It’s a lovely dress to wear , really comfortable and although the pockets nearly defeated me they are a great addition to the dress . The tutorial was a godsend , Donna must have been dizzy as I rewound and forwarded a few times. I found if you actually follow what Donna’s said in both the tutorial and the written instructions, the pockets are actually a straightforward concept lol. I will be making another one as a good staple to have in your wardrobe, sandals for summer and tights and ankle boots for autumn/winter. Thanks Donna another great design.
It’s so nice not having sizes on the pattern; no size “shame” and you get a true made to measure garment. Having the YouTube video makes it feel like your in a class and that Donna is in the room with you. A real confidence boost for the less experienced (and for those of us who have lots). I love the Mackintosh influenced fabric in the kit. Makes things so much easier if you aren’t sure the type of fabric to buy for the pattern.
After seeing the ‘buffet’ dresses on the GBSB and seeing an amazing couple of versions of the Vienne dress on Instagram, I knew I wanted to try this pattern. The pattern itself is simple but so effective and its the first time that I’ve actually done pockets (I’ve always left them out as they seemed far too complicated!). I loved using the sew along on YouTube and didn’t actually look at my instructions (I did have them with me as instructed by Donna!) With restrictions still in place it was so lovely to ‘sew with someone’ and it felt like a friend chatting with you and helping you to sew, rather than an instructional video. I also liked that the sizing wasn’t numbers but symbols, its such a small thing but actually made a difference not seeing a size number. I cant wait to make another few of these dresses as they are so comfortable. I learned a number of new things such as a new way to add elastic and the bias bound neckline (Game changer for a neat finish!)
Thanks Donna for a fabulous pattern and sew along!
It was great to be able to buy the fabric and necessary extras in one place. I do think a “kit” is fab. I used this as a wearable toile as it was relatively inexpensive and good practice to make up using fabric of this type. I must admit, I wouldn’t of purchased it off the shelf due to it being a bit tricky but I’m pleased I’ve mastered it – the sew along gave lots of encouragement to trust the pattern and cutting and was good to hear Donna with her lovely accent saying it was the fabric at fault when it didn’t look like it would fit (but it did exactly as she said it would!)
Lovely pattern, great instructions and a fab you tube sew along – it was great to follow and learn some new tips especially adding bias binding this way and I’ve never been able to master shirring elastic up until now – thanks Donna
So where do I start……
Let’s start with the finished product, absolutely beautiful! I don’t even wear blouses but I am already planning on another.
This pattern was my first time for a lot of things:
– sewing lightweight woven fabric
– making a woven top
– raglan sleeves
– bias neckline
– shirring
And I have to say the video is an invaluable resource. I also managed to cock up the fit and Donna took the time and effort to walk me through it. 100% 5 stars for the pattern, instructions, video tutorial and Donna’s patience!
Such a great sew! The dress looks great and is super flattering, the pockets are a fab addition too. The instructions along with the tutorial video really made sewing the dress a breeze even on the tricky parts. I will definitely be using the hemming method on future projects – what a game changer! Donna offered great customer service too when I was unable to download my pattern. Great company all round and I would highly recommend!
What a fabulous pattern. Only three pieces and a lovely raglan sleeve with shirred cuffs. Great hour long YouTube video that takes you step by step through the pattern. Will definitely be making more!
Colette Bland –
It’s a lovely dress to wear , really comfortable and although the pockets nearly defeated me they are a great addition to the dress . The tutorial was a godsend , Donna must have been dizzy as I rewound and forwarded a few times. I found if you actually follow what Donna’s said in both the tutorial and the written instructions, the pockets are actually a straightforward concept lol. I will be making another one as a good staple to have in your wardrobe, sandals for summer and tights and ankle boots for autumn/winter. Thanks Donna another great design.
Linda (verified owner) –
It’s so nice not having sizes on the pattern; no size “shame” and you get a true made to measure garment. Having the YouTube video makes it feel like your in a class and that Donna is in the room with you. A real confidence boost for the less experienced (and for those of us who have lots). I love the Mackintosh influenced fabric in the kit. Makes things so much easier if you aren’t sure the type of fabric to buy for the pattern.
Laura –
After seeing the ‘buffet’ dresses on the GBSB and seeing an amazing couple of versions of the Vienne dress on Instagram, I knew I wanted to try this pattern. The pattern itself is simple but so effective and its the first time that I’ve actually done pockets (I’ve always left them out as they seemed far too complicated!). I loved using the sew along on YouTube and didn’t actually look at my instructions (I did have them with me as instructed by Donna!) With restrictions still in place it was so lovely to ‘sew with someone’ and it felt like a friend chatting with you and helping you to sew, rather than an instructional video. I also liked that the sizing wasn’t numbers but symbols, its such a small thing but actually made a difference not seeing a size number. I cant wait to make another few of these dresses as they are so comfortable. I learned a number of new things such as a new way to add elastic and the bias bound neckline (Game changer for a neat finish!)
Thanks Donna for a fabulous pattern and sew along!
Anonymous (verified owner) –
Really like the quality of this fabric – I’ve not made it up yet but have no doubts it will be great.
Anonymous (verified owner) –
It was great to be able to buy the fabric and necessary extras in one place. I do think a “kit” is fab. I used this as a wearable toile as it was relatively inexpensive and good practice to make up using fabric of this type. I must admit, I wouldn’t of purchased it off the shelf due to it being a bit tricky but I’m pleased I’ve mastered it – the sew along gave lots of encouragement to trust the pattern and cutting and was good to hear Donna with her lovely accent saying it was the fabric at fault when it didn’t look like it would fit (but it did exactly as she said it would!)
Anonymous (verified owner) –
Lovely pattern, great instructions and a fab you tube sew along – it was great to follow and learn some new tips especially adding bias binding this way and I’ve never been able to master shirring elastic up until now – thanks Donna
Sarah –
So where do I start……
Let’s start with the finished product, absolutely beautiful! I don’t even wear blouses but I am already planning on another.
This pattern was my first time for a lot of things:
– sewing lightweight woven fabric
– making a woven top
– raglan sleeves
– bias neckline
– shirring
And I have to say the video is an invaluable resource. I also managed to cock up the fit and Donna took the time and effort to walk me through it. 100% 5 stars for the pattern, instructions, video tutorial and Donna’s patience!
Uploaded image(s):
Karina –
Lovely pattern, easy to follow instructions, and even videos to support the whole process! I love this blouse and I will definitely make it again 🤩
Uploaded image(s):
Kayleigh Ewing –
Such a great sew! The dress looks great and is super flattering, the pockets are a fab addition too. The instructions along with the tutorial video really made sewing the dress a breeze even on the tricky parts. I will definitely be using the hemming method on future projects – what a game changer! Donna offered great customer service too when I was unable to download my pattern. Great company all round and I would highly recommend!
Ann Richards –
What a fabulous pattern. Only three pieces and a lovely raglan sleeve with shirred cuffs. Great hour long YouTube video that takes you step by step through the pattern. Will definitely be making more!