This is the ‘tester’ version of the Alix Dress from By Hand London. I haven’t made up the newly released version.
Alix Dress – the tester version from By Hand London
When I went to sew this dress up, the feedback from the earlier testers was the pleats were a little ‘pointy’ on smaller bust sizes and perhaps using gathers instead of the pleats might be worth trying.
I did this. However I think the gathers need to be spread over a larger distance than the pleat space as I ended up with a ‘puff’ of fabric directly under my bust with nowhere for it to go. You can see this below on the left hand side of the image.
The released pattern has been changed to have an option to change the pleat into a gather and from the purple sample on the By Hand London website, the gather has been eased across a greater distance on the inset waistband than I did here. That should remove the ‘puff’ of fabric issue.
It’s a shame as the general bust fit is OK on me and the neckline is lovely. Low but it is OK on my build.
Alix Dress, By Hand London
The fit does change depending on my bra choice as you would expect but that bubbling the upper bust remains. I have had a lot of compliments when I have worn it (from the non-sewing non-fit people in my life). Perhaps those people don’t zoom in on my bust zone!
I had to reduce the pleats in order to get the skirt piece to fit onto the inset waistband. I’m going to have to cut out the pattern again to see if this was some sort of idiot pattern cutting accident as apparently I was alone in this issue.
I don’t believe there have been many changes to the pattern I tested (other than the pleat to a gather option) and apparently my issues with the bust and upper bust fit were limited to me, the feedback on fit was generally very happy. Maybe I’m just becoming too fussy, I sewed it up too fast or my bust/upper bust is weird!
Despite all my issues, the print of the fabric hides many sins, I had to zoom in with the camera to capture the issues as once you step back the fabric puffs and bubbles seem to disappear. I have worn this dress a few times in the last few weeks as the rayon is cool to wear and I quite like long sleeve for a change. I’m not a massive fan of elastic in my wrist cuffs but it’s not a huge issue.
I made the mini dress version and while it is short, it is not self-consciously so – you should note I am 5 foot 4 or 164cm tall.
This dress has no buttons, zips etc. It simply slips over your head and ties pull the dress in for a neater fit.
The perfect accessory – an old happy greyhound. Banjo was beetling around off-the-leash at his usual furious pace!
Dress: Alix Dress, By Hand London (tester version), size sewn UK 6 / US 2.
Fabric: Woven rayon from Fantazia Fabricland, Tweed Heads QLD
Also See: Adventures of a Young Seamstress | Lily Sage & Co | Sewn by Ashley | Sweet Shard | Sew 2 Pro |
And this is what the first splash of cold water feels like some days…
Alix Dress, By Hand London
Sew Busy Lizzy 
Thanks for the detailed review. I like the look of the dress– very pretty. Also loved the dance costumes and all the details re tutu sewing. Thanks for sharing. Abbey
Thank you!
Super dress, the fabric choice was perfect and it looks great on even with the couple issues. We’re heading into winter now a lovely floaty dress will have to wait six months or so (I’m not a cold loving girl!)
I’m so happy it’s nearly summer here. I struggle in our non-existent winter so I do sympathize with those enduring much harsher temperatures that I ever experience!
It’s frustrating when a pattern doesn’t work quite right–even in the testing phase–but it really does look lovely on you. Ignore the little baubles and enjoy it!
lol I was VERY frustrated making it – but that’s life isn’t it? The husband thinks it’s gorgeous so what would I know? Lol
Very Nice pattern and Fabrics !!!
Wonderful pictures !!!
I saw this pattern when it was released, and it did not appeal to me at all. But now your version has me reconsidering. I think your choice of fabric and length is perfect. And it looks great on you! The extra bit of fabric near the armhole is not even noticeable, especially since it is so beautifully sewn!
Same to me:)
Ooo, I’m going to have to get my hands on that pattern! I love your version and the fabric you chose is perfect. Even though it was frustrating to make it, it does looks wonderful. Funny how that goes….
Your dress looks pretty I agree but it definitely wouldn’t be something I would make myself – it’s a little low (and I’ve tried fixing this issue on other patterns without much success I must say) and that fit looks challenging to get really right (which it looks like you did!). By Hand London was daring to take this pattern on – there are many places where it could go terribly wrong on different body types 🙂
This suits you so beautifully, and is one of the nicest versions of this dress I’ve seen. Although I can see the slight puffing at the bustline, I wouldn’t have noticed until you pointed it out, so I don’t think you should be too bothered by it.
A very pretty dress and I struggle to see the issues even when you have pointed them out. Looks great to me!
This looks lovely on you! This looks like such a summery and feminine pattern to have. I definitely would like to make this myself.
I love the rayon you picked. This dress is very similar to one of my favourite RTW (from a market in Thailand), but I have already bought 2 other similar patterns to try out – I’ll have to see how they go!