Linda Dress, Etta Dress, Capriccioli Skirt & More - What I've Been Sewing

This is a good old catch up of what I've been sewing, including the new Linda dress from Bella Loves Patterns
I'm Wearing
Capriccioli dress hacked into a skirt - Apolline Patterns
apolline-patterns.com/produit...
Black Viscose Fabric - Lamazi Fabrics
lamazifabrics.com/
Linda Dress - Bella Loves Patterns
bellalovespatterns.com/produc...
Black Floral Viscose Fabric - Paul at Longsite Market
(you can order via his Instagram page)
/ paulsfabricslongsight
Etta Dress - Merchant & Mills
merchantandmills.com/
Double Gauze Fabric - Simply Fabrics
simplyfabrics.co.uk/
TN3 Parka Coat - Merchant & Mills
merchantandmills.com/
Fleece back tweed fabric - Abakhan Hobby & Home
www.abakhan.co.uk/
Plans
Millerain lickwax cotton fabric - Simply Fabrics
simplyfabrics.co.uk/product/d...
Ormond Designer Coat - Style Arc Patterns
www.stylearc.com/shop/sewing-...
Heyday Dungarees - Waves & Wild Patterns
www.wavesandwild.com/shop/hey...
You can find me hanging around here;
Instagram / alexjudgesews
Blog: www.alexjudgesews.com/
Pinterest www.pinterest.co.uk/AlexJudge...

[@heidianderson7872]

The fabric on the Etta is lovely. I think you could take off the skirt and fit the bodice closer to your size, bringing it in at the sides and also shortening about an inch at the waist. If you fit the bodice closer then I think you would want to take a little volume out of the skirt. I like the idea of tying it at the back. I think it has great potential to become a favorite. Pulling your hair back or wearing a brown scarf might solve the hair issue.

[@heathwood26]

I agree

[@AlexJudgeSews]

Thanks so much ❤❤

[@jonespley]

Yes I agree, you could also wear a roll neck black top underneath.

[@talloolahmoon]

Or wear it as a sort of coat

[@nommh]

I came to see this video because I searched for Etta dress. It is absolutely fascinating how important shape is, and this shape seems to be wrong for you. So we don‘t only have to think about colour, but also shape. By contrast the skirt looked so you! Thanks for sharing!

[@SusanRitchie]

The wrap dress looks absolutely fabulous on you!

[@Rebecca_Good]

Love the Etta wrap dress! Actually think I need to buy the pattern after seeing yours! Funny how we can second guess our makes at first…but you’ve definitely inspired!

[@hanneko7]

I love the wrap dress on you. I once sewed a coat for our Doberman and she was so proud that we just couldn’t help laughing.

[@madebykarenmarie]

Lovely makes! Now, I am not (!) great at hacking patterns, but if it was my wrap dress, I think I would shorten the top a little. Bringing the waist up a little, as well as maybe taking it in slightly, would make a little more shape and still maintain the intention behind the dress.. or what? I would perhaps even consider switching the tie outside for a button so that I could wear a belt with it. Just a suggestion. I actually love the colour of the dress with your hair. You have such lovely colours that you can pull it off.

[@gwenhess934]

You have a lovely figure, that style camouflages it and makes you look frumpy. The first 2 dresses so much better suited to you. Thanks I had this pattern on my list, but maybe it would work for me because I’m trying to hide a few things.

[@Lorij83]

Of course, I want to see what you are making out of Christmas fabric. I wish I could get motivated to make a coat. Both coats and the dog coat you made are very nice.

[@janelasuncion7254]

Love the skirt and wrap dress. I made a named clothing boxy tunic dress and had similar feelings about it. I ended up styling it with a black cardigan which helped narrow it up visually and allowed me to wear my hair down. I also added fishnet tights which sexied it up a bit. Love your channel, thanks for posting.

[@PermaPen]

Oooh, I'm glad to see you in the TN31 because I've been thinking hard about making one myself, with the hood. You've convinced me. Your man is nuts, that other is gorgeous...

[@AlexJudgeSews]

I agree, I'm going to see if my son wants it next time he's home - if not then I'll wear it 😂

[@surrenderlotusfeet7119]

Hi. The Etta would be fantastic over a roll collar Jersey in winter. I see it as a dress that goes over your woolies. A big scarf tucked in and some gloves... Perfect.

[@karinbaird2499]

Hair up and a very awesome wide belt.

[@janet6114]

He is clearly delighted with his new coat! Lovely matching

[@olivianippe5752]

I’ve been hunting reviews for the Etta dress and this is so helpful! I LOVE how it looks on other people but I’ve been nervous to make it myself as the loose fit of the bodice and waist makes me feel like I’m hiding parts of my figure is usually prefer to be more fitted. True to form, I think it looks completely fabulous on you! But I can totally relate to the feeling that (intentionally or not) it is uncommonly roomy around the waist. Just a matter of personal preference I suppose. I will be following your lead and making up the bodice first, and then if I have similar misgivings about my own, will be referring to the many kind commenters here who suggest taking the hips in and up for a closer fit! Thanks for posting 🥰

[@barbklinkel5724]

Never saw your channel before...but the Etta dress caught my eye. I recently got that pattern and 5 m if checked fabric to make it but have been hesitant because it seems so huge. Did a muslin of the bodice and really like that so think I will reduce the fabric width in the skirt and use very soft drapey fabric. Love the style...nice to see it on someone and read all the comments

[@debrariley2057]

Great makes, what a shame over the Etta dress, the fabric is delightful, I think your daughter is right, it does look better with your hair up as it creates a space for definition but from the back its lovely as its more fitted, (sorry that sounds unkind) I think it might be rescuable if you refitted the bodice and took some of the gathers out at the sides, I have a similar issue with M&M patterns, I love the look of the heavily gathered dresses but I have realised unless I do a bodice adjustments, they don’t really suit me. It is a shame as the make is really lovely, I have a whippet and she doesn’t catch and in fact if you ever try to throw a treat to her, she winces and takes it as a personal attack. Great vlog. Thank you for taking the time to share.

[@heathercampbell2686]

I think the problem with the brown tan dress the check squares are not in line at the waist at the front, seems to curve off so looks skewed. I just think it needs taking in at the side as it looks a bit to wide. May look better more fitted. Love the first autumn viscose dress, you look fabulous in it and the brown maxi skirt, just great. Love your chanel.

[@lizoid88]

oh my god I squealed when your beautiful greyhound appeared! what a sweet face and they look so smart too. my greyhound Sparkie woke up and watched the rest of the episode with me :)

[@AlexJudgeSews]

You are so kind

[@sueb4919]

Love the wrap dress. And fabric Xmas gardens sound intriguing!

[@goddessofgore]

I'm just watching your video now when I googled reviews for the Etta. It is so stunning on you! You've convinced me 🖤

[@aleciacope3503]

Can't wait to see the next rendition of your Mommy & Me coats!

[@AlexJudgeSews]

😂😂 Can you imagine what I'll be like when I become a grandmother! (not anytime soon, I hope).

[@karenprovost2035]

First of all the wrap dress: I agree with another viewer(s) to go through the trouble of taking the front bodice off and refitting it, the back looks nice. The dress as is makes you look frumpy which you definitely are not. The other option is to remove the bodice and make the skirt into an actual skirt. Could you refashion the bodice into a vest? I do like the fabric although it does blend in with your hair. By making a vest, it would then be worn with a shirt under, which might help the blending with your hair. I absolutely love the coat you made and the ones you made for your husband and dog. Very fashionable all around. I think I will take a look at that pattern now. BTW, I know what you mean about husbands wearing the same things over and over. 🙄

[@vernakg]

Put a black turtle neck under the dress. Fit the bodice a bit more, then add black piping on the bodice. BTW love the paintings off to the side.

[@robyn3349]

Thank you!

[@AlexJudgeSews]

I'm so glad everyone agrees with me, it's just not working 😬❤

[@dorothymarquis7529]

This is a perfect dress to wear at home. It is loose fitting and allows movement. It also allows a sweater to be worn underneath, which will add to the warmth. The dress needs some shaping on the bodice if it is to become a dress to be worn out. Is it possible to reduce the amount of gathering in the front skirt? There are two layers of fabric in the front, both gathered. As for the colour, which is lovely, it does tend to blend into your hair. A floaty cowl in a dusky pink or soft olive or sage green will break the continuous colour. But maybe splitting this into a skirt and top will work. The pattern isn't big but it is dominant.

[@nancyhilborn885]

I like the fabric of the wrap dress but I agree that it seems a bit too much at the front. First, may I suggest you put a solid colour polo under it to break up the colour at your neckline. Your search for darts is a subconscious answer to your excess fabric in the top. I don't think you need to take much out to give it a bit of shape at your waist. That way you only need to unpick a bit at the front bodice. Might need to take a bit off the skirt too to reduce the bulk of the gathers across the front. Your matching dog walking coats are wonderful. I can just picture a carved wood stick and brimmed hat to complete your march across the moor. I am a fan of the long skirt design. I made one just like it from a cotton bed sheet fabric a year ago and have got plenty of use out of it over three seasons. Sadly, it's not quite slippery enough to wear over wooly tights. I was thinking of using the skirt portion of the Armidale in a fine needle cord for a winter skirt. Do you think that would work?

[@Originallyadressmaker]

It’s interesting that the skirt (which looks great!) reads as overall brown/rust rather than black but it’s a good colour and print! Love the dog coat ❤ I agree about the colour of the Etta dress and while I think it’s ok, it’s not you’re best look. It’s not terrible though so I guess it depends how you feel about it. If you don’t find yourself reaching for it then that’s your answer 😊🥰

[@dseboem]

The Linda dress looks wonderful on you. I hope you fix the shoulders so you are comfortable in it because this dress suits you so well 😁

[@georgianasstudio]

I love the autumn coloured check wrap dress. It doesn't worry me about your hair colour but it probably does look good with your hair up. I have very similar colouring to you and I would absolutely wear that dress!

[@caramcphee8721]

yes please Alex on the Chrissie Garland!!

[@cecilehoare3053]

I love the Merchant and Mills dress, I'd extend the tie that ties inside and put an opening for it to go through so you can draw it to the back to tie and pull it in a bit at your waist. I would also help block the monochrome look of it by adding a mustard coloured turtle or mock neck top under it. It helps break up the colours, give more attention to that colour within the dress and gives you extra warmth for the cooler months. I love your doggy coat, I thought you were going to say you were going to use your husband's coat to make a coat for your other dog too! lol Someone may as well get the use out of it! lol

[@AlexJudgeSews]

That's a great idea - I might give it a try, but am more likely to just turn it into a skirt I think. Lola doesn't need a coat, but I may wear it myself or see if my son wants it next time he's home 😀❤

[@angienorman5974]

Yes please show your garland!

[@juliecottrell9625]

Hi Alex, from where I’m sitting, the back of the dress looks perfect as well as the colour on you: it just needs a Chunk taking out of each front near the hips. I think it would look fab then.

[@sosewmad]

I absolutely love your style, what beautiful makes, you've inspired me to think about long skirts, something I never wear, but love yours! I think your gut feel is right about the wrap dress, but such a wonderful fabric, as is the new Bella loves pattern. But my favourite is seeing Dobby, he is so lovely, from one sight hound owner to another ❤️❤️

[@AlexJudgeSews]

I still think we need our own special Sighthound sewist crew - there's quite a lot of us out there 😂

[@sosewmad]

@@AlexJudgeSews I'd sign up immediately!

[@deirdretobin6351]

Try taking the sleeves off the Etta and wear a polo neck underneath to provide a contrast with your hair

[@emma__sews]

Love your matching dog coat!

[@hoppaheedahoe2581]

Lovely makes. I love the wrap dress! I think if you shortened the bodice a bit and took it in for a more fitted waist you may like it better. I love it as is and would enjoy wearing it all winter. I like loose fitting dresses so much!! Now I want to make one. Beautiful dog! I have always wanted a mini greyhound, they are so beautiful.

[@philippalincoln2262]

I love the M&M dress on you! It might be how you feel because it’s a looser shape. I love the oversized vibe, I am a bit too petite to pull it off convincingly myself but I think you rock it with those big boots. Maybe you’ll adjust, if not looks as though there’s plenty of fabric for a refashion!

[@Silver_Threads_Sewing]

I love the fabric in the Etta dress. The top part, in my opinion looks great on you. The skirt looks great… I think the middle is the only thing I don’t love. It seems to hit you too low and seems bulky at the gathered waist. The back looks great… if it were a little shorter and the waist a little tighter… I would love it all.

[@littlehills8605]

Great makes Alex. I agree with some others that the waist on the Etta dress could be higher, almost empire line. I like the colour too. Top tip on the Linda dress shoulder issue - make a couple of hidden tabs that wrap round you bra straps at the shoulder that fasten with studs, that will stop them falling down.

[@zakiya_d]

That red lipstick looks amazing with your hair! And I might have to give apolline and bella loves patterns a go

[@pocketortwo9340]

Yes to matching with our dogs!! I didn't know about Simply Fabrics, now browsing their website! Dx

[@AlexJudgeSews]

Danni, you’ll love them. Worth keeping an eye on their stories as the good stiff often goes quickly and they seem to be able to say which designer the fabric is from too

[@kylieharrison3782]

That green on your jacket really made the colour in that 'sad' dress colours and you really pop. So aa seperates that is an idea for what colour item mates could be.

[@jennetthamilton7942]

Love the maxi skirt and the first dress! I really don't get the oversized look. I love the fabric from dress #2, but the dress just looks like a sack. If I were you I'd just take it apart and make a skirt. Now that coat! I love it! It would be so perfect for layering underneath and staying cozy warm. Your dog looks very glamorous in her coat. Your little brown dog reminds me of my daughter's dog Chloe, very sweet, but she just loves food of any kind and it gets her into so much trouble. I dyed my hair last weekend and it's your colour. When I first took the towel off it was a bit of a shock, now a week later I'm starting to love it. Stay warm!

[@jacqpot9413]

Very nice makes that look good on you! I've found the roll-on "glue" called "Stay-On" that is a medical supply works great for keeping straps up or necklines on shoulders. It is water soluble and very easy to use.

[@MarieMadeThis]

You know, whenever I make a dress and end up not liking it but can't work out why, it's usually because the waist is too low on me (regardless of where my actual waist is or where the dress is meant to sit!). Otherwise, it would definitely make a lovely skirt!

[@janebrettell1737]

Hi, lovely to see you back, sorry you haven’t been well. I love the colour combo in the first outfit, I wish I could wear black. Now to the M&M dress, well, I agree the back looks great but the front not so much and I can’t really work out why, however, I think if you leave it as is you won’t wear it, so I’d look to re-fashion it because that’s a lot of fabric and money to waste. As to what to re-fashion it into, well, at least one skirt! I’m sure you’ll get some great inspiration from others and have something or things you will enjoy wearing, I hope so. Take care 😊

[@AlexJudgeSews]

Thanks Jane, it's great to have my thoughts confirmed and yes, I agree the back looks so much better! ❤

[@lesleyjones5455]

Make a skirt and put some border on bottom of the top and have two separates. Love the dog coat and would love a festive make. Go for it. Off to Harrogate Thursday can’t wait for some fabric shopping. Love the floral viscose.

[@sarahmoore6460]

I am wondering if the Linda dress is a bit too wide across the top back?- maybe you could add narrow ties across the shoulders at the back to keep them in place- I have a RTW with a similar shaped neckline and the tie looks pretty. You probably wouldn’t see much of it under your hair anyway. It looks lovely on you so definitely worth the tweaking so that you actually wear it! I agree with another comment, that the print or weave on the Etta dress is emphasizing the horizontal above the gathers at the front. Great video, thanks.

[@alisaknapman1828]

Love them all! The Etta just looks like the bodice needs shortening a bit to bring the waist line up closer to your natural waist

[@jenmoquin]

Hello there! I found your video while doing research on the Etta dress. I'm not sure if you still have it, but for what it's worth, I think you look beautiful in it! But I'm a bit biased as the boxy/loose look is my favorite. May I suggest, since you wanted to wear the dress during fall/winter, to accessorize it with a scarf/cowl/shawl in either a navy blue or hunter green so it cut between the dress and your hair. I totally get how frustrating it is to put time and money in a project and it doesn't come out as you wanted. If you're really set on repurposing the fabric, a maxi skirt would be as beautiful. Hope that help and thank you for your review, it was really helpful!

[@leenstergirl]

I personally really love the Etta dress on you, the oversized look suits you, and even think the colour suits you with your hair colour because I find it brings it out. However if you don’t love how you feel in it, then don’t try to force yourself, only wear what you feel really good in and let it go.

[@AlexJudgeSews]

Thanks Eileen ❤❤

[@bab275]

I think the wrap dress looks great but you know I am a forest witch and love a massive dress. I think it looks really good when you put your hair up - probably because it shows more skin and your skin is so light that the contrast with the dark dress is gorgeous!

[@AlexJudgeSews]

😂😂 it's more you than it is me, it's heading for some quality time with my seam ripper - or maybe a swift chop 😘

[@ayolag]

Great makes! You made the Etta perfectly as intended. I prefer an A line style to boxy for a comfortable roomy dress. M&M has such lovely detail in their patterns but alas the style is not for me. Also love the pups!

[@catherinejoycespillane6414]

I love all the parkas !

[@AlexJudgeSews]

😘

[@zornikzornuk3187]

Nice try on, the floral dress looks great, thanks for sharing

[@skoop0808]

Your clothes are lovely! With the double gauze dress, it looks too big around the waist. I think your idea of making a skirt sounds good. That would also solve the problem of the fabric not going with your hair. 🙃Anyway, I love seeing all the clothes you make, even the less successful ones! They aren't awful, just need tweaking. Thank you for another lovely vlog!!

[@derynporter5287]

I love the material of the Etta dress and I agree with your daughter about wearing your hair up. I also agree with you that the back looks lovely. I think there are three problems with the front. I noticed that the bodice of the navy dress in the photo was a bit shorter than yours and that made a difference. Secondly the bodice is too wide and lastly the placement of the checks at the front seam means that there is a significant stripe of red that emphasises the width. I always have a problem with baggy styles and find I have to go down several sizes in order to feel comfortable in them.

[@AlexJudgeSews]

All great points, thanks so much ❤

[@magsohara7908]

Hi Alex. Love the skirt. The Linda will be fab once you deal with the naughty shoulders I think. The Etta could have been one size down maybe but I’d be tempted to take in the sides and reduce the circumference of the skirt part. Definitely wear your hair in a pony or at least away from your face because you’re right your hair does blend in. Take Dave’s coat to bits and remake it for yourself and then you and the pup will definitely be matching 😂😂 Enjoy your sewing week 🤓🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@tammymasson2343]

I thought you looked very nice in the Etta dress, but I know one needs to feel like themself in order to be truly comfortable and confident. Maybe just cinch it in a bit. I thought the colors looked fine on you. You do a marvelous job choosing great colors and prints for yourself! I ❤️ love the billowy sleeves on the other dress! Oh my goodness! Simply fabulous! I have seen someone make little loops that fasten with snaps or velcro that are sewn on the inside of the shoulder seams to encase the bra straps, and therefore hold the sleeves in place and keep them from slipping off the shoulders. Maybe that would be helpful.

[@emikon103]

The Etta dress fabric looks beautiful on you. The fabric is made for your skin and hair color. It may be that the bodice is too low. If you had a few inches less on the bodice, the gathered skirt would hit you higher and you would feel better. The pattern styling is flattering to taller ladies like yourself. You can carry the style. Don’t give up on it.

[@EileenR11]

Some great makes. Loved the matching dog coat. With the M&Mills dress, I think the colour could be made to pop and to suit you better with an Esme-style statement necklace or a very fine central scarf - but it also did look better when your hair was up. I think it's still too oversized for you. I would suggest moving both tie fittings 2 - 3 inches towards the back so it could be pulled closer. I think that would make it sit better on you and still have the general floaty aesthetic. I would really like to see the Christmas garlands.

[@opheliabells]

With the wrap dress you could throw on a black blazer and put your hair up in a loose bun style but yeah it does seem bulky in front but the back is fitted.

[@threadtherapy251]

The wrap dress would look better as a skirt I think- wear it with a black roll neck. Something about the checks on the front waist looks wonky and creates an illusion which might be adding to the issue. I always like oversized things on other people but hate them on me 😂 The coats are fabulous! And I love those wide leg trousers!

[@janet6114]

I think it looks fabulous! I don’t know if you are similar but I don’t like wearing too much fabric because I don’t like the weight and feels like too much volume. I don’t mind the weight of a coat though 😊

[@mbiggart7924]

I agree with other comments regarding the Etta dress. Love the fabric, and can appreciate the style, but seems a bit voluminous on you. Would love to see the fabric garlands!

[@katep2382]

Hi Alex, love the Bella loves patterns dress and the fabric on the Etta dress, although I think maybe the bodice would look better more fitted & waist line higher. Thanks very much for the tip about Paul at Longsite Market, have bought the same fabric for a big sleeve shirt for my daughter. And some for me of course!!

[@janspenno2241]

Oooh TN31. Lovely! I have that to make.

[@bluegrassdreams2seams510]

Love your skirt! The full sleeves on the second dress were really pretty. You can always adjust the elastic more. Cheryl

[@AlexJudgeSews]

Yes, that's today's job 😂. If I don't do it immediately I'll end up in the pile of doom ❤

[@physioontheriver7325]

I like the Etta dress but I think it would suit you better if brought in a bit at the sides and also taken up a bit in length. I think the basic style suits you but just needs to be a bit more fitted ( and perhaps reduce the skirt gathering a bit so there’s a little less volume once brought in at sides).

[@jhenderson2286]

I think the way the crossover on the Etta Dress is an obvious slope (from top left to bottom right on the video), it drags the look downwards. That dragginess is then exacerbated by your hair, and the fullness of the skirt. When you put your hair up it completely changes the look - there is more focus on the neck, everything is uplifted. Also, your hair looks great up! I'm not a fan of crossover dresses, or MM patterns for that matter! I think your hacked skirt looks lovely on you, as does the coat. I LOVE your dogs!

[@AlexJudgeSews]

yes, I'd forgotten about the front until I saw the video. It looks off somehow, but I actually spent time getting everything on grain. If it kept it as it is (which I don't think I will). I'd unpick the front. Hey ho 😬❤

[@jhenderson2286]

@@AlexJudgeSews I didn't mean there was a problem with grain/your sewing, just that the style lines of crossover dresses kind of pull the eye down in general.

[@mariepeterson7250]

Another thought about the Merchant and Mills dress. Why not wear a very light weight, narrow knit shawl at the neck in colour to match the background? Around the neck very casually, not around the shoulders. That would be quite easy.

[@julieannemooreedwards9909]

Oh, Alex, that COAT!😍 Regarding the gauze dress: I see what you mean...perhaps take out some of the bulk at, the waist?😉❤️

[@chlomo2618]

The Etta has to go - the fact you couldn't stand wearing it for another minute proves that. I feel the same way about oversized garments, and I know the exact feeling of autumnal colours that theoretically work just being all a bit too much with red hair! I know you love making shirts, so I'd suggest re-using the Etta fabric to make a knee-length-ish shirt dress/tunic like the Closet Core Kalle (an oversize pattern in itself, be warned, but not on this scale). A long shirt like that works great with thermal leggings/long socks/boots, especially in a double gauze - that would be so deliciously cosy. Wearing your hair up (try just twisting it up and using a 90s style claw clip to secure; super easy and one 90s trend that I'm thrilled is back) will help break up the colour, as will having quite a few buttons undone to balance the print with a flash of skin (or wear a lighter or contrasting coloured scarf if it's too cold for décolletage).

[@AlexJudgeSews]

You're so right I was desperate to take it off! Brilliant suggestions, thanks so much ❤. My hair is too thick for claw clips, actually, it needs a good chop 😂🙏❤

[@chlomo2618]

@@AlexJudgeSews My hair is fairly long and thick too and I've got some hefty claw clips from Amazon that can handle my mane. Not putting pressure on you to join Team Claw Clip, just an FYI 😄

[@mrs_h_makes]

I know how you feel about M&M patterns… they look great on other people. I’m a short hour glass…. Their patterns make me look like I’m wearing tents… or that I’m 300 months pregnant

[@mariontilton8494]

Hi Alex. I think the wrap dress seems to have way too much fabric on the side opposite the tie. I feel if you reduced by a handful it would fit much better and be acceptable. My opinion.😯

[@lizsheridan5357]

Fabulous makes as always, I tend to have the urge to copy you after seeing your gear. I have just finished making the wilder gown in a double gauze and while not as oversized as the Etta its just wearing me and I have got to get it into my head not to make this style anymore no matter how lovely it is on others. The Etta isn't great as you have said yourself but I'm sure you can salvage the fabric with some of the suggestions on here. The skirt Cappriccioli is so you as is the Linda and both fit the aesthetic that includes those great trousers you have been making but its always good to experiment as thats how we eventually nail it........

[@AlexJudgeSews]

I wonder if it's partly down to the nature of double gauze? I love the Wilder, but have avoided it for the same reason. Experimenting is so much easier when it didn't take hours to make the thing 😫😂❤

[@juliastockhausen7173]

I love the fabrics For your first two pieces. It's the size of the print that is nice. The M&M wrap dress looks too big on you. Not bad from the back however the front is just not flattering. If you wanted to take it in and ? raise the waistline. I would shorten it too so that there is some contrast...such as your legs.

[@fabkreations]

Love all the outfits, I work in Abakhan Birkenhead so Yay for the mention, even though I'm guessing your local is our Manchester branch x

[@AlexJudgeSews]

I bought it in Liverpool, so close! My son is at Uni there, so I try to tack on a visit to Abakhan when I give him a lift 😀

[@amierikke6225]

I love your wrapped dress! I wouldn’t do anything to it. That’s how it was designed. The color is ok with your hair also, but maybe just a simple braid or bun?

[@maggiecawthorn5653]

Love the skirt , coat and fitted dress, all such beautiful colours and they really suit you. I felt the same as you about the Etta, it seems to sit out at the waist, and despite the wrap because it is so loose it looks like you might flash your bra if you lean forward. you could made a lovely skirt from it. The Bargain viscose is fabulous it looks expensive and I’ll look forward to seeing more. Did you get to Birmingham or did the cold stop you, I didn’t. It would be great to have a closer meet up. Glad you’re feeling better

[@RavenStealstheNight]

Joli lab, does a skirt just like what you've made, its called Mint. I love the colours of the first outfit. The second dress is gorgeous. I'm definitely going to have to order this. I *LOVE* your greyhound Dobby's coat. I love greyhounds. We have two, Dobby-long-legs and Goldi. And YES, to the fabric Christmas garland.

[@AlexJudgeSews]

There's definitely a sighthound owners/sewists cross over, so many of us have the gangly ones in our lives 😀❤

[@kk_med5416]

I understand what you mean about the Etta dress. I made a similar style dress the Reggie from Seamwork an American pattern maker. The plaid didn’t pattern match well and appeared was wonky at the seams. I had to unpick it and fiddle a lot with it to make it wearable. The drape of the double gauze seems limited which may be another reason why the waist looks wide on you. Ties to pull the waist around you more is a good idea I saw mentioned below.

[@AlexJudgeSews]

Yep, I didn't think through the fabric choice properly 😢😂❤

[@fionagoswell7839]

I think I would make a skirt from the lower section and pair it with a black top and black boots. Love the dog coat. Lovely greyhound or whippet - seems to be popular breed amongst sewists - I have 2.

[@cindyhappel7376]

I really love the back of the wrap dress, but the front does need some fitting. Maybe make some darts in the bodice so it’s more fitted, and I might take a black fabric and put a binding on the two wrap sections in the front giving it some contrast.

[@marilynkelly315]

Love your dog coat - and your coat is fabulous. I bought the Etta tried a quick toile of the bodice and abandoned it, so keen to see yours. I think you should separate and maybe create a panelled maxi skirt - think you would need to shape the bodice, with darts if you have any hope of making it wearable but because of the colouring you blend in - it’s not you. Love the other makes and your dress is very flattering 😘😘

[@AlexJudgeSews]

You're right Marilyn, at the moment it's just not me 😢😂

[@39houndsteps]

Hi Alex. I love the first skirt. The slim-ish long skirt is great on you. The colour is phenomenal. The styling was ‘chef’s kiss’. 10/10. I also love the Linda dress, particularly the bodice and fitted waist and (again) slim-ish skirt. The sleeves are next level🥰. The only thing I would change is to make the skirt longer - more like the length of the first skirt which I think is a great look on you (see above comments😋)….But….that can’t be changed and it does look great as it is. Another win IMO (after droopy shoulders are fixed of course 😒). However…….I am not a fan of the Etta. On any level. I don’t think the oversized look is great and I don’t like the design at all. I honestly don’t even think it is attractive on the models that the pattern chose. And I favour a more fitted profile on you (my opinion only!). You DO have the height and figure to rock a long, lean look. Why waste it in a sack🤦‍♀️. The fabric is, yes, too similar to your hair. And just far too much of it. Funnily enough, once you put the green coat over the top and just had the peek of fabric out from underneath, the colour of the Etta was great. Well, lots of fabric there for a refashion! Your dog coat was very spiffy. I wish my cat would wear a coat🤷🏼‍♀️ Love your content.❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@joannebanks2147]

Hello Alex The dress looks like you could take it in a little more Still make it loose but not so huge I made a dress McCall's 8281 in light chambray denim and it was the same I sized down but I think I should have taken volume out of the skirt it's loose but it adds inches around me I made skirt panels a little smaller less gathering it helped I think with your beautiful hair you should tie it up or if I had your hair I would wear it in a trendy angle bob chin length very chic its a beautiful style Its lovely fabric so with a little adjustment I would wear it Happy sewing Take care

[@silvial2089]

Considering you couldn't stand wearing your Etta dress while making your vid, it's really not going to work as is despite anyone else's opinion. I love the fabric and you've got a great idea to turn it into a skirt. Why not 80s it up with a yoke (to play with the plaid), gathers and perhaps draft some cargo pockets? Play with it now that plan A didn't work out. It could be fabulous!

[@TheWanderingSewist]

💐

[@clairec20]

Wrap dress is lovely, how about a polo or turtle neck in the pale green or a cream ( or black)that’s one of the colours in squared fabric in the dress underneath ? Reuse hubbies coat and make a new one for you .💕

[@susanconnolly8556]

Love watching your videos, very inspiring. For the wrap dress, if you had made the size 10 , with it being over sized you might not have had the extra bulk on the sides. Also if you take out the gathers on the front panels there would be less bulk and it might be more streamlined. Or if you put tie backs to pull the sides in, that might work too. Hope that helps.

[@AlexJudgeSews]

Yes! Thank you! I think I've learnt that oversized isn't for me 😄❤

[@karenjcosme]

Wow! The Etta dress is so lovely. If you haven’t tossed it, I’m thinking the loose and airy feel might be resolved with a nice pair of leggings or thick pair of hosiery.

[@gayprendergast7102]

Alex why don't you take the gathers out of overlap at front....maybe leave a flat panel down the centre.

[@sewing-Susan]

In my opinion re: the Etta dress another size smaller would look better. Maybe the fact that double gauze sticks out mite than the other versions you showed. Otherwise, it has a lot of room for layering underneath on a cold day! I like it.

[@corajohnson1885]

Add a lighter shade maybe pecan or palest peach tank under to show in the v make one with ruffles to y ones.

[@andrearyan816]

I agree, make a skirt with the double gauze. It would balance your hair colour with a solid colour on top. The dress is wearing you, rather than you wearing the dress if that makes sense and I hope not too rude to say that.

[@AlexJudgeSews]

No, not rude at all it's really helpful to have my fears confirmed 😘

[@katemoore1391]

Love the skirt, great idea to layer up. Do you find the viscose sticks to tights/leggings although I suppose it doesn't really matter. Thought I might use the Chalk and Notch Evelyn skirt to create the same effect.

[@patriciaoswalt6464]

I suggest you convert the wrap dress to a wrap skirt, it is just too much fabric. Yes, please share your garland!

[@sewmuchsewing]

Hi Alex, I love the Etta Dress. I wonder if the skirt was raised ie so the waist sits a bit higher on you? And perhaps a bit taken off across the width of the front at the waistline?