Monday, August 25, 2014

Finished Project: HotPatterns 1121 - Riviera Cote D' Azur Knit Dress & a HotPatterns Giveaway!

A little while back, when I'd ordered the updated peasant blouse pattern from HotPatterns, I was accidentally shipped a copy of the Riviera Cote D'Azur dress, top, and tunic. I'd actually made up the top version of this pattern a few years ago and didn't need a second copy, so I contacted the folks at HotPatterns and asked if they'd prefer me to ship the duplicate back to them or if I could do a giveaway on my blog. They said that I could go ahead and do a giveaway! (This also happens to be the first giveaway that I've done on this blog.)

For the unfamiliar, here's the envelope/line drawing for this pattern. The Cote D'Azur includes a top, tunic, and dress view:

HotPatterns Cote D'Azur Knit Dress, Tunic, and Top
Knowing that I'd be able to give away a copy of this pattern inspired me to make another version. Whereas I made the top version initially (which unfortunately, suffered from poor placement of a floral print, which appeared to give me nipple blossoms), this time I opted to make the dress:

HP Cote D'Azur dress
We were unable to get a dog-less shot yesterday, so we've got a standard dog photobomb in this pic.

For this dress, I used a cotton-rayon spandex blend jersey from Girl Charlee. It's a little on the lightweight side, but I don't mind for a longer dress like this. The dark background and print help to camouflage lumps and bumps that might otherwise be visible in a lightweight knit.

Fit and sizing

I'm 5'2", and I wanted a longer dress, so I didn't do any shortening on this version. On the envelope, you can see that the dress hits the model a little below the knee. I knew from reading other online reviews that the dress version ran long (and I recalled that my pre-hemmed top version was quite long, as well). I was hoping to get a maxi-length in back, and I did. The front of the hi-low hem hits just below the wides part of my calf.

Cote D'Azur - back view
Sizing-wise, I started with my typical-for-HotPatterns size 18 through the neck and shoulders, and graded to a 22 from the bust on down. (The HP size chart puts me in a 22.) Whereas some HP knit patterns run a little large, I found this one to be true to size.

Dress/pattern details

As you can see from the line drawing, the dress/top has a ruching detail down the CF seam. This ruching provides really nice shaping over the bust. I feel like the girls look extra "perky" in this dress, even wearing a typical old bra.

The dress and tunic versions both use a faced hem, rather than a flip-and-stitch hem. Since I was using a lightweight fabric, I interfaced my hem facing with a lightweight fusible tricot interfacing (from Fashion Sewing Supply). The faced hem adds weight and stability to the hem. I love the "swooshy" feeling that I get from my hem in this dress version.

Even without a separate waist seam, the general shape of the dress is fit-and-flare. But given the gentle shaping at the waist, I think that this dress would work well on most figure types. (If you google reviews/posts for this dress, you'll find a lot of supporting evidence for this.

A few notes about HotPatterns

If you're interested in the pattern giveaway but are unfamiliar with HotPatterns, here are a few things to be aware of:
  • HotPatterns sizing is generally similar to RTW. All patterns include sizes 6-26.
  • Their patterns are printed on sturdy paper, with all sizes nested.
  • HotPatterns instructions are generally more of the "order-of-construction" variety, expanding down to the more-detailed level when there's an important technique/step. For this particular pattern, if you've sewn a few knit tops or dresses, I think you'll be fine.
Entering the giveaway

If you're interested in the pattern giveaway, just post a comment telling me whether you've ever sewn a HotPattern before and why you'd like to win this pattern. Please post your comment by Saturday, August 30th.

I will use a random number generator to select a winner, which I'll announce here. You can then send me your address, and I'll ship the pattern to you. I'm not restricting this giveaway to the US, so I'd love to see my readers from Australia and elsewhere enter, too.

Note that while we have a non-smoking home, I do have cats who are allowed into my sewing room. I've kept them away from this pattern, but it has been in the same room as them.

34 comments:

  1. I have always liked this pattern but have never got around to ordering it. I have made a shirt pattern of theses and it made a lovely fitting shirt

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  2. I have never tried a Hot Patterns pattern although I've always wanted too. Originally I didn't think this would be one that I would want to use but seeing it on you makes me want it BAD!
    I am working on actually sewing for myself this year and I think this top could be a TnT pattern for me.
    Kitty fur isn't a problem in my house, it would just make the pattern all the more interesting to my 3! LOL

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  3. Ooh very nice! I'd live to try that pattern, the front bust gathering is a style I like. I've only sewn one hotpatterns, a trouser jean when I was a very inexperienced pants fitter and it never progressed past a couple of muslins. I have two untouched hotpatterns that I have been meaning to get to - a tunic and a skirt, all your hotpatterns success is inflicting me to get them out!

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  4. I actually pulled my muslin for the blouse back tee and worked on it a bit today. I would like to try this one because I like the rouching on the front and the center back seam makes fitting me a but easier!

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  5. I was just looking at this pattern the other day--I love the combination of the v-neck and the gathering at the front. Plus, I just realized last week that I look really good in cut-on cap sleeves like the ones on this pattern.

    I haven't tried Hot Patterns yet, although I just ordered the Marrakesh Drawstring Pants pattern. I just have to work up the courage to try making a pair of pants!

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  6. Looks great! I love this pattern. It is very flattering and makes a great t-shirt too.

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  7. Your dress looks lovely, I have only just started to sew for myself and this pattern looks like it would make another great project x

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  8. Wow! You're right about the girls looking extra perky, but this dress makes your entire self look perky. lol You definitely need to make more of these ... it looks so nice on you!! (I'd add more exclamation points but I think I'm older than 15. haha)

    I think you know I've sewn a LOT of HPs over the years. Nice of Trudy and Jeremy (and you!) to offer this up for a giveaway.

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  9. Cats? Oh, no!!! ...Only kidding. The dress looks great on you and so it might on me.....

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  10. You look great in this dress. Love the fabric with the little daisies all over it. I haven't ever wanted a maxi dress cause I didn't think it would look good on someone of my stature and size, but you may be changing my mind.

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  11. I've never tried a hotpattern before and I love tunics! It looks like the shaping is nice too, I don't do well with belts or elastic waists. How kind of you to share!

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  12. I have not made a Hot Patterns pattern yet, although there are 2 in my stash! I like this one, I'd probably try the top or tunic first.

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  13. Aargghh - computers! I think my first post has disappeared into the ether, hopefully it won't appear twice.
    Michelle - thank you for your thought provoking posts. I thoroughly enjoy your blog (I've been stalking you from New Zealand for several months now). I've always discounted gathers in the fronts of outfits assuming that they wouldn't suit me - having seen your dress I may have to rethink that decision. I'd love to try the HP dress - until recently I'd only ever associated HP with computers!

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  14. Wow thanks for he chance - I've never sewn a Hot Pattern but would love to.
    Just found your blog & love it & your style !!
    Thx

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  15. This dress is very cute on you! I really like the ruching detail. I would reeeally love to try this pattern out! :) I have not yet sewn with Hot Patterns but have admired a lot of their styles for a while and need to try them!

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  16. Hi please enter me in your give away. I'm from New Zealand and have never tried Hot Patterns because they are simply not available but I've seen this one made up and would love one of my own. Happy sewing from NZ!

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  17. Awesomely lovely! I don't see nipple blossoms. =)

    Please *do not* enter me in the giveaway. I received a copy of this pattern from the gracious Debbie Cook.

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  18. I haven't sewn anything from Hot Patterns before and I'm interested to try. I like this pattern because of the v-neck and that it skims the body. I think it will be flattering.

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  19. I have sewed a couple of Hot Patterns. The shrug they offered for free on Fabric.com. The YSL tribute bag, and a great purse organizer thingy. I really like this in the tunic length and would make it up in a knit print waiting in stash. Thanks for the give away!

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  20. I'm soooo pleased you entered the mini wardrobe thing...it's been tricky finding plus size blogger that have similar tastes to mine. Your style rocks and I love the "tone" of your blog! I want the hot pattern!!!! I'm so glad you wrote about hot that messiness felt to you...it's unfortunate that people are more focused on their "right" thinking that they loose track of the fact that we all have our own perspectives and we/they are equally valid!

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  21. I've never tried anything by Hot Patterns (or any indie pattern co), but I'm excited to try and looking forward to creating more shirts for my closet! Still a beginner but I'm excited to try new patterns.

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  22. Hey, I'd love to win. I've used on hot pattern before. Funny story though. After I traced I lost the pattern for a few weeks in the house. During that time I realized I'd traced at least a size to big in the body but wanted another so I adjusted the fit in the body (also sleeves but that's bc of my arms) then made another one. The new one fits great and just as I brought it down stairs I found the pattern.

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  23. I commented on you flickr photo, but it bears repeating, that's a really lovely dress. I love Hot Patterns both for the styles and they just seem to fit me (for the most part). I am glad for the chance to win and put this pattern in my rotation. Thanks!! Suzanne

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  24. Thanks Michelle - I would love to get the pattern. I have a few Hot Patterns but not this one. Your dress looks great on you.

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  25. I've never used Hot Patterns, but I only wear knit tops. Always looking for new ones.

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  26. I've made two HP tops, including the Peasant pattern. I made it in some cotton that was a little too much like poplin, and so the sleeves are reminiscent of Princess Diana's wedding gown... :O
    You look great in this dress and I'd like to try one too- sign me up!

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  27. Nice dress, and I have enjoyed reading the knit tips.I have purchased Hot Patterns before (I have maybe 6-8), and other than a bad experience with the first incarnation of the pussycat blouse, have never sewn one! I am due, I think. I promise that if I win this, I will sew it. :)

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  28. Such a happy dress and looks oh so comfy. : )
    I've been reading your excellent posts about shopping for knits and since this pattern works so well for a busty gal, I'm in. This would be my first HP pattern, and one of just a few attempts so far with knits. Poly is not my friend, but those rayon/spandex knits you've described sound wonderful. Thank you for all the great information.

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  29. Arya! She's so cute! Love that dress. The print is fun.It looks great on you! I have that pattern and have been wanting to make a top and a dress.

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  30. Hi it's Nicole from The Girl Charlee Team. This dress looks fantastic! Thanks for mentioning us in your post.

    https://www.girlcharlee.com

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    1. You're welcome! I really love how the dress turned out.

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  31. I Would love to have this pattern...saw it on Etsy...but it was just to expensive for me to buy so I couldn't get it.....I then checked Hot Patterns to see if they still had it and hoped it would be on sale...but it was even more.....it's so me and exactly what I'm looking for......so I would love to have the chance of winning it for free.....here's hoping.....

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    1. Hi S, The giveaway ended over a year ago, and I've long since sent out the pattern. Good luck in your search!

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  32. the way your big tits bulge out that pretty dress makes my penis throb, just jacked off to these pictures hee

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