I was so thrilled when I saw Athina had returned to the sewing community after an extended break. She creates such beautiful patterns that I love and I was excited to be able to test her latest pattern, a scallop wrap dress. This dress was love from the moment I laid eyes on it and in this beautiful rib knit from Mily Mae Fabrics, I adore it. Perfect for spring and summer, I am looking forward to wearing it a ton. I hope you enjoy my review of the newest AK Pattern, the Whitney Dress and Top.
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Whitney Dress and Top Pattern Review
Pattern Description:
The Whitney Dress and Top is a beautiful fitted wrap style with a unique scalloped collar detail. It comes in multiple sleeve lengths and both a dress and top length option.
Does it look like the pattern envelope?
Yes, I created the size 8 a cup (note this is a cup size smaller than I measured for, but the b cup was too big) graded to a 10 waist and hip. I absolutely love the fit of this dess. It is fitted through the bodice and skims the hips without being too tight. I made no changes to the pattern other than a narrow shoulder adjustment. However, Athina narrowed the shoulders in the final pattern and therefore you may not need this adjustment.
I love any opprtunity to wear these lightweight and fun earrings I picked up from Amazon!
Were the instructions easy to follow?
Yes, Athina’s instructions are clear and detailed. The only part I would change is the scallop construction. I would rather cut a large rectangle shape for the scallop trim, trace the scallops onto interfacing that is adhered to the trim piece and then sew the scallops using the tracing lines. This would allow you to save time by only cutting out the scallops once as opposed to twice like the pattern has you do. I am not sure if this was changed in the final document as it was suggested from several testers.
Fabric and Supplies Used:
I used this gorgeous rib knit from Mily Mae Fabrics. Amanda carries beautiful rib knits. I have used several of them for projects and they are delightful to sew and wear. Here are a couple other things I have made from the rib knits (Click on the picture to be taken to the post).
A key to making these rib knits behave well for hems is the stabilizing tape. I absolutely, hands down, love love love the stretchy knit tape from Steam a Seam. It is perfect for hemming those knits that can be tricky to get a clean hem.
In addition to the fabric you will need knit fusible interfacing, thread, cutting tools, and a machine (I use Pfaff and their machines are amazing, find yourself a vintage one if the new ones are out of price point, you won’t regret it). I linked my favorites below (especially that stretch thread….my serger loves me so much more now).
While I didn’t try it on my test version, the fit of my dresses lately tells me I am in need of a sway back adjustment. I get a little pooling at the small of my back and think I will give that adjustment a try next time I make this.
What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?
I love that scallop neckline. I think it adds a beautiful touch on this classic wrap dress style. I have no dislikes other than the time consuming way the scallops are created as I discussed above…but that’s easy to remedy.
Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?
Yes and Yes. I think the classic appeal of this top and dress would be great to have in several colors or prints. I am looking forward to adding more to my wardrobe. I also think the dress is suitable for beginners (the scallops may be a bit tricky) but the directions are easy to follow.
Conclusion:
I just love a good classic wrap dress, add a fun scallop detail and I think it is perfect. This is a great addition in my classic wardrobe and I can’t wait to make more of them to add to my closet.
Thank you for reading my review of Athina’s latest pattern, the Whitney Top and Dress. If you enjoyed this pattern you might enjoy the other patterns I have made from this designer. (Click the caption to be taken to the post.)
Until Next Time,
Happy Sewing
About 18 years ago I decided to teach myself how to sew. Long before blogs and resources available today which meant it was often disastrous. But I never gave up because I loved it so much. Today I love helping others get started on their own sewing journey. You can read more about my family and I