The Madrid, I was a Tester

Olga, of Coffee and Thread has just published her newest pattern, the Madrid Dress.  Here’s the description on her website:

The Madrid is a Bohemian inspired faux wrap dress or tunic with a tiered skirt. Three length options and sleeve variations let you create a garment that’s effortlessly cool and easy to style. It is equally suitable in the office or a beach party. Comes in sizes 2-20. There is an invisible zipper in the side seam for easy dressing. The pattern is designed for woven fabric with drape.

I loved testing this pattern for a few reasons.  My curiosity about wearing the faux wrap “V” neck, and the invisible zipper under the arm at the side. 

I found that the “V” is not too low, even for unbusty shapes like me, the shape was perfect with no gaping.  Our team of testers is all shapes and sizes and ALL of our fronts fit smoothly. 

TIP:  Staystitch the front neckline from neck to waist BEFORE sewing even the darts.

The underarm zipper is genius, I can zip it up and down all by myself.  Confession time:  I have some beautiful lacy zippers so I used one of those instead of the invisible.  It compliments the colour of my fabric really well!  My fabric came from my substantial stash, and is a linen/cotton blend of medium weight.  I enjoyed using the striped print in both directions.

On my first test Madrid, we noticed that I needed to make an adjustment for round shoulders. Apparently, it’s a commonly needed adjustment for “older figures”.   Not needed in my garments made of knit fabrics, but the Madrid is designed for woven fabric and has small shoulder darts in the back for nice shaping.

Here’s how I altered the back for my round shoulders:

This alteration added a half inch to my back length, at the shoulders and as a result, the back of my Madrid tunic fits much better.

I enjoyed testing this new pattern; Madrid, and while I received a copy of the final pattern in exchange for testing, this post contains my own experiences. And just sew you know, I would have dropped out of the testing if the pattern wasn’t up to my standards.

Buy the pattern at Coffee and Thread by clicking here.  

While you’re there, be sure to check out her other patterns!

I tested this lovely blouse designed by Olga’ Coffee and Thread and have been wearing one of the 3 I made.  Read my post by clicking here.

How do you like these patterns from Coffee and Thread? Leave me a comment, and be sure to share on Facebook and Pinterest.