The Named Patterns Kielo Wrap Dress came out, when…forever ago? I wanted it from the get-go, but I really wanted it with sleeves…then they released a sleeve pattern hack..and I still waited. That was silly of me.
I’m really loving it. My black long version was made on March 8, 2018. I wear it a lot…it’s like a secret snuggie. I’ve been trying to wear my makes a bit before I blog them…like on purpose. lol. I feel I can give a better personal review if I live in my makes a bit.
Obligatory flying squirrel shot.
My first version is a heavier weight fabric than recommended. It’s a Robert Kaufman cotton ponte from Modern Domestic – I bought all of what they had but there are some other great knits in the store. I love the fabric for this dress. In the Pacific NW, we have a lot of 60ish degree days with cloud cover, like today, and the Kielo with sleeves in a heavier knit is perfect.
This original make is cut as-is. I don’t recall, I think I cut a straight size US 10. FBAs, swayback adjustment, and height added above waist are my normal adjustments, but being knit and Named has a taller base block, I didn’t make any adjustments. You can see, tied in back above, and tied in front below, I’m getting quite a bit of pooling in the swayback area.
Less so in the tied front, however, in this front shot, you can see I certainly need an FBA, and bust dart adjustment:
and here:
But most obvious here, from the side:
Close up, with lines so you can see on the black:
I added in a broad shoulder adjustment too, but probably could have skipped it. I shaved about 2.5 inches total out of the back, made an FBA, and used a lighter weight fabric on the second version.
I think I prefer the longer version, but the fit adjustments make the chest feel much better. Note: I normally where this second version with leggings and tennis shoes.
Busier fabric makes it harder to see, but the bust fits much better.
Hoping the crows above in the giant fir tree don’t poop on me….
Side shot, tied in back, much less pooling in the swayback area:
and back:
Some close-ups and lines for visibility:
same shot with lines – you can see here I can shave a half-inch back off of those shoulders:
Just a tiny bit of expected volume:
Better shot of moved bust dart and FBA:
That dart was just dropped ever so slightly – larger bust=more area to cover.
This was my first Named Patterns, and being on the tall side of the spectrum, I’m loving my experience. I don’t know what it’s like to have to shorten a pattern, but I will say when Named says this is based on a B-cup, I’d say that’s a bit generous. I’m a large C/small D. I do want to make this pattern in a stretch-woven (as suggested by the pattern), but I’d have to muslin the bust first even with my current adjustments.
Have you made a Kielo or any other Named Patterns? What is your experience with them?