I made my first ever Named Kielo Wrap Dress for a wedding in April...and I've never worn it. I convinced myself that I looked hideous in it from the back, when in fact, it's not quite as bad as I first thought. And now it's too cold to wear it. At least I have a 'new' maxi dress in the bag for summer 2018!
To be clear, my issue with the dress is purely personal relating to my body shape and nothing to do with the pattern itself. Kielo is undoubtedly cool and looks effortlessly elegant on everyone I've seen wearing it, but my issue stems from the fact that it hugs/exposes far too much of my muffin top and wide bum than I'm comfortable with.
For the record, I'm wearing the BIGGEST control pants EVER in these pictures, which has definitely helped to smooth things out a bit.
Let's just take a minute to appreciate my gorgeous floral jersey from Minerva Crafts though! It's sadly sold out, but there are plenty of other flowery pretties to choose from.
Back to the pattern, it's super speedy to sew up, so a real winner in that respect. If you're a fan of the design, you could quite easily whip up an entire summer wardrobe of Kielos. The only thing I found frustrating was trying to get a neat finish around the armholes. The interesting side seams make the shape at the underarm tricky to finish with binding, so it's definitely not my neatest work ever. If you have any tips/tricks for perfecting this, please do share in the comments below!
In terms of sizing, I cut out a UK size 12 and shortened the bodice by 4cm (it may have even been 8cm, but I can't remember!?!). Next time I think I'll shorten it by another 2cm or more to better align the ties to the narrowest part of my short waist. I'm sure I also shortened the length, but it's been so long my memory's faded. It's fair to say that Named patterns are drafted with tall girls in mind!
Obligatory unwrapped Kielo pictures with bonus faux-flexing.
To see you through the cooler months, just add the long sleeves which Named have made available as a free download. This can be quite a versatile number too, if you're inclined to explore different ways of tying your, erm, ties.
What do you think to the Kielo?
How does it look tied in the back instead?
ReplyDeleteOn my personally, like a shapeless sack! But on less curvy people it looks great tied at the back :-)
DeleteThis is gorgeous - I love the fabric and I think you look effortlessly cool in this too. I know what it's like when something just bugs you but I hope you wear this at least once next summer because really, it's divine and I think very flattering.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much Emma, I hope I'll wear it next summer too!
DeleteI love the pattern but I have to admit it's not working as well here as most versions I've seen. I think it's slightly too big, and you're right that the bodice needs shortening. I also wonder if the print isn't helping; I'd like to see you in a solid version! It's a pity because the print itself looks gorgeous on you. Could you reclaim the fabric and make something else with it?
ReplyDeleteHey Catherine, thanks for your comments! I don't really do solids, but I love them on other people so should really give them a go...haha! I'll definitely see if I can tweak another version to suit me, but I'm just not sure this design is good on my shape. I adore the jersey too, could possibly salvage some of it...will have to see!
DeleteI've been thinking of sewing a Kielo, but I also have the exactly same thoughts of my bum!
ReplyDeleteI'm sure your bum is glorious :-)
DeleteI recently attempted the Kielo dress - it was a disaster! Not that there was anything wrong with the pattern, but my choice of fabric was just so misguided! I went for a light grey floral scuba. I don't know what I was thinking! The fabric didn't have enough drape, so it stuck out and wouldn't fold around my body properly when I tied it, and I couldn't get the seams to lie flat properly. The colour of the fabric made me look washed out and ill, and the overall silhouette was as unflattering as a sack. :(
ReplyDeleteI'm going to have another attempt at some point with a black, silky viscose knit and see if that's any better!
I bet it looked very dramatic in the scuba! A silky viscose sounds perfect :-)
DeleteI really like it on you. I have a large bottom and small waist but I am old enough or stupid enough not to care anymore! I think it looks really womanly.I am not tall and I make all the same adjustments as you so I think I might give it go next year. Jo x
ReplyDeleteAaaw, thanks Jo...you're always so kind! Your waist to hip/bust ratio is much more in proportion to mine, so I think this will look fab on you. Just remember to shorten the bodice by a fair bit ;-)
DeleteI think this dress is very pretty and I like it on you even though you say it is wrong for your body type. I have seen lots of versions of the dress and you did a great job on it.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much Connie!
DeleteThere's no facing piece for the armsceye? I do use binding for that on the woven tanks and dresses I made this summer, but it grows twisty around the bottom from too much material refusing to ease into a short curve (so much that I'm going to take them apart and put a facing piece in).
ReplyDeleteAs a human with a lot in her trunk, I advise: glory in it. It's certainly more aesthetically acceptable to have a rounded and full bum than the full tum. That's the part I'm struggling with, and at 58, I'm learning to live with it. Clearly your results will vary, but we spend so much time kicking ourselves for what we aren't and not marveling at what we are.
Very wise words indeed, thank you! And not, there's no facing, but I'd be tempted to draft one for next time!
DeleteIt's not the easiest pattern in the world to pull off and I do believe you look very beautiful in this dress. It definitely makes a statement, so not for the faint of heart.
ReplyDeleteThanks Carmen!
DeleteVery pretty. Floral maxi kielos look great on EVERYBODY! And oddly great for every occasion, formal or super chill lol
ReplyDeleteThank you! I definitely agree that this dress has the rare quality of suiting any occassion :-)
DeleteIt looks gorgeous! The fabric is perfect.
ReplyDeleteThanks a million!
DeleteWhat a fabulous dress. It is a very sculptural shape, definitely something you would need attitude to wear but you pull it off effortlessly. Gorgeous fabric. The shape is very Fortuny or Worth. I love it. Xx
ReplyDeleteIt does look a little Japanese with the wrap detail and dark floral, especially with the long flowy hair (or pinned up) def a winner! PS. I love having a bum and hips <3 but yes jersey makes me feel self conscious too prefer woven.
ReplyDelete