Hello there! It’s been awhile, but I decided it’s high time I shared reviews of some of my sewing projects from the last couple years. It turns out having a toddler and a full-time job leave little time for sewing, let alone writing about it.

I decided to dip my toes back in because there were so few online reviews of this gorgeous Ailyn Dress pattern from Vikisews!

I was looking for a simple, elegant dress pattern to make for a wedding with a cocktail leaning formal dress code. This pattern struck me for its simple lines and lovely drape, as it’s cut on the bias.

I’d never made a bias cut dress and let me say: IT WAS A BIT OF A DOOZY. But I love how it turned out, and I have some tips if you’re interesting in making your own bias cut dress.

Details: Sewing the Ailyn Dress

• Pattern: Vikisews Ailyn Dress
• Size: 40 graded to 42 in hips (equivalent to ~8 to 10 in U.S.), height 4 (for heights 5’10” – 6’0″). I love that Vikisews offers their patterns in 4 different heights. I’m 6’0″ so I typically have to add inches in the torso, but I didn’t make any length alterations to the pattern this time.
• Fabric: Silky 100% polyester from Joann Fabrics
• Notions: One (1) 3/8″ button
• Alterations: I sewed this with facings instead of fully lining it. Colette has a good tutorial on how to draft your own facings.

Before cutting my fabric, I took the annoying and time-consuming step of stabilizing the fabric with Sullivan’s Fabric Stabilizer Spray. This is another tip I picked up from Colette, and I’m certain it made the cutting and sewing process about 1000x easier.

How to Use Spray Stabilizer on Silky Fabrics

1. Take your fabric outside (the spray is pungent) and spray liberally
2. Hang your fabric to dry
3. Cut and sew per pattern instructions
4. Wash your garment when finished

The hardest part is carving out the time to do it! But you won’t regret it, I swear. Silky fabric is MUCH easier to handle and sew when stabilized. It doesn’t stretch out as easily and develops a stiffer drape. And it completely washes out, so you don’t have to worry about ruining your fabric.

The Verdict

I love this dress! It was fun to wear and draped really nicely in all the right places. If I make it again I’ll likely sew a straight size 42 instead of 40 to 42 graded at the hips, because it was about as snug as I’d like it to be.

I sewed this back in September so I’m struggling to remember much more than this, but please comment if you have any specific questions.

I literally got just ONE photo of Marc and me at the wedding, so here are some detail shots for a closer look.

Until next time! Thanks for reading and have a great holiday.

-Dani