This review was originally featured in Threads #184 (April/May 2016).

Muse Patterns: Gillian Dress 1402

Great for any season, this wrap dress with V-neckline has front and back curved yokes with strategically placed gathers, a snug-fitting neckband, an inset midriff band, and ties that feed through an opening in the midriff and tie at center back. The slim sleeves can be made full length or short. Split the pattern to create a blouse and skirt for multipurpose separates. The 18 pages of instructions with this digital pattern are well laid out, thorough, and contain lots of illustrations. Fabric requirements are given only for the longest sleeve variations. The instructions note that, due to the neckband length, the top and dress fit best on 55-inch-wide fabric. Our tester used a 36-inch-wide double knit and had to piece the neckband. It is a cozy dress in a soft merino wool blend, or a winter skirt when made from a heavy knit. In a lightweight cotton knit, it is a summer dress or carefree separates. In general, select fabrics with drape, such as ITY (interlock twist yarn) knit, or silk jersey, cotton knit, or synthetic-blend jersey.

(Sized 30-48 for busts 30-48 in. and hips 34-52 in.)

Style Tip: For an alternative look, replace the ties with a pant hook and eye.

-Tested by Karen Konicki, New York, New York

Have you made this pattern? If so, be sure to share pictures in our Readers Closet gallery.

Launch Gallery