This review was originally featured in Threads #180 (August/September 2015). If this pattern is no longer readily available via the pattern company, try searching online for the pattern name and number, or try Etsy.com or eBay.com.

Christine Haynes: Marianne 1005

These season-less, casual knit dresses are nicely proportioned. They are close-fitting, but slightly A-line, feature dropped shoulders, and end just above the knee. One view is sleeveless and has a front-only Peter Pan collar. The collar is sewn into the shoulder seams and neckline, which is finished with a neck band. The other view has a separate yoke, a neck band, and three-quarter-length sleeves with contrasting cuffs. These designs are quick and easy to make. The instructions are printed in a booklet and are clearly written. Our tester especially liked the assembly order and the well-planned and well-drawn pattern layouts. The page with tips for sewing knits is informative, especially for those who are not accustomed to working with them. For this pattern, light- or medium-weight knits in cotton, cotton blends, or other natural or synthetic fibers work nicely.

(Sized 0–18 for busts 31–45 in. and hips 33–47 in.)

Style Tip: These dresses provide an opportunity to be creative with color blocking, contrast cuffs, and buttons.

-Tested by Sandy Hulshizer, Georgetown, Texas

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