Tova dress (in a day)
January 09, 2013
I purchased a few yards of Chicopee corduroy in the fall with the express intention to make myself a Tova dress. After my failed attempt at a sleeveless Tova, this seemed a little foolish, but I just couldn't get the idea of a super soft corduroy frock out of my mind. I sat on the fabric for a couple of months and, finally, this past weekend decided to go for it.
After the sleeveless shirt didn't fit, I decided to take a closer look at the sizing. The first Tova I made was a size L and ended up being too small in the bust so I had gifted it to a friend and made myself a size XL. I wear that shirt all the time and because it was an XL, I made the sleeveless one an XL, too. The problems I had with the sleeveless one (gaping under the arms in particular) pointed to it being too big. A quick text to my friend later, I had the L in my possession to try on. Lo and behold, it fit me well! That made the dress decision easy - size L. (As an aside, I have lost a few pounds, but I think the real difference in fit is from new bras. As silly as that sounds, it made a huge difference.)
I cut the dress out on Friday evening. This is the process of garment sewing that I dislike the most, but it went fairly fast as I had all the pattern pieces other than the front and back already traced. I added 4 inches to the length as I am a tall girl and the dress as designed looked like more of a tunic on me. The sewing happened in two sessions on Saturday - about two hours in the morning and another hour and a half later in the day. I even managed to keep the nap running in the same direction throughout. Success! I should add that this pattern is extremely well written and easy to achieve if you take your time and go step by step. I have made it six times now and each time I learn a little something new.
I wore my new dress out on Saturday night. It was so satisfying to complete a project in a day! It's not always possible, of course, but starting 2013 with a garment sewing success is a good feeling. Now to finish the numerous other projects sitting around here half completed and start the ones that are just ideas floating through my brain. I'll keep you posted on how that goes.
beautiful!!! I just made myself a corduroy tova dress. Love how cozy it will be. :) you look great!
Posted by: anna | January 09, 2013 at 11:25 AM
i love it i love it i love it. that's exactly the sort of garment i pictured when i first saw that corduroy.
Posted by: allbuttonedup | January 09, 2013 at 11:26 AM
This reminds me of a Boden dress I was contemplating. I think I fall in a similar L/XL spot with the Tova pattern.
Posted by: Jennifer O. | January 09, 2013 at 11:48 AM
I love it! I love all of Wikensten's patterns, but am afraid that they are too advanced. What would you gauge the difficulty level?
Posted by: The Lazy Fair | January 09, 2013 at 11:51 AM
I'd call the tank pattern an advanced beginner and this one an intermediate. That said, I could always help you. ;)
Posted by: Erin | house on hill road | January 09, 2013 at 11:55 AM
So cute and I want one! And, I like your tights.
Posted by: Dorie | January 09, 2013 at 01:16 PM
LOVE!What a great look!
Posted by: sarah | January 09, 2013 at 01:19 PM
I've done a Tova tunic top, which I loved, but the dress length is next up. I have the material all picked out, and plan to wear it with tights or leggings and ballet flats. You know, got the whole picture in my head. Just haven't been motivated to sew for a few months. Your success has spurred me on, Erin! This dress is just lovely. Looking fantastic!
Posted by: Teresa | January 09, 2013 at 01:20 PM
Your dress looks great, by itself and on you! I love this pattern, I made four or five tunics already, and one dress in seersucker for the summer, put that looks a bit sack like. Maybe I need to give it a try in corduroy as well...
Posted by: Kerstin | January 09, 2013 at 01:22 PM
it looks great, erin! i 1000% agree with you about the amazing fit-changing nature of a good new bra. it's amazing! and the corduroy sounds so nice and cozy. how did it wash up?
Posted by: amisha | January 09, 2013 at 01:37 PM
This pattern has down well for you! Congrats on a super finish.
Posted by: Suzanne | January 09, 2013 at 02:14 PM
It looks great Erin, a good bra can make all of the difference!
Posted by: Mama Urchin | January 09, 2013 at 03:14 PM
It looks beautiful!
Posted by: Kelly Rodgers | January 09, 2013 at 06:59 PM
Beautiful! That pattern is just so great...
Posted by: CitricSugar | January 09, 2013 at 11:43 PM
Go you! It looks great :_
Posted by: beki | January 10, 2013 at 08:59 AM
and, after i have been debating whether or not to try this pattern out for months now...you have done it, talked me into it! ;) yours looks great!...I bought the pattern finally now, perhaps to get it done before my birthday in early february?
Posted by: Jane@Buzzmills | January 10, 2013 at 12:04 PM
Love this pattern! The dress is so cute and I can't wait to try it out!
Posted by: Jackie Cummins | January 10, 2013 at 03:50 PM
I love it and it looks so cute on you. I am afraid that the hip area would be too tight on me. Is it pretty roomy? The last time I made the school house tunic I looked like I was wearing a hospital gown (maybe it was the fabric)
Posted by: Lisa | January 10, 2013 at 08:32 PM
That is incredibly cute, and I love that you made it in corduroy. :)
Posted by: Silsbee | January 10, 2013 at 10:04 PM
gorgeuos!!
I have the pattern... what am I waiting for?? kick my backside please!
Posted by: monica | January 11, 2013 at 04:49 AM
I totally understand! My hips are always a fit issue for me, but since I had made the top (and added length to it) I was pretty sure it would fit. I don't feel that it is super roomy, but it isn't tight either. Just right.
Posted by: Erin | house on hill road | January 11, 2013 at 06:31 AM
I adore this! I adore each one of Wikensten's behaviour, but am afraid they are as well advanced. What exactly can you gauge the difficulty level?
Posted by: Kalp Kolye | January 12, 2013 at 02:41 AM
I think this pattern is for intermediate level sewers. There are a few tricky steps, but if you take your time, they are easily achieved.
Posted by: Erin | house on hill road | January 12, 2013 at 09:29 AM
How would you compare the fit of this to the school house tunic? I made one of those and by the time I made it wide enough to fit my hips I looked like I was wearing a hospital gown! (It could have been the fabric I picked too)
Your tunic is beautiful!
Posted by: Lisa | January 15, 2013 at 11:32 AM
Lisa - I haven't made the schoolhouse tunic so I can't really compare the two. Sorry I can't be of more assistance! - Erin
Posted by: Erin | house on hill road | January 15, 2013 at 11:36 AM
It is super cute and I love your tights! :)
Posted by: Kathleen Marie | January 17, 2013 at 01:27 PM
Love the dress. Did you put together a 2013 sewing list similar to last year? Was this dress on it and do you plan to share what projects you hope to finish this year?
Posted by: natalie | January 17, 2013 at 09:51 PM
Oh, now that is nice. I had to restrain myself from buying some of that material when I saw it on sale.
Posted by: sewkatiedid | January 18, 2013 at 01:11 AM
it looks AWESOME !
Posted by: lisa s | January 23, 2013 at 05:55 PM
Your Tova dress looks very nice and comfortable too. It is always nice to make something that not only looks good but feels good.
Thanks for sharing
Posted by: christine | February 05, 2013 at 05:33 PM
Have loved reading all of your Tova posts! I have been worried because of my bust size and I am definitely going to make a muslin first. Would love to know what dress form you are using - I am in the market for one. Thanks!
Posted by: Paula W | March 08, 2013 at 04:26 PM
Hi Paula! The dress form was a gift from Fatty and I cannot remember where he got it. I'll do some digging and see if I can figure it out. Best, Erin
Posted by: Erin | house on hill road | March 09, 2013 at 06:25 PM