I was lucky enough to win myself a copy of the By Hand London Elisalex dress via a giveaway on House of Pinheiro, becoming the envy of many a sewing blogger mwah ha ha ha.
I decided to whip it up for a wedding I was going to. Teamed with some pretty brocade style fabric from Clegs (thanks to a birthday voucher from Mr ZoSews) this is how she came up.
The gory details
The pattern
- If you haven’t already seen the gorgeous packaging BHL are using, you’re missing out. When I first saw it, it absolutely delighted me.
- Personally, I’d really like to see some finished measurements and a hip measurement included. I know that the skirt’s huge so there shouldn’t be issues with hip size if you get the waist right, but for a hippy gal like moi, I just like to know. Ease and height of fit model would be useful too…
- The instructions are written in very accessible language, and provide the sort of information that’s helpful for those just dipping a toe in sewing land, for example, “Back stitch at the start and finish of your line of sewing”.
Pattern alterations
I traced and cut the bodice in a size 10, but then…
- I’m long in the body, so I slashed and spread and added 4 cm to the bodice length, so the waistline would actually hit me on my waist.
- I moved the bodice princess seams across towards the centre 1.5 cm so the line went right through the apex of the bust.
- I did some shaping from under the bust down to the waistline for a closer fit.
- I used a pink cotton voile for lining, and in addition to lining the bodice, I lined the skirt. All I did was reuse the skirt pattern, and cut it at around 26cm length.
Construction notes
- I couldn’t find a 30 inch zipper on the face of this planet! Well in the few stores I went to anyway. So I got a 24 inch and just free-styled the insertion, hand picking it in.
- Instructions say to machine hem the sleeves. Not for this little black duck, so I blind hemmed the sleeves by hand.
- Because I didn’t make a toile of the skirt (bodice only), I cut it out in a huge size to start with (18 I think… ridiculous now but it made sense at the time). Not surprisingly, cut at an 18, the skirt was frickin huge and looked ridiculous. I went back down in size in stages by just basting my side seams together until I hit what I liked. I now have ENORMOUS side seams, but no-one can see that
- It’s probably due to my giant skirt plus shaped bodice, but, sheesh, easing that skirt on to the bodice almost killed me. I reckon I had at least 4-5 tries and she wouldn’t play ball. So in the end I have some tiiiiny gathers between the two waist darts, and more annoyingly the waist darts don’t perfectly match the bodice seams – but I managed to deal with that because I don’t think anyone else would notice. Phew.
- Pattern suggests top stitching around the neckline, but in this case I under stitched.
The verdict
At first I was worried that it wasn’t very flattering around the hip region. However, I’ve since decided it’s a winner. I reckon I’ll make this bad girl again. In a less ‘icing’ fabric, I think this would be a goer for the office. I also want to try the bodice with a pencil skirt. Overall, I’m very happy with it And it seems I like grey and pink…
Postscript
I almost forgot. Walking around in Toorak between this wedding ceremony and reception, I crossed the road at a pedestrian crossing and heard two women talking about my dress as I walked past them. It went something like this, “Now THAT, is a nice dress”. Oh yeah, as you’d expect, I was quite chuffed! Especially as I had just finished the thing standing in the kitchen hand sewing while Mr ZoSews packed my bag to leave to go to the wedding. Last minute much?
Thanks for reading. I hope I’ve enticed you to give Elisalex a go?
Zxx
Hey awesome! This is a total winner on you. Looks like you’ve hit gold on the one thing I always struggle with too – getting the right fabric for the pattern! This brocade couldn’t have been a better match to the structured look this dress demands. You look amazing!
Thanks Pkettle!! This fabric was a winner
The structured fabric, mixed with this pattern reminds me of Cue…
Zoe – your dress is beautiful! I love the grey and pink, and it is so feminine and flattering. Just right for a wedding!
Thank you Maris! Hopefully I get another opportunity to wear it again soon
Wonderful shape on you…love those random walk by comments
Haha, they’re the best!
This is STUNNING! I so desperately want to make this pattern, but I’ve got a few other projects above it on my to-do list. You’re making me even more mad for this pattern!
Really, truly gorgeous.
Do it! I’m sure your sonyalex would be fabulous!
Awesome dress. No wonder those Toorak ladies were discussing it. This Hawthorn lady would have been too if I’d seen you on the street!
I’ll have to strut around Hawthorn looking for compliments
Beautiful dress suits you perfectly
Why thank you
Beautiful!! No wonder the Toorak ladies commented.
Hehe, maybe I should have offered to make them one?! Hmmm… Neh!!!
You sassy minx! This looks fab! And I love the fabric (pink + grey = luuurve!) The hand finishing sounds like a labour of love and well worth it
Ooh! I’ve never been called a sassy minx before! Lol
Wowwwwwwww you look beautiful and the fit just works… I love the fabric too… You make me want go back and sew this pattern again x
Do it again, it’ll be gorgeous whatever you do
You look amazeballs! My favourite dress yet. I have such fabric envy at the moment. Your spot matching on the side front is also flawless. Bravo Zoe!
Lol thanks JBob! Spot matching was but a delightful coincidence
Dress looks great, super cute fabric, and you never have guessed the problems you had easing the skirt on. So pleased you got a random compliment
Thanks Kirsty! Yeah, I figured (hoped) no one else would be able to tell – phew
This is absolutely BEAUTIFUL and looks so perfect on you! The fabric is quite simply delicious, and the little gathers at the front actually look really pretty and like they were meant to be there all along
Can’t wait to see your pencil variation… have you thought of doing the Elisalex bodice with the Charlotte skirt…? We call that the Elisalotte!!
Mwah ha ha ha, the gathers are totally meant to be there
Very flattered you By Hand ladies like my interpretation! And Elisalotte sounds like a plan lol!
Absolutely gorgeous!
Aww thanks Vicki Kate!
Your dress is gorgeous! I love the fabric and colours, and the fit looks great.
Thanks Lynne! You’re too kind
THAT is a gorgeous dress, lovely shape. Beautiful fabric.
I’m planning a pencil skirted bottom…
Oooh we can have an Elisalotte showdown then
What a beautiful dress! You’re looking gorgeous. I love the fabric and how you matched the princess seams.
Thank you Elise! My pattern matching this time round was a happy coincidence
I’m not sure I can properly describe my feelings of appreciation and covetousness! This is wonderful!!!
Bahaha, you make me blush
You look SOOOOOO beautiful, Zoe!!!! Sewing win! Your photos are adorable too. So fun.
Awww you guys are the nicest!! X
Saw this on Instagram so I had to come over and see it in person…it’s even prettier than your Instagram picture previewed. You did an amazing job and look fabulous in this!
Thanks Carolyn! I’m glad you like it!
Oh, this is GORGEOUS! It suits you perfectly, and I’d be saying the same as the conversation you overheard if I’d passed you on the street!
You’re too kind
I know what to do when I need a pick me up now, strut around in this and get compliments from ppl on the street lol.
Wow! it looks stunning!
Thanks Rachel!
It’s a really georgous dress ! I’m planning to make it with a circle skirt.
That will be super cute! Look forward to seeing yours
so gorgeous!
Thanks lovely!
Love the fabric! You’ve got some talent!
You’re too kind Marie
Oh Wow, you look gorgeous!
Thanks Kerry!
Looks gorgeous!!:)
Love the fabric, it is delicious x
Thank you
Amazing Zoe! Just wondering what size you made? It looks perfect on you and I think we might have similar measurements. I just did a full bust adjustment and am at the cutting out stage. Any tips would be most welcome.
Thanks Georgi!
I started with a size 10 bodice (adjustments outlined under ‘pattern alterations’ above – but no FBA) and then for some stupid reason cut an 18 skirt. Was ridiculously too big, so just pulled it in at the side seams until it fit properly. Consequently I have huge side seams 
Thanks Zoe. All of that helps me. I’m going to finish cutting and start sewing tonight so that info is super helpful. Thank you! X
Pleasure
Good luck! If in doubt – toile 
Look forward to seeing a fancy new elisalex!