I love finding patterns that I want to sew again and again, and this is one of those patterns. Today I’m sharing my version of the updated Orchid Midi dress pattern by Chalk and Notch. Gabriela has worked hard to expand the size range for the Orchid Midi Dress, and the updated pattern is now available!

New Size Range

• Size Range: 0 – 24 (Previously 0 -18)
• Cup Options: A/B + C/D (New!)

There are two different pattern options for this dress:

• View A – Short Ruffle Sleeves
• View B – Long Sleeves with a gathered cap and wrist

My Thoughts on The Orchid Midi Pattern

As always, Gabriela’s patterns are top notch. The instructions were detailed and easy to follow. Plus, the pattern included additional steps to make the dress look extremely polished and professional.

This is the second time I’ve made this dress. Earlier this year, I sewed the long-sleeve version and blogged about it on the Minerva Craft’s blog. Although I can sew the A/B cup size for this dress, my measurements are a better fit for the C/D cup option. In fact, for this dress, I didn’t need to include a clip near the bust! Yay!

Ever since I made the long-sleeved version of this dress, I’ve wanted to make the short-sleeved version of this dress. So testing the pattern, was the perfect excuse for me!

Sizing of the Orchid Midi Dress

When I made the Version B of this dress, I cut out and sewed a size 4, so I figured I’d do the same with Version A of the dress. But this was not the case. Before I cut out the fabric to this dress, I only remeasured my full bust (and not my high bust). Why am I mentioning this? Well, after I sewed the bodice, and tried it on, I found out that the armhole was too small for me. After remeasuring, I realized I was in-between a size 4 and 6 for the high bust measurement, and this impacted the sleeve size. To fix this, I could do one of two things: I could cut the armholes to be larger, and modify the flutter sleeves, or cut out a size 6 in the bodice, and resew the top. In the end, I decided to cut out a size 6 to see if that fixed the armhole issue for me, and it did.

I’m pleased with the overall fit of my Orchid Midi Dress. The dress is both flattering and feminine. I know this dress will quickly become a staple in my wardrobe, and I’m looking forward to making it again!

 

 

*I purchased this pattern on my own but received the updated pattern to test before the launch. As always, the opinions in this post are my own.