Late To The Party…..But I Finally Joined the Chorus!!

….A New Pattern Review of the Love Notions Chorus Top and Dress

The newest pattern from Love Notions released last week~ and it’s a good one. This pattern is unique, in that it was created by the Love Notions Community members. Over a week’s time, the members of the LN Community voted on design elements they wanted to see included in a pattern. The Chorus is a result of those votes!

As a LN Ambassador, I usually test and/or sew up all new Love Notions before they are released. I wasn’t able to join in on the testing of this awesome pattern nor get one sew up before release. (My oldest daughter got married in May so I was a bit busy!!). However, I was able to quickly sew one up this weekend before the release week pricing was over. Need a nice dress in a jiffy? THIS is your pattern!! I was amazed at how quickly I was able to sew my dress version.

The Chorus Top and Dress pattern is on sale for just $9.50 through Wednesday, June 5, 2024. You can use my code 10LOVEMARY for an additional 10% off.

The Details

The Chorus Top and Dress is a unique dress that has many options to choose from. Depending on options selected and fabric used, this dress/top can be casual or dressy. It’s comfortable to wear, flattering and fairly simple to sew~ you’re not going to be able to stop at just one. (Ask me how I know? As I’m writing up this blog post I’m also shopping for some new fabric for another dress!)

• Designed for Knit Fabrics
• Two draped neckline options, shallow or deep drape
• Five Sleeve options: short, split cap, sleeveless, elbow and long
• Long or short skirt options
• Shirt Length option with side vents and curved hem
• Elastic waist (for dress)
• Optional pockets for the dress version
• Level: Top-Beginner, Dress- Confident Beginner(because of waistline casing)

Sizing & Fit

The Chorus Top and Dress is available in sizes XS-5X. A Full Bust pattern piece is included (like all new and updated LN patterns). Choose your size based upon your high bust measurement. If in-between sizes choose the smaller size.  If your full bust is more than 4″ larger than your high bust, use the included Full Bust Front pattern piece.

If you use the Full Bust front pattern pieces in Love Notions like I always do, it is very important to remember that with this particular pattern using the Full Bust piece does NOT automatically add an additional 2″ to the hip finished measurements. This is because the skirt front pattern piece is the same for the standard bust and the full bust.

All Love Notions patterns are drafted for the average 5’5″ woman. The shorter dress is meant to hit just above the knee while the long dress version is intended to hit at the ankle area. The Top is meant to hit between the high and full hip. It’s important to remember that everyone is built differently. Some people need more or less length above the waist and others below the waist. It’s important to know your own body, and the more you sew for yourself, the more you will learn about what adjustments you need to make for your body.

My Sizing Alterations & Modifications

I made an XL with the Full bust piece graded out to a 2X for my hips. This is exactly where my measurements fall on the sizing chart. My high bust is 40″ while my full bust is 45″.

For the short sleeve, I did do a small full bicep adjustment. This is NOT an adjustment I typically need to do, however, I felt I needed/wanted a tiny bit of extra room. For garments I will be taking on summer vacations, I know I want a tad looser sleeve because of the hot weather. I added just 3/4″. I suggest measuring your bicep and comparing that measurement to the finished garment measurement.

I added 1″ to the length of my dress bodice( don’t forget to make adjustments on both front and back pieces!). I NEVER add length to the bodice of dress pattern, as I am short and not long-waisted. One of the great things about all the tester and ambassador photos that get posted, is that you are able to see how the garment fits on all different body types. After viewing all the photos and holding up the pattern piece to me, I felt that I wouldn’t have enough length. I didn’t want the elastic casing too close to my bust. The dress front bodice piece has the bust point marked on it. I think because of my fuller bust, I just needed/wanted a tad more length under my bust. I am planning a second dress and I am planning to add 2″ to the bodice.

Be sure to look at all the tester photos and decide how much blousing you want in your bodice. This will help you determine if you want to add any additional length. It is really personal preference~ one of the many reasons we sew!

I am only 5 feet tall ( but NOT short-waisted.) My lack of height is below my waist. I shortened the long skirt version a total of 4″. I typically shorten long garments 2-3 inches, but since I added an inch to the bodice length I took off an additional inch off the skirt.

Fabrics & Notions

The Chorus is designed for knit fabrics only. Light to medium weight fabrics with at least 20% 2-way stretch are needed. For best results, choose fabrics with a nice drape. Avoid cotton spandex as it way too structured! In my opinion, the best fabrics for the Chorus are ITY knits and Rayon/Modal/Bamboo Spandex knits. These will all drape beautifully. Rayon Spandex will give you the most dramatic drape, especially the deeper drape. Personally I don’t sew with rayon spandex, as it clings to the body just a bit too much for me.

Other fabrics that will work well for the Chorus are DBP, rib knits, rayon French Terry and lightweight sweater knits(that are drapey).

Notions:

• Thread
• 1/2″ wide elastic for the shorter dress
• 3/4″ wide elastic for the longer dress

*The elastic for the longer skirt is wider to accommodate the fabric weight of the longer skirt.

Sew Mary Mac’s Tips for the Chorus

• The most important tip is FABRIC SELECTION! Choosing the right or wrong fabric will determine the success or failure of the Chorus!
• If making the dress version, make a wearable muslin! Even if you just make the bodice~ this is to check for the bodice length.
• Don’t skip the understitching!! This makes a huge difference for both the back neck facing AND the pockets.
• Page 14, Step 20 A~. When stitching the raw edges of the skirt and bodice together, sew just a scant 1/4″ seam. Stitching a larger seam could result in your bodice being too short.
• Page 14, Step 21~ Use lots of pins or clips.
• If including the pockets in your dress, I suggest attaching the pockets a tiny bit differently. The tutorial has you attach the pockets to the side seams of the skirt having the top edge of the pocket even with the top edge of the skirt. When sewing it this way, the casing in the pocket area with be thick. (A total of 6 layers of your fabric)
• Instead, attach the pockets one inch lower from the top edge of the skirt. (you will have to sew the seam at the top of the skirt front and back.). The top edge of the pockets will still be stitched into the waist when sewing the casing down (Page 14, Step 21)*
• Another option would be to fold the “flap” up towards the bodice instead of the skirt, but that will make the elastic waist hit higher up.

*Note: When I sew up my second version I will add photos of these changes.

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Thanks for stopping by! I truly appreciate all of you that visit!  If you enjoyed this blog post, consider subscribing to my blog to stay up to date with all my posts!  

Mary Anne 🙂

Remember to follow me over on Instagram to see all my latest makes!  @sewmarymac

You can also follow my Facebook Page~ Sew Mary Mac. On this page you will find information on my makes from all pattern companies. If I know of any good sales(pattern or fabric) I will also feature this information. I have had many of my loyal followers send me friend requests on Facebook. I do post in the Love Notions group under Mary Anne MacLean, however this Facebook account is private. There is no sewing content on that Facebook Account.

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You can grab the Chorus Top and Dress pattern here.

This is an affiliate link. It costs you nothing to purchase from this link, it just helps fund my fabric addiction which allows me to test and review more patterns.

To receive an additional 10% off the pattern price, use this coupon code 10MARYMAC. This coupon code can be used at anytime on any pattern….even a $5 Feature Friday pattern.  My code does change quarterly, so please always check the newest blog post for an update if you find a code isn’t working.

Fabric Resource

This blue and white fabric is an ITY jersey knit from Chic Fabrics in NYC. This is a designer deadstock fabric that was purchased in the Garment District. Unfortunately they don’t have a website for purchasing.

ITY is used a lot in RTW, but not as readily available to the home sewist. I get most of my ITY fabrics from the Garment District in NYC. There are a few online fabric shops that sell ITY knits. I have always found a great selection at Zelouf Fabrics.