I made the dress with a square neckline and pleated skirt in silk taffeta. I interlined the bodice with silk organza, moved the zipper to the side seam, made a full lining, and modified the pockets to hang from the waist. I hung the lining by hand. The diagrams and instructions helped make all this straightforward. The dress is beautiful, although next time I might lengthen the the bodice a bit. I'm going to make a twin to this dress in linen. For linen I will line just the bodice and not interline, but the linen will have a side zipper (I don't know why more patterns don't have side zippers, since they look nicer and are easier to get in and out).
I really like that this pattern has many options. I will be using it quite a bit.
The only annoying thing about this pattern is the 1/2" seam allowance, and I deducted a star for that. With silk taffeta I used french seams (as I will for linen as well). 5/8 works far better for french seams and it's better marked on ALL THREE of my sewing machines, as .5 and 1.0 cm and 1/4" and 3/8". 5/8 is lets you switch to metric (where all the math is easier) more easily if that is your preference. I just don't understand why so many modern patterns are printed with a 1/2 inch seam allowance. I added 1/8 of an inch to all seam allowances and it was a total pest.
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Sarah Ackah
Amazing pattern
It was so easy to sew up. I sewed up the bodice with the Mansfield skirt and moved to a side zip. I only had to make 1 alteration on the muslin then was able to sew up my graduation dress in about 1.5 hours.
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Tanya Cutler
Love it - so adaptable
Made one of these for last Christmas in a cotton sateen for evening wear. The photo with the large print skirt sold me on buying this as I knew I had fabric which needed space to shine. I chose to make the V-necked front and back, flutter sleeves, and the pleated maxi skirt with waistband. Pockets in ANY dress are always a plus to me. Will definitely be making more, the hardest bit is choosing which combination to make!
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Lesley Pinkett
Upton
I think this pattern is amazing! It’s so versatile with so many different options. There are 384 possible variations! You could make hundreds of outfits without the need to buy another pattern. And it’s multi sized, so you can grade to make it fit beautifully
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Katie Louden
My Favorite Dress
I fantasized about having a pattern like the Upton and now I have several dresses that look amazing on me and *even fit my bust.* I have to practice saying "no, I will not make this dress for you" because everyone wants me to. My dreams of looking like a full-figured Mrs. Maisel have been realized!
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marion dunlop
Cashmerette Upton dress
Sizing was spot on. Pattern instructions are terrific