Should You Sew the Jessica Dress Pattern Mimi G Released?

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I think you will agree with me that this Jessica Dress Pattern Mimi G created is one of the best free sewing patterns to happen in a long while. It has been sewn up by many talented seamstresses, so there is no shortage of inspiration available out there. I am here today to share my latest Jessica Dress as the first item in my Red, White and Blue Collection and tell you why I think it is worth your time and fabric to make this beautiful pattern.

 

Why You Should Sew a Jessica Dress Pattern by Mimi G:

1. Ok…let’s get the major no brainer out of the way- it’s FREE. That’s right, Mimi graciously gifted this pattern that originally launched with her Sew Sew Def magazine. This isn’t a free pattern that only comes in one size, has missing parts, isn’t professionally drafted, etc. No, that would be a sewing pattern I would try to produce at this stage in my sewing career. HAHA- This pattern is every bit as well done as any pattern that you would purchase.                                                                     
2.  It makes you feel like a sophisticated and beautiful bad ass boss lady…is this even a thing? I mean, I look kind of fierce in this picture, no? Well, I feel fierce, so here is hoping I look the part too. LOL This dress has the ability to make you feel like a pretty, sophisticated lady all while also making you feel like a boss. Yea, the girl who is on top of her sewing and style game. I have to admit that isn’t really the way I usually feel, but I slipped this on and suddenly I transformed. 
3. You get to create the perfect look for you. Some people may see this Jessica Dress Pattern and think, well the patch pockets will add too much volume or the length is too long, the straps need to be wider, etc. This dress is so easy to modify that you can create this to tailor your tastes easily. I made a couple changes to my dress that I will highlight below. The pattern begins as a classic, beautiful sweetheart neckline and a gathered midi skirt, and really there are so many possibilities for you to try. 
4. If you like help while sewing or just enjoy watching how others put together their makes, this pattern is for you. Because on top of being a free pattern, Mimi went and made a sew-along video too. The lady is nothing short of amazing, this is why she is a sewing star. I guess I am a sewing geek because I always watch a video that accompanies a sewing pattern if there is one available. I feel like I always learn something new, see a different way to do something, or it helps me from making silly mistakes when I go to sew the pattern…not that I would ever do such a thing 🙂 You can find the pattern and sew- along for the Jessica Dress Pattern Mimi G made here. 
5. You just may learn to love something you thought you hated…like buttons! I have always dreaded buttons and buttonholes. They scare me, my machine kind of lacks in the creation of awesome buttonholes and I feel like sewing buttons on takes forever. And then, I decide I needed 12 on my dress. You guys I put this off for so long, it’s embarrassing! Because, 12!  That’s a ton of buttons when you are scared of them. Once I created my buttonholes I let it sit another couple weeks…and then a wonderful, marvelous thing happened. I decided to sew my buttons on by machine. I pulled out the manual, actually read what to do, threw some tape on a button and bam- best dang button I have ever put on. Clean on the inside and out, secure, and best of all, super fast! I whipped through all 12 buttons in no time. I will try to put a quick video together of just how quick and easy this process is and now, I need more buttons in my life!

I hope I have been able to show you why I think you should sew theJessica Dress Pattern Mimi G released and that you have enjoyed the first look in my Red, White and Blue collection. You can find other sewing pattern reviews here. For all the specifics on my dress, please see below:

Fabric: Border Eyelet Cotton Fabric from Hobby Lobby- this was a seasonal spring item. Similar fabric can be found here: Telio Navy Eyelet   

Buttons: I used some from my stash mixed with the closest thing I could find in the store from La Mode.

Pattern Sizing and Modifications:

This is the second time I have made this dress. The first time I cut the XS bodice and found I was taking it in so much I was really messing up my princess seams. On this dress I went with my bust size without a bra, knowing I wouldn’t be wearing one..shhh 🙂 I made the XXS in the bodice, grading to a S waist. To help with not wearing a bra I made a full lining instead of the facings the pattern calls for. I used the eyelet border of the pattern to finish the bottom so I cut it a little shorter knowing I wouldn’t be turning up a hem. I omitted the patch pockets and inserted in seam side pockets instead. The only thing I don’t like about my dress are the straps. I wish I would have interfaced them to give more stability as I feel like they may stretch with wear. If you need help with grading the pattern, I made a quick video to show how I did that.

Thank you Mimi for a great pattern and a special thanks to my 8 year old daughter for taking my pictures and making me laugh during most of it.

Until next time, Happy Sewing

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