Since moving to Santa Cruz, I have been searching for a locally-owned lingerie store that carries a wide array of sizes. One day recently, I stopped by Amoureuse to have a look around. They don’t carry bras in my size, but while perusing the racks, I fell in love with a white cotton nightgown that had some hints of heritage sewing but was still simple and elegant. It reminded me of something that Grace Kelly may have worn, so feminine but sexy in a sweet kind of way. Again, it wasn’t available in my size, but it inspired me to make my own version. I typically don’t wear nightgowns, so this was a delectable treat for myself, and my husband. (While sewing it, I couldn’t help but think of a damsel in distress, a la Alfred Hitchcock, running from danger through an empty house, in a nightie…)

Pattern: Colette 1012, Cinnamon

Pattern Sizing: Sizes 0-18. I cut a combination of sizes 16 and 18.

Description: Bias cut slip dress (version 1) or camisole (version 2) has a pointed front midriff and gathers at the bust. Double straps loop through the front bodice and attach in back. Each design is quickly made with only six pieces, and with extra tips included, provides a good introduction to sewing on the bias.

Fabric: I used white linen (55% linen, 45% cotton), and two different types of cotton lace.

Did it look like the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it? It did, however I added lace and pin tucks, so my version is slightly more embellished.

Were the instructions easy to follow? Colette Patterns are all very easy to follow, and include technique tips and how-to’s, which I find extremely helpful as an advanced beginner sewer.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? This pattern is very versatile, and lends itself to variations very easily.

Pattern Alterations or any design changes you made: I added a lace insert above the hem, as well as a few rows of machine pin tucks. I also created a two-piece pin tucked bodice. The separate pieces made it difficult to line up the pin tucks, and retain the chevron shape. If I had it to do again, I would use just one piece and fold it to the correct angle.

I am still learning out how to correctly fit garments to my figure, and this is no exception. There is some armhole gaping in the front, and I am not sure if it is due to the bust panel being a little large, or perhaps the back panel is a little too wide. You can see the gaping from the front and side views. Next time, I would also add a bit more ease to the high hip/tummy area.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others? Eventually I would like to sew the slip dress version again, perhaps in a cotton voile or a silk. I would also like to give the camisole version a try. It’s a great pattern. I would highly recommend it to others.