A Stitching Odyssey: Pauline Alice Aldaia Dress

OMG you guys! Let me introduce you to my dress pattern of dreams, the Pauline Alice Aldaia Dress. Admittedly, my version of view C looks almost identical to my beloved Tilly and the Buttons Martha Dress, but Aldaia is actually intended for stable knit fabrics so that's a bonus. Also, how tempting are views A and B? Personally, I can't wait to pair the faux wrap-front with the full skirt.

This pattern has everything I look for in a dress - fitted bodice, flared skirt, modest neckline and short sleeves. I love that the front bodice is shaped with princess seams and the back with flattering waist darts. I'm also smitten with the panelled skirt, which provides all the fullness of gathers and none of the bulk.

What makes this dress extra special though is the deliciously autumnal jersey from Stoff & Stil. I think they've sold out of this print, but they have so many lovely knits to choose from!

Shockingly, this was my first time using a Pauline Alice pattern. The packaging is super cute and the pattern is printed on quality paper, which makes such a difference. The instructions are on the short side, but sweet enough for a simple jersey dress with clear illustrations. 

I made a straight size 42 and it fits really well without the usual neckline gaping I tend to get. I shortened the bodice by 2cm (though I might just go for 1.5cm next time) and added 2cm to the skirt, so be warned that it's quite short considering I'm only 5ft 3". 

The only thing I found perplexing is that the pattern doesn't call for elastic to stabilise the waist. Even though it recommends using stable knits, they too tend to stretch out over time, so I added elastic to mine for a snug fit.

One thing I was initially put out by was the way the neckline and sleeves are finished with facings. I mean, the beauty of sewing with knits is that you don't have to finish seams and you can just turn raw edges under and topstitch...amarite?!? 

I'm so glad I didn't cut any corners though and that I bothered to hand-pick the facings down. I love how sleek and professional the finish looks. I definitely won't be skipping this step in future...because gorgeous knits deserve better!

In fact this dress looks so smart that I wore it to a wedding recently, when I ran out of time to finish my intended wedding-guest dress. I paired it with this electric blue cardigan, chunky necklace, cute shoes and mustard clutch (not pictured...booo), and I felt like a million dollars. Oh, and did I mention how comfortable I felt too...secret pyjama dresses for the win!

Have you made the Aldaia Dress yet? Are you tempted?