The Pattern

The Itch to Stitch Antrim pattern features a surplice bodice, gathered waistband, and a half circle skirt. It has pockets, cup sizes and a large size range! It is a comfortable knit dress that is not so complicated to sew.

“Surplice bodice” is a fancy way of saying that it has a faux wrap front. I love the lower neckline on this dress and how sexy it looks!

The gathered waistband is lined with a non-gathered waistband and that helps to secure it so the dress isn’t pulled down by the skirt.

The pockets on the dress are so well done! They are first understitched and then secured in the waistband. I don’t like droopy pockets so was really happy with how functional these are.

The skirt is a midi-length. I removed an inch and then hemmed a little extra and think the length is perfect on my short frame. I am 5’2″ with a “normal” length torso and short legs – specifically short calves. This means I am really conscious of skirt lengths because I don’t want my legs to look stumpy!

DO you ever think about skirt lengths and how it makes your legs look? I think it really helps to have a shoe that elongates the legs if you are picking a skirt that falls below your knee (but higher than maxi). The type of toe box and front of the shoe will do a lot for you! You don’t have to wear heels to look like you have long legs. Look for more of a pointed or more of an almond shape toe box with a dip in the front of the shoe.

The sleeves on this dress are elbow length and fitted. Pay attention to bicep measurements because if you measure a different size bicep than your dress, you will want to adjust.

Sizing

To decide on my measurement I measured my full bust in the bra I planned to wear with my dress, and then measured my upper bust. I then subtracted my upper bust from my full bust and got 2 inches. This meant I was a B cup. I looked under the B cup column in the size chart and made the number size that went with that cup. For my skirt, I picked my skirt size based on my WAIST measurement. My full hips are in a size bigger than my waist, but I ignored that measurement. The skirt attaches at the waist. I did grade from my bodice to my waist and followed how to grade from bust to waist on the pattern. If you are all over the size chart, you will be really happy with this pattern because it really holds your hand on how to select a size that suits you perfectly.

Fabric

I used double brushed polyester (DBP) from Sincerely Rylee. I bought this one a few years ago (yay! I am using stash and not buying new fabric!!). They have stockings often and carry lots of different DBP prints. It is a great dress fabric.

I think this style is super flattering and am glad I took time to make one! I plan to wear it for the remainder of this summer and this fall. Then, I will need a cardigan to wear it when it gets colder out!

Resources

• Antrim Dress Pattern
• DBP Fabric

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*Disclosures

This post may contain affiliate links, which means I receive a small compensation when you purchase via my link. This does not cost you anything, and I genuinely appreciate the support. Any and all opinions expressed are still my own.