Perth Dress, Carolyn& Cassie Pattern

Hello, my dears!

Have you seen Carolyn‘s first pattern she launched together with her daughter Cassie, the Perth Dress? I already loved the design when last year in april, Carolyn showed her own dress in progress at IG. It features a men‘s wear inspired style with a very interesting front pleat ending at the collar stand.

When discovering the sewing blogger community several years ago, Carolyn‘s blog „Handmade by Carolyn“ was the one which encouraged me to begin sewing my own clothes. For making my first self made garments, I took the same patterns she had made and little by little finished them. Just click at the pictures to see her versions.

B4985

Burda 8497

Some years have passed and I am so glad that Carolyn met me at Me-Made-May! She would always encourage me. She had supposed I take part at IG, too, which I did. I love how spontaneously communication is possible there. But for a proper pattern review, blog posts are a better place.

I was very happy to be a sewing tester. I didn‘t have much time because of some other obligations. So I shopped my little stash looking for a lightweight drape-y fabric where I found this lightly loosely woven, drapey, muddy grey blend I had already foreseen for a shirtdress.

My fabric is not as crisp as to provide a men‘s shirt collar but I love the outcome. The collar stand is sitting quite high and the collar‘s shape is especially chic.

I made my dress respecting all the instructions. I chose the size corresponding my bust measurement. Usually, I would grade between three sizes but this pattern is providing enough hip room to just sew up one size! The A4 sheets came nicely together. There is an A0-file to send to your copy-shop, too! Alternatively, you can save money printing only the big pieces at the copy-shop and tracing the overlaying little pieces. I love that the pattern pieces are labeled with the seam allowance which is 1 cm. Very often, I would search for the correct amount of seam allowance finding it somewhere hidden in a little corner.

There are quickie instructions which would probably have been sufficient for me but I sewed after the detailed instructions and I loved the little diagrams. Usually, I wouldn't use the burrito method, but I sewed the yokes following the clear instructions without any problems.

I love the sleeves fit. Usually, I would sew the shoulder point of my sleeve cap 1 cm forward which I didn't do here. I can lift my arms without any problems. The final pattern has got shorter sleeves.

The stunning front pleat is shaped by the clever closure. Only two button holes and a good placed button allows easy dressing and a surprising result. You have to like a buttoned collar stand though.

Pattern: Perth dress, Carolyn+Cassie Pattern
Size: 38
Fabric: loosely woven cotton blend, Tandem Bühl
No alterations.

I received this pattern for free to test it and I am probably biased concerning Carolyn which I admire so much (you have surely seen that she makes her shoes, too?!) but I have described my own opinion. Other pattern testers have made lovely colorful versions, just have a look at IG #perthdress!


I can't wait winter taking leave. Someone should say to him that it's spring time, no need for snow! When one day we already had warmer temperatures, I was able to wear my Perth dress. So comfy but chic!

Want to see makes of other women at RUMS?

Have fun,
SaSa