s delish to the touch but I had no idea what to make out of it until I got to test this pattern out.
First thing I need to point out about Lolita Patterns that caught my attention was their attention to sizing. They’ve actually drafted two blocks and grade those blocks separately so that the larger block will fit plus sizes better. You know what that means? Less fitting to do! It’s more work on Lolita Patterns’ part and I will thank them over and over again for doing it. Read their post on sizing. I hope it makes you as happy as it makes me. And please let me know what you think.
The skirt is made of a ponte or double knit. I used some left over ponte from my Burda pants. As you can imagine, this dress is super comfortable to wear.
I looove this dress. It actually like that it looks like separates but it’s not. I wasn’t totally convinced by the ruffles but I went for them because I wanted to see what they’d look like on me. I love experimenting. Plus, I was in a defiant mood. Here you go, random people who say big chested women can’t and shouldn’t wear ruffles. Muahahaha! Go wear ruffles everyone! They’re fun and pretty and make you feel super accomplished! Seriously. You cut 18 of one ruffle and 4 of another. You’ll feel like a rock star after making these ruffles. It’s the sort of thing you can do while watching Firefly.
You’ll also feel like a rockstar after finishing this dress because the inside is as pretty as the outside. Everything on the inside is finished like a pro and by machine. Granted, altering a dress like this would be a beast because the bodice is lined in such a pristine way but it’s so worth it.
Alterations and Sizing
I traced the size 12 and added a 1″ FBA. I also added a little length, front and side seam insurance which I didn’t end up needing. The pic below is the front bodice and you can see the bit of extra fabric around the whole pattern piece. I needed the side and center front bit of fabric (though you can see it wasn’t much). I didn’t need the extra length.
You might notice that I add these bits of insurance from time to time. I’ll tend to do this if I’m using a new-to-me pattern. I do measure my body in length and width and compare my numbers to the pattern.
I didn’t gather the sleeve but this sleeve is still so cute. It was accompanied by a forward shoulder alteration which I’ll also show you. I’ve used my altered Sugar Plum sleeve head to alter other sleeves and I’m in love. Check out the Fashion Incubator’s post on sleeve cap ease.
Here’s my altered sleeve:
My forward shoulder (pic below) required that I move the notches on the sleeve so they would match up. I also took out about an inch out of the height of the sleeve head and curved the back part of the sleeve. Click the image to enlarge it. I do love the fit I got with this sleeve.
Forward shoulder:
Sleeve being cut out of fashion fabric. The sleeves are self lined and so comfortable.
I made this dress in June so it doesn’t fit anymore but I’m about ready to make another one. I definitely learned a lot making this dress but the instructions were clear enough that I didn’t get lost.
Can you see yourself making the Sugar Plum dress? Are Lolita Patterns new to you or were they on your radar already? Want to give Lolita Patterns a try at a discount?
Use code sugar15plum to get 15% off the physical pattern
through October 10th!
Va Va Va Voom. I love your Sugar Plum. This looks great on you.
As a fellow busty lady, I can vouch that we can wear and look great in ruffles.
Thank you lovely. Let’s do moar ruffles! 🙂
So pretty! And yes, I’ve heard that those of us with moderate to larger chests aren’t supposed to wear ruffles there too, but they look great! So *hmph* to those naysayers! 😉
I’d never heard of Lolita patterns before, but I think a lot of people will be excited if they offer a true plus-size draft vs. just making everything bigger all willy-nilly.
Thank you. I can’t wait to see what else Lolita comes up with. It’s such an exciting new pattern company.
I l.o.v.e. this dress. And the ruffles!!! You’re rockin’ this dress. Love it.
Thanks. Isn’t it the cutest pattern?
This dress looks great on you, and looks both functional and comfy! And I am definitely excited about another indie pattern designer that uses a plus-size block! Yay!
is there another pattern company that uses Plus Size blocks?
I’m not sure of one specifically, I just assumed there might be another one…although I may be wrong!
I hope there are. If I find more I’ll be sure to blast that news. 🙂
SO cute Leila! I love your combo of fabrics, and the ruffles are HOT. F the ‘rules.’ 😉 Looking forward to seeing your next version too…
Thanks Susan. Did you test this one? F the rules, fo sho!
No I didn’t — when you told me about it I think I was too late…. v strongly considering buying the pattern tho, I have been loving the versions that are popping up!
I know! It’s a great pattern. Use the discount code and get it. I’d love to see what you think. #patternpusher
Hey pretty lady, I do like you in ruffles. They are like fancy icing for your bewbs! (Is that weird to say, or should I go creepier?) Anyway I like how this pattern looks on curvy ladies. A+
Hahaha! Thank you, from all three of us.
Yay. You did the ruffle version. That’s the version I love for a bit of difference when you wear this to work. It really is a well made blouse and skirt made into a dress. Great print choice too.
Thank you. Amity used contrasting thread on the ruffles of one of her Plums. It’s such a nice pop. I agree it’s a great pattern.
This is such an adaptable pattern.
Sad that it doesn’t fit you anymore! It looks great and I love the ruffles! Yay for trying something even if others say you shouldn’t! Fashion “rules” are so stupid – they are just general guidelines for beginners.
I’ll see if my younger sister wants it. I put so much work into it.
Good plan – it should be worn by someone it’s so pretty! =)
Oh my goodness, that blouse with the ruffled front and puff sleeves is TOO adorable! I just love it. Your version is so pretty with the floral fabric. I totally thought this was separates, I love that trick! I hope you can find somebody to fit it.
Thanks. If my sisters don’t want it, it would fit Gillian’s sister but I don’t know if it’s her style.
Looks so lively. Love it.i must have it as well. Heading to their website. Where was I when the call for pattern testers was made. Thanks for the discount codes.
I just saw another one of these dresses made up. I like the pattern a LOT! And how clever to have the skirt be a knit. I can’t imagine I would have any place to wear it though… BUT for that reason I may just make one and THEN find a place to wear it! I REALLY like it!… You can definitely rock those ruffles… I am glad you were feeling rebellious and decided to “stick it to the man…” ~Laurie
It’s gorgeous. I want this pattern. *sigh* yet another one to add to the ever-growing list…
Love, love, love this! I’m off to check out Lolita now!
Awesome.
I love those ruffles!!! They don’t look like regular run of the mill ruffles. Y’all just might twist my arm and make me get this one.
It’s suuuper comfy, too. I say go for it! #sewcialistspressure 🙂