Recoleta, my fancy dress

The Recoleta pattern

Let’s start by stating the obvious: I love this pattern!

The design is so flattering: fitted from bust to waist then a lovely shaped skirt.

There’s an invisible side zipper to get into the dress.

Many darts help shape the whole dress. Darts under the bust, darts at the back, and darts at front and back skirts. I love darts because they are perfect for adjusting a pattern.

I also find it great that various cup sizes are included in the pattern. No need to fiddle with SBA or FBA. Clever!

The neckline is outstanding. See the design here? The neckline is finished by a facing. Ah, the dress is unlined so that’s a quite nice pattern for intermediate or beginner+ seamstresses.

My brocade Recoleta

According to the size chart, I was a size 10 bust and 12 waist and hips. I chose to sew a muslin with a size 10 bust and waist, 12 hips.

I noticed I had quite a gaping back neck. I opted to drastically reduce the back width by chopping 2 cm from top to bottom at the fold line. I added them back at the waist line.

By doing so, I had to move the back bodice darts 2 cm to the side, to make them match the skirt darts.

I also had a bit of gaping at the front upper bust. So, I modified the slope of the shoulder. I took 0.5 cm near the neckline tapered to nothing to the shoulder.

Last modification was shortening the front bodice darts.

You might recognize this fabric. I used it for another fancy dress this year! I had quite a bit left and I adore purple.

The brocade from Minerva was a bit stiff, but I made it work. I could have shortened the front darts more to prevent the Madonna’s JP Gaultier bodice look…

I didn’t insert the zipper and I have no troubles getting into the dress. Very convenient and it makes the dress a quick and easy sewing project.