Sewing projects often come with a mix of excitement and challenges, and my experience with the Tara Tea Dress was no exception. After a hiatus from posting on my blog, I finally had the opportunity to teach a sewing workshop at the Prym Happiness event in Cologne. The event coincided with one of the hottest weekends of the year, so I needed to sew something that was stylish, full-coverage, and comfortable. The Tara Tea Dress from Simply Sewing seemed like the perfect solution—long sleeves, a higher neckline, and a maxi length. However, the sewing process turned out to be more challenging than I anticipated. Here's my sewing pattern review and why, despite the difficulties, I now have two versions of this dress in my wardrobe with more to come.
The Fabric: A Perfect Match with a Few Hiccups
I chose a polka dot crinkle viscose fabric from Rainbow Fabrics for my dress. This fabric had been sitting in my stash for quite some time, and I finally decided to put it to use. I initially had 3 meters of fabric, but after making a small dress for my daughter, I was left with just under 2.5 meters. The pattern recommended 2.5 meters of fabric for a non-directional print, but I struggled to fit all the pattern pieces. In the end, I had to piece together the bottom ruffle, resulting in three seams that are thankfully hidden by the crinkle texture of the fabric.
Interestingly, I faced the same issue when making my second version of the dress and had to piece the ruffle hem together again. Although I didn't follow the cutting layout provided, I believe the pattern is a tight fit fabric-wise, which isn't necessarily a bad thing since I prefer to avoid fabric waste.
Sizing and Fit: A Journey of Adjustments
For the sizing, I initially cut a size 12 for the top and graded it to a size 14 at the hips. Since I’m 5'2", I shortened the bodice before cutting it out. However, when I tried on the dress, I was extremely disappointed. The empire line, which was supposed to sit under my bust, sat awkwardly at my waist, making the dress tight across my hips. The bodice was still too long, and the excess fabric at the back caused the zipper to pull unattractively. Frustrated, I abandoned the project for the day.
The next day, I decided to tackle the issues. I removed a total of 2 inches from the bodice length, eliminated the zipper, and took off an additional 2 centimeters from the center back. The dress looked so much better, and I instantly fell in love with it again. After washing the dress to restore the fabric’s crinkle texture, it fit much better, although the crinkle can be misleading, making the fabric feel like it has more give than it actually does.
For my second version, made from a more standard woven viscose, I realized that I could downsize the bodice overall. While the fit is still a bit loose, I added waist ties to give the dress more shape. Although I haven’t completely perfected the fit, the dress is incredibly comfortable. I usually struggle with the fit around the shoulders and upper chest, but this pattern has no issues in that area. I also appreciate the slightly looser fit.
Construction and Instructions: A Simple Yet Satisfying Process
The construction of the Tara Tea Dress is straightforward, and the instructions are primarily photo-based. Given the simplicity of the design, I didn’t need to rely heavily on the instructions. However, I recommend paying close attention to the curved waistline, which can be a bit tricky to sew.
Adaptations and Hacks: Personalizing the Design
In my second version of the dress, I made a few adaptations to better suit my preferences. I removed the zipper, added an in-seam pocket, and included waist ties for a more defined shape. These small changes made a significant difference in the overall look and feel of the dress.
Final Thoughts: A Dress Worth the Effort
Despite the initial fit issues, the Tara Tea Dress has become a favorite in my wardrobe. The overall style reminds me of the dresses from The Vampire’s Wife or Nobody’s Child, with its polished, full-coverage design. From a distance, it may appear to be a standard ruffled tiered maxi or midi dress, but the thoughtful details set it apart. The closer fit around the waist and torso, thanks to the A-line style of the skirt’s top part, gives the dress a more refined look compared to the typical gathered waist dresses. My favorite feature is the curved empire line, which includes simple gathers for bust shaping. This detail is forgiving when it comes to fit and has earned me compliments every time I wear the dress.
One of the best aspects of the Tara Tea Dress is its versatility. It’s easy to wear and can be dressed up or down depending on the occasion. I highly recommend taking the time to perfect the fit, even if it means making a toile first—a step I skipped but now realize could have saved me some frustration.
In conclusion, the Tara Tea Dress is well worth the effort. Whether you’re looking for a stylish, full-coverage summer dress or a polished piece for various occasions, this pattern delivers. With a few personal adjustments and a bit of patience, you’ll have a dress that not only fits well but also makes you feel confident and comfortable.
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