Tiered Mini Dress: Chalk+Notch Marcel
Overview:
I'm excited to finally share with you the Chalk+Notch Marcel! I tested this tiered dress/top pattern a little while ago, but it's release, like so many things, was delayed to allow for more important things to be shared and discussed. The Marcel is comfy enough for lounging around and cute enough to wear to the mailbox or a quick run to the grocery store.
I'm telling you, you are going to want this pattern. So why not grab it now while it's on sale! Sale ends July 13th.
Pattern:
The Marcel pattern fits closely at the high bust, but then falls loosely over the full bust, waist and hips. The body is made up of a center panel and either one, three or five gathered side layers. The number of layers corresponds to the three length options; tank, mini dress and maxi dress. The straps are wide enough to allow your bra straps to remain under wraps. The only thing that this pattern lacks is pockets, but I'm willing to sacrifice them for the sake of style since this dress lacks side seams.
As a tester I started with the tank to make sure the fitted bodice band worked before moving on to mini dress. The fit was a little snug on my first try but not enough for me to go up a size so I just added a smidge of width the front and back bands for my dress.
Despite my hatred of gathers this dress was a pleasure to sew and it came together quickly. Just sew the bodice bands and their facings, then gather and sew all the side panels together for both sides before attaching them to the front and back pieces. After that it just needs a hem and final strap placement. Easy, breezy!
I will say the mini is really a mini! I'm 5'5" and the dress is pretty short. I actually don't mind, especially right now while I'm not going anywhere. It didn't seem short on the other testers, so maybe this was an error on my part. I still love my dress and it's been in constant rotation.
Fabric:
This dress calls for a light to medium weight woven fabric with nice drape. Examples given are rayon challis, crepe, voile, lawn, linen or a double gauze. I'm almost certain that this fabric is from a gift bag from one of the Mimi G Conferences. That said I have no idea what it is, but my guess would be a polyester. Though it feels synthetic is has a little drape and worked well with this dress.
This fabric is a tad boring and maybe even drab, but I chose it because of it's geometric design. I thought it would be fun to play with the direction of the rows of circles for the side panels. The rows don't read as much like stripes as I'd hope, but I pretty pleased with the way it turned out. Next time I will definitely go with a bright fabric choice.
I think color blocking this dress would be amazing. Alternating two analogous or complementary color would look great, but I could also envision a rainbow of colors! Don't stop with there, try pattern mixing like polka dots and florals. I want to make another with actual stripes. All of the testers chose beautiful fabrics, get some additional inspiration here.
Modifications:
None, except alternating the grain for the side panels.
Summary:
Pattern: Chalk + Notch Marcel dress and tank
Pattern Description: The Marcel is a woven dress and tank top that is fitted through the high bust and loose through the bust, waist and hips. There are two dress views: View A is Midi length and View B is Mini length. View C is a tank top that ends at the high hip.
Sizing: 0-24 with A/B and C/D cup sizes
Difficulty: 2/Beginner
Fabric Used: mystery fabric, probably polyester
Does it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope? Yes
Were the instructions easy to follow? Yes
Did I make in alterations? No
Would I sew it again? Definitely
Would I recommend it to others? Yes!