Dress Up Party and Review of the Genavieve Dress

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This post was first featured on Sew Sweetness.com as part of the Dress Up Party. For contest rules, full details, and schedule, please click here!IMG_2291Hey everyone! I was excited to be asked by Sara of Sew Sweetness to join in on the Dress Up Party and share my review of the  Genavieve dress by Kzjo Studio. IMG_2287 When I saw the endless options that came with Genavieve pattern, I knew that this purchase was a no brainier. You can pick between three different lengths (tank, tunic, or dress) and then three different styles for the back yoke (deep-V, racer back, or buttoned back). So basically this one pattern will give you nine different variations to choose from! (I never made the honor roll in math class so don’t quote me on that number but I think it’s nine!)

Genavieve Top by KZJO Studio Pattern Preview 1 | Indiesew.com
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The fabric I used for the bodice is an Art Gallery Fabrics knit from the Wanderer Collection from April Rhodes.  Aztec and tribal prints are still very trendy this season so I knew this knit would be perfect for a fun dress. My local fabric store, Five Eighth Seams, in Charleston carries a large selection of knits, perfect for whipping up a dress that I can wear in this southern heat. For the yoke I used a solid navy quilting weight cotton that was left over from my Flatter Me Frock that I made in February.
IMG_2311 I didn’t make a muslin (as I usually don’t when working with knit fabrics because the stretch allows for a little room for error. Plus who has time to make muslins??!). I followed the sizing as it was listed and ended up cutting out a size small (size 6). I did end up having to take in my side seams under my arms a bit (about an inch on each side), grading out along the seam line so that I would keep the A-line shape of the dress. The suggested fabrics for this pattern include chambray, lace, knits, linens, eyelets, cottons, or any other fabric with nice drape. But with knits I usually do have to size down. So take that into consideration if you choose to use a knit for this dress. Also the dress has high-low hem so the back was a little longer which is just what I wanted. But if you are a taller gal and prefer for your font to be a little longer you may have to add a little length. I am 5’10 and you can see where it hits me high above the knee.
The directions for the pattern initially seem overwhelming but only because there are so many variations and different yoke styles, so you have to follow along and at times “skip ahead” a few steps depending on which style you chose. So if you are a Netflix sewer like I am, turn off the TV and pay extra attention or even high light which steps you need or cross out the ones you don’t so that you don’t miss any of the steps along the way.
IMG_2304 I decided to style this dress with some Steve Madden wedges (similar), a gold statement necklace, and a little denim vest. It goes well with my sun tanned… errrr… sun burned arms. (I swear at 32 years old, you think I would know how to apply sun screen by now. Please don’t tell my Dermatologist.) IMG_2286 Thanks for stopping by and can’t wait to see how everyone else dresses up their wardrobe for the summer!

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