Saltwater vs Sicily: The Battle of Slip Dresses Reveal Vlog in collaboration with Sewn On The Tyne

Hello everyone and welcome back to So What If I Sew for a special bank holiday vlog! Today I am delighted to bring you the second instalment in a very exciting collaboration between myself and Tamlyn ‪@SewnontheTyne‬ where we put two well-known slip dress patterns to the test!
That's right the battle of the slip dresses is coming to a thrilling conclusion and to celebrate we've teamed up with the lovely folks at Rainbow Fabrics Kilburn to offer three lucky people on each of our channels a £25 voucher! Watch the vlog for details on how to enter this exciting giveaway. Please note the giveaway will end at 23:59 on Sunday 8th May.
Just to refresh your memory, Tamlyn and I set out to make both the Sicily Slip Dress AND the Saltwater Slip and today we will be sharing our finished garments as well as our thoughts on the patterns.
I hope you enjoyed this collaboration, let me know your thoughts in the comments below and head over to Tamlyn's channel to check out her finished garments (linked below) and don't forget if you enjoyed this vlog to like, share, and subscribe if you want to hear more from me!
Tamlyn's Reveal Vlog: • Sicily vs Saltwater - ...
Mentioned in Vlog:
Sicily Slip Dress thefoldline.co....
Saltwater Slip fridaypatternc....
Rainbow Fabrics Kilburn www.rainbowfab...
SewSewSew sewsewsew.co.u....
Tammy Handmade Jessica Slip Dress www.tammyhandm...
If you would like to support my work feel free to buy me a coffee on Ko-Fi over at ko-fi.com/sowh...
Music: bensound.com
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[@addiekl]

The bias cut is intended to skim your curves, not hug them, and it looks to fit your shape quite well as designed. The bias cut creates some stretch in non-stretch fabric (that was the innovation of the bias cut before stretch fabrics existed) but it cannot hug your curves and keep the stretch properties that the diagonally cut fabric provides. I'm not sure what you were looking for but slip dresses generally are you not meant to be very fitted, especially at the waist, unless they are a 1950's waisted style which is more intended to wear under a dress and not be worn on it's own. For the bust fit, you may need to add a dart for a FBA, which I believe can be done, but isn't very common on a bias cut bodice. The silver dress is beautiful on you and the length is perfect (You'll lose some of the bias shaping that flairs the skirt hem out at the bottom if you make it too short.) but you're not used to seeing yourself in this silhouette. You might like it more as separates, a narrow elastic waist skirt will bring in the "excess" at the waist and you could pair it with a more fitted top. Good luck!

[@sjl5118]

Great video, Jess. I think the Sicily dress is my favourite on both Tamlyn and you. Well sewn ☺️

[@hayleyringrose2206]

I think that both of you ladies looked lovely in your dresses, the Sicily did suit you better Jess as the other was too baggy for your small frame without ties to nip you in. Can’t wait to see the Jessica one made up 😊 I love the look of the Azure blue ditsy floral sustainable soft viscose challis at Rainbow Fabrics x

[@jasminhenzi988]

Thank you so much for reviewing my Sicily pattern, I think both dresses looked stunning on you🥰

[@reginaharrison9626]

I think the Sicily slip dress looked stunning on you.

[@emilyfsews]

I loved the longer Sicily Slip on you and the fabric looked like an absolute dream 😍 love the colour! But I also love the short version on you too! I understand the frustration with the larger bust too! Would be interesting to see your thoughts/review on the Tammy Handmade and wonder if you could lengthen the camisole top into a slip 🤔 I would love to try and make a slip dress myself and would love the zebra print viscose satin from Rainbow Fabrics 😀

[@annwilson4160]

I absolutely love the silver dress I think it really suits you, I love the mono irregular dots viscose challis fabric from rainbow fabrics.

[@kaylespiller317]

I think the Sicily looks amazing! I really like the Off-White/Orange Vine Floral Ecovero Viscose Crepe fabric from rainbow fabrics 😄

[@LisaFaiss]

I think the Sicily dress was perfect on you. It is elegant and would be great for special occasions in the longer length. I think the longer version showed off your curves in subtle way. The shorter version is more flirty and a great date night dress. The color looks good with your skin tone and hair color. Also liked Saltwater but agree you need the ties.

[@robertahoward428]

That Sicily is lovely! Looking at the website I love the look of the Annalise Lavender floral ecovero viscose crepe - so pretty!

[@SewnontheTyne]

Thank you so much for collabing with me again - I loved it! Definitely try the longer Saltwater with the waist ties. It's dreamy and I think it will really suit you. Can't wait to hear your thoughts on the Jessica too xx

[@ellybrown4004]

All about the Sicily - though have seen some cute-ass saltwater slips with waist ties that look so 90s grunge and make me want to make a million of them. My fave rainbow fabrics Kilburn fabric is the ginger satin tencel... Such a beaut colour!

[@robinhudson6800]

I understand what you are saying with the fit of the dresses. I have the Leona Dress pattern from Tammy Handmade and it looks to have more shaping, I haven't made it yet. I love the deep V and think it should work for my barely A cup😂

[@emilyfsews]

I’ve made the Leona in a similar fabric to the picture on the pattern because I loved the look! I had to add some darts because of a bigger bust, but I love the dress! Especially the low cut! It’s a simple quick sew too, and it normally takes me ages to make anything 😂

[@sarahstockman8025]

Both dresses look lovely but the Sicily is my favourite on you, you were so right to make it shorter. I would like to try the Saltwater and love the black and white periwinkle polka floral viscose at Rainbow fabrics. A great collaboration really interesting to see the same pattern on different body shapes, thanks for sharing.

[@sewsmall6020]

I really like the saltwater! I’m not so sure how I would get on with the cowl neckline. And rainbow fabrics have some lush black background viscoses (one with Hearts and one with stars) which would fill a gap in my wardrobe. Lovely dresses Jess! X

[@noshrinkingviolet1]

I love the Sicily on you but in the longer length you look gorgeous in it🙂 I like the neon pink/blue leaf viscose challis on the rainbow fabrics

[@rebeccawalker5295]

Hi I think they both look great on you, thanks for the vlog. I love the azure blue viscose from rainbow fabrics 🥰

[@prof_pudge]

I am a fan of the bias cut Sicily dress. It looks fantastic on you. I think it would look amazing in the MARIGOLD PAISLEY VISCOSE CHALLIS fabric from Rainbow Fabrics! Thank you for the opportunity to enter!

[@emma__sews]

I think the sicily slip dress looks fabulous, very flattering 👌🏼😍

[@carolwebb9948]

Looking forward to seeing your next slip dress version. Very helpful comments and review, thank you. My favourite fabric is currently the periwinkle viscose.

[@emmamatthews3819]

The Sicily dress looks lovely on you! I've just ordered the Saltwater slip for a more casual look, can't wait to get stuck in after seeing you two making it 🙂 I think this fabric would look great as a Saltwater Slip from Rainbow Fabrics, and it will go with any colour top underneath too! BLACK/BEIGE STAR ECOVERO VISCOSE CREPE 🤩x

[@adelebull7175]

The Sicily is definitely my favourite on you and shortening it was the right way to go. The longer length, although lovely, was a bit of an aging style...flaunt what you've got! Being older I would choose the Saltwater for myself but thanks to you and Tamlyn I will definitely make it in a viscose or cotton!! My favourite fabric at Rainbow Fabrics is the Kelsie green & peach floral organic cotton...sadly it is sold out 😪 so I might have to opt for the olive green tiger cotton instead.

[@susanjenningsjones]

Lovely dresses. I love the white/green floral soft viscose challis on Rainbow 🌈 fabrics.

[@kacoa532]

Hi Jess, I think both dresses look great on you but I really like the cowl best. Rainbow fabrics has so many beautiful fabrics, but I’m a sucker for anything purple😁

[@kerrybarrick1046]

I think the Sicily dress on you is lovely. My current fav fabric from Rainbow fabrics is the black and stone mini star ecovero viscose crepe.

[@alycstone]

Thanks so much for sharing your thoughts on the patterns - such a shame you aren't completely happy with either but I think you look amazing! I have bought the saltwater recently and cant wait to get that sewn up. I love the green ditsy print viscose challis! x

[@annekelman6856]

To get the grey coloured one to fit the way you want redraft your pattern adding 1/4" to 3/8" to front bodice side seam at the bust which would give you 1/2 " to 3/4" extra and also deduct 1/4" from both the front and back bodice side seams at the waist which would deduct 1" total or decide how much ease you want in both areas then alter your pattern to those measurements. Hope that helps x

[@432angiepangie]

I love watching your vids! Your sewing videos have inspired me to attempt to have a more me made wardrobe!

[@thebrumstitcher495]

The Sicily looks beautiful on you, very classy! My favourite fabric is the white/green floral viscose challis 😊

[@clarehallissey9135]

Hi, Great video and good discussion I agreed with your comments on both dresses. I preferred the Sicily slip dress on you it looked lovely. Maybe try the saltwater slip dress with waist ties to give you more definition at your waist. Thank you for vlogging about your experience of both patterns. My favourite fabric from rainbow fabrics is blue leopard ecovero viscose crepe.

[@elizabethscoot6804]

Thanks for a great informative vlog especially regarding the bust sizing on the Saltwater slip dress. Both looked lovely on you 😍 but definitely agree with you about the waist ties on the Saltwater and the shorter length on the Sicily. Favourite on you would have to be the Sicily 👏🏻 My fave fabric at the moment from Rainbow fabrics 🌈 is the WHITE/GREEN FLORAL SUSTAINABLE SOFT VISCOSE CHALLIS 🙂 Enjoy all of your video’s, thanks for taking the time to make them. Lil xx

[@SewLikeDotty]

The Sicily is very you and 100% the shorter version is stunning I love the pink star with hearts in ecovero from rainbow 🌈 fabrics

[@farrL23]

Interesting discussion- I have the saltwater slip (long version) cut out and ready to go, hoping it fits well and suits so I can make several for the nicer weather!! My current fav fabric from rainbowfabrics the willis ditsy purple and red floral ecovero viscose x

[@rtblade4]

I am brand new to sewing and am so happy to have found you! Both dresses are so cute! I really like the casual comfort of the saltwater dress. I would like it in a pretty black paisley fabric from Rainbow fabrics!

[@kAtA12p]

The Sicily dress looks lovely on you.. I love ANNALISE LAVENDER FLORAL ECOVERO VISCOSE CREPE at Rainbow Fabrics.

[@terrieschafer8092]

Very nice makes and style on you. I would prefer the saltwater patterns. A fabric i liked probably not great for this dress is Mustard and Blue floral cotton.

[@rachellynncreates2703]

I like the Sicily on you. The Saltwater felt more of a sack dress. Edited to add; there is this floral polka bouquet viscose from Rainbow fabrics. With orange flowers and clusters of dots, that I thought was lovely. If they deliver to the us…. I might have to get it even if I don’t win!

[@lucykelland9054]

I prefer the sicily slip on you but if it was for myself I would get the saltwater slip dress. Fabric I like off rainbow fabrics at the minute would be the red-white-navy tartan check wool mix as I'm looking for something suitable to make a shacket out of. This looks perfect x

[@geraldinegorman9597]

I love the Scilly dress on you. What fabric did u make it from? Great video. Thank you. My fav fabric is Rosie Blue floral viscose crepe.

[@lucymyatt1335]

The Sicily looks fab on you, especially with the shorter length! I’ve been wanting to try the saltwater slip in the longer length and think it would look great with the mono irregular spot ecovero viscose challis from rainbow fabrics! Looking forward to seeing how you get on with the Jessica slip!

[@hemaalam5977]

I think I prefer the Slatwater dress too. I like the purple floral statin form Rainbow Fabrics and think it would look great as a Saltwater slip

[@cdavies125]

I think I prefer the Sicily on you. My favourite fabric on Rainbow Fabrics atm is the Lizzie pink and yellow floral ecovero viscose crepe

[@hoppaheedahoe2581]

I love the biased cut Sicily dress. I don’t think it would look nice on my curvy body but I may try it. For the contest, I love the pink flamingo viscose challis fabric😍. I like your honest review. What type of fabric would you use for the next saltwater? I also have regrets in fabric choices of patterns and it makes me lose enthusiasm for the pattern.

[@Mbalter69]

I like them both though I have not sewn either. I feel like the Saltwater would be more versatile (everyday) so would probably be the preferable option for me to sew if I were to chose for myself. You looked great in both. The fabric I think I would like to sew with from Rainbow would be SETTLE PALE BLUE & YELLOW STRIPE COTTON LINEN as I have been itching to sew up a pair of linen trousers (haven't settled on a pattern just yet). Thanks for the video.

[@hellojossews4582]

Love the Sicily slip dress! Fav fabric is the light pink heavy linen - really want to make a nice blazer and that would be perfect!

[@judithtaylor5429]

Thank you for sharing your honest views on these patterns. It was interesting to hear how you found issues for your own personal fit and style. Your video really sounds like a real person chatting about their makes, rather than an advert in disguise. I think the Sicily looks fab on you, but from what you were saying about how you feel in the dress, I am guessing the Tammy Handmade one may be more your thing. It made me smile that you want to appreciate having legs while you are still young. I hope you carry on wearing what you like when you get older! I would say the melinda spot rust ecovero viscose crepe from rainbow fabrics kilburn would be a good pick for me.

[@SoWhatIfISew]

Thank you! I'm glad you enjoyed the vlog ❤

[@myrtlecatchpole8089]

Sadly, I'm too old for slip dresses but if I were 30 years younger, I would make the Sicily. My top half is curvy but I have narrow hips for a girl so bias cut skirts sit very nicely on me. The Rainbow Fabric I'm currently lusting after is the ANNALISE LAVENDER FLORAL ECOVERO VISCOSE CREPE. I wear a lot of black but the pretty flowers would be my perfect nod to summer. I love the colours.

[@janevellenderartist]

Both look good, like the cowl neck very much but probably like the saltwater best , agree a tie would be a great addition. Favourite fabric at rainbow fabrics currently olive tiger print cotton.

[@lisart2488]

Great dresses, so versatile. I'd make a slip dress from the ROSIE BLUE FLORAL ECOVERO VISCOSE CREPE from Rainbow Fabrics.

[@SonyaandSidney]

You could use your saltwater for sleep wear a thin belt with it for day wear.

[@ruthwilson6524]

Looking forward to seeing the Tammy handmade slip dress. I think the green and white ditsy daisy viscose would make a lovely slip dress

[@sewkanna5723]

The longer version sicily is very elegant but the shorter one is more modern/youthful. I love rainbow 🌈 fabrics ditsy viscose challis.

[@vondafunderburk4463]

The Sicily dress looked great on you! The Azure Blue Ditsy Floral Fabric soft viscose challis from Rainbow Fabrics would be gorgeous to make a Saltwater Slip dress.

[@morganbell8200]

The Sicily looked great on you. I’ve had the pattern a while and never got round to trying it. I’m eyeing up the PINK & LILAC FLORAL SUSTAINABLE SOFT VISCOSE CHALLIS from rainbow fabrics. I think it would make such a cute summer Sicily!

[@lorrainewhiting1267]

The Sicily dress looks fab I think it really suits you, would look lovely in a red on you. The fabric I love is the Azure ditty floral in blue.

[@bettymakesclub8011]

I was never interested in the sicily slip dress until just now seeing it on you! I’m quite a bit larger than you but curvy and I might try it!! Also you are so right about the larger cup on the smaller sizes. There should be more effort. I’m larger but smaller busted so sometimes the larger sizes just assume large bust which annoys me.

[@laurabrennan3088]

I was originally thinking the Saltwater, but your versions have me edging towards the Sicily. Either one i'd make in the Azure Blue Ditsy Floral viscose from rainbow fabrics as I've been lusting after that one since the last fabric drop.

[@CharlotteGraceSews]

I love the Sicily, it elegantly skims your curves, although a slight bust adjustment is needed to stop the pull across the bust area. I love the white/green viscose challis from rainbow fabrics 💚🤍

[@visuellElle]

I prefer the Sicily slip dress. My favourite fabric from rainbow fabrics is RUST GINGER TENCEL SATIN

[@ann-mariesews5172]

I think the Sicily looks lovely on you, even more so in the shorter length. I do however completely understand your reservations about both dresses, I too have found clothes that are loose around the waist don't feel flattering on me. Good luck with your Jessica I look forward to seeing your thoughts on it.

[@SoWhatIfISew]

Thank you for such a lovely comment ❤

[@josmith1192]

I think the Sicily slip dress has the potential to be really glamorous but probably not on me at the moment. As you say it’s not the silhouette you are looking for. I really like the Rosie Blue floral ecovero viscose crepe.

[@merrylsearle881]

I would love the blue leopard ecovero viscose crepe from Rainbow Fabrics.

[@lindsaym8546]

I loved this collaboration and the dresses you both made which were fabulous 🤩 (but I would want waist ties on a Saltwater too!). My current favourite Fabric at Rainbow fabrics is the kelsie green and peach floral organic cotton....which is sold out 😢

[@shirleyknight8946]

I love both dresses on you. My choice would be a longer length saltwater slip dress as it is so versatile. I would make this up in the BLACK-WHITE PERIWINKLE POLKA FLORAL SUSTAINABLE SPUN VISCOSE . This is my favourite fabric at Rainbow Fabrics.

[@Sew4serenity]

Lovely honesty comments! I love the AZURE BLUE DITSY FLORAL SUSTAINABLE SOFT VISCOSE CHALLIS from rainbow fabrics x

[@adeleseaman5004]

I can see that the saltwater will definitely improve with the waist ties. I'd choose the lydia green and pink in the viscose crepe from rainbow fabrics x

[@kathygann7632]

The longer silver dress was very glamorous. The shorter one is fun, but not elegant.

[@sew_So_beautiful]

I think the Sicily slip dress is gorgeous, but I tend to be bias towards that kind of neckline and colour. I don't find the straight neckline like on the Saltwater slip dress flattering on anyone really, especially if you have a bust, and I do. So I wouldn't mind trying the Sicily slip dress. I don't have the waist definition that you do, or as large a cup size, so it might work for me. As for Rainbow Fabrics, Kilbourne, I love all their fabrics, so it's hard to narrow it down to just one , so I narrowed it down to two. I love the Olive Green Tiger Cotton, and the Kelsie Green and Peach floral Organic cotton, not for the slip dress but just because I can't get them out of my mind. Lol.

[@anessaharris9947]

🇨🇦😃 I don’t know if this is open to people in Canada but I love the Sicily and my favourite fabric from rainbow is the black and white French terry… it’s hard to find here 😃

[@derynporter5287]

I think the Saltwater Slip would be nicer on you if made in a different fabric. My favourite fabric at Rainbow Fabrics, in fact I just bought some, is the light blue heavy cotton linen, with which I will make a York Pinafore (my slip dress days are over!)

[@shelleykearney4212]

Hi Jess, I love the pastel blue on you. I can’t decide between the patterns. They are so similar but also totally different functions I.e day wear or a sexy going out dress. I would love a Sicily in a Teal leopard viscous morracain Rainbow fabrics x

[@EileenR11]

Very interesting, and I look forward to seeing the concluding vlog. My instinct on watching this is that it doesn't distinguish between fitting and fabric issues as opposed to pattern design and construction. I am 5'1 and my problem area is my tummy. I wouldn't criticise a pattern because it was too long out if the packet or a bit tight just below the waist. I would expect to make my personal standard fitting adjustments and maybe treat the first go as a wearable toile. Personally I thought the Sicily dress looked fabulous on you and really suits you and can't see the flaws you mention. Yes there is a bit of ease at the waist but as you move around it moulds to your shape and looks great. Some things are better worn than in still images.

[@pinkpaulasews4929]

I’m sorry that neither dress was perfect for you. It’s interesting what you say re cup sizing because I’m 34E and usually get away with regular sizing with no FBA but when the FPC offered a D cup option on the square neck top I tried size S and it was massive with the bust dart apex at least 5cm lower that where it needed to be 🤔. I’ve brought lots recently from Rainbow Fabrics but like to try the ginger tencel satin fabric 😍

[@SoWhatIfISew]

I'm so glad its not just me!

[@CazPiranha]

The saltwater slip 100% a size too big on you. I think I that’s not uncommon with friday pattern Co? I’m guessing from the way you’re talking about the bust darts that you don’t routinely have to make adjustments there (as a fat busty person, everything gets adjusted before making!). My fave fabric offering is currently the irregular dotty ecovero. I adore that , so lovely to work with!

[@SoWhatIfISew]

Yeah I've definitely found that before with FPC patterns! I didn't do an FBA as usual because of the larger cup size option in the pattern but I think I'll just adjusting it and making a size down when I make the long version! Thanks for watching xx

[@helengilbert541]

Maybe you should turn the saltwater into a cami top length.

[@pipskilou]

Such a shame you’re disappointed with your dresses. I know the frustration when you’ve spent time and energy making something that doesn’t tick all the boxes you’d hoped. However I think that the Sicily looks fab on your figure. I think it looks exactly as it should - however its got to feel comfortable for you and your lifestyle. I think the zebra print viscose from Rainbow Fabrics would look fab in a slip dress.