Closet Core Patterns Nicks Dress| My Thoughts and Review 

Amazing review - so helpful! I'm 5'11" and have been putting off making the nicks dress for the reasons you were mentioning about revising the pattern but I'm going to make the changes you suggest to bodice and sleeves in a toile, so happy to have found your video!

Great review.

I’m tall also, 5’11” and I’m hanging on every word you are saying about your dress and how you adjusted it. Thanks so much.. I love your dress.

Really nice dress. I am with you on the ‘confidant’ thing as my starting point on those types of errors is that if they couldn’t do a basic check what else is wrong? But that said a great pattern which you have brought to life beautifully.

Thanks for this Rachel, glad you are enjoying your dress, it looks fab. I made the dress version a few weeks ago , didn't have an issue with the bias neckline, but I think I hand sewed it. I think I checked the sleeve length and added 2 inches rather than my usual 1 ! Making a short sleeved blouse version for a friend today and it came together really quickly.

Thanks for this really thorough review. The dress looks great on you. xx

Lovely review Rachel, i bought this pattern to make but havent yet so your review has really helped when i start it, your dress looks beautiful on you so thank you for a great review x

Ah yes, sleeve length. Fellow sufferer over here. Too short sleeves are all sorts of uncomfortable on top of looking awkward. Cold wrists in winter are terrible! What’s supposed to be 3/4 is always tight bunching in the elbow on me. You know what I’m talking about. And I 100% get why you went through the effort of redoing the sleeves. The dress came out way too pretty to stay in the closet because the sleeve length is annoying you! ❤ The “confidant” typo is the kinda thing my teacher brain gets stuck on and that pattern testers will likely miss because that’s not the section they focus on. Proofreading is a skill all it’s own and important. The other two are more troublesome because they create issues a confident/confidant beginner likely won’t recognise up front which can be so frustrating. When you said 2” binding strip and 5/8” seam allowance, my mind immediately went “half inch!”. Because that’s how the math works out. Depending on how I want to stitch it down, I might even cut 2 1/4 strips to make things easier with some wiggle room. That’s definitely the kind of mistake pattern testers should catch if they are thorough. But how much can we expect from pattern testers that are essentially paid in a free, early access pattern and maybe the required fabric, if they are lucky? The indy designers are obviously working with economic constraints, especially the one or two women companies out there. But there’s a flaw/weak point in the system.

I'm watching this because I've just started my Nicks Dress yesterday. I'm wishing I'd lengthened my sleeves now! I'm guessing that where you pleat the sleeves it will feel less bulky and maybe go into coats/cardigans more easily? I'll be curious to see how the finished sleeves feel. I spotted the confidant beginner and sent them an email. Confidant wouldn't come up in a spell check because it's a word in its own right. That's why we can't rely on it! It amused me, but I totally get why it bugs you!

Love your reviews! They are so thorough and really fair. Dress is gorgeous and really suits you. Worth the gathering 🎉

I totally agree that little mistakes are disappointing when paying so much for a pattern. I purchased the printed version of the pattern and I think that there is also a mistake on the fabric cutting diagrams...They label the top layout as "View C" and it is definitely the layout for the Veiw A dress.

Great review! I've made this dress, I agree with you about the errors, it is annoying and can reduce trust in how thoroughly the rest of the pattern has been checked. I wanted the dress for a summer wedding (southern hemisphere) so I in fact slightly shortened the sleeves for a 3/4 length. I think the pleats are there to accentuate the shape but I agree, they don't really add to the design. I'm already short so it's midi on me which I think the pattern suits. I found the back of the dress bodice almost excessively blouson for my taste. I also don't enjoy gathering but love the final effect, I use the dental floss method. I do think the dress achieves the Stevie Nicks boho vibe and I felt good in it at the wedding I went to, paired with wedge shoes and a round ratten handbag, a ratten round buckled 70s belt, and I used wooden buttons on the bodice (with a paisley fabric). I probably would make again, but will look for a fabric sale because 5 meters of fabric is pretty pricey now!

Hi Rachel, thank you for the very thorough and comprehensive review! Typing mistakes in pattern instructions also drive me insane, including spelling errors, so you're not alone there. The dress is so stunning on you, that colour is amazing. I have this pattern from the Guthrie and Gannie (??) Sewing Society kit but I haven't cut it out yet, because from the sounds of it a toile would be prudent...but that seems like a big commitment 😅 perhaps I will knuckle down and try it now. I definitely like sleeves either long, or elbow length, not awkward dangly forearm length, so will lengthen my sleeves I think! Thank you again xx

Really great comprehensive review. Thank you so much, I’m planning on starting this tomorrow so your tips are really helpful x

I'm looking at your dress and I had an identical (mine was pink) one in /86. Back then that's all that was avail RTW and I had my brother's wedding to attend. I hated it. I'm 5'8" and the waist didn't hit mine, all those tiers drove me nuts. I felt like fabric was following me at every turn. Plus I had a toddler and a 9 month old baby in tow. It was prob the first post maternity purchase for me. And I felt like I was wearing a maternity dress with a waistband. Sooooo much fabric EVERYWHERE.... Including the bottom of the sleeve. It was awful. I had a toddler and baby hanging off me and a big pouffy tiered dress. Mine had a cuff not elasticated sleeves that I had to mind at every turn not to light myself on fire around all the candles everywhere. This dress style and the skirt version (back then it was called Indonesian skirt and had teeny tiny bell shaped do-dads on the end of the waist ties. The waist band was shirred with waists ties. I had one of those too even though mine didn't drag so over there floor or sidewalk like everyone else that wasn't 5'8". When this skirt was washed it had to be dried twisted and knotted to return it back to it's very fine needle rib rayon. And rayon back then was awful wonky after a few wears. It's prob why I still don't like rayon and avoid it. Summer/22 I toke my 15yr old g'daughter (daughter of the 9mnth old baby at the time funny enough) and every town we drove through she was checking out thrift stores to find THAT SAME SKIRT. she finally found one in a boutique at regular price.(in a hippydippy store in a town next to where THAT wedding was in/86.... Small world vibes) She wasn't happy with the price but finally had the skirt. Needless to say that was the only time I wore THAT dress. But I see it everytime I visit my mother or brother.... It's that wedding picture dress. Sorry this got soooo long.

Thank god for your review Rachel! I was just about to cut my fabric and worried the pattern pieces looked big. Going to go down a couple of sizes and length the sleeves a little! Don’t think I’ll bother with the cuff piece either, just seems unnecessary

Your Nick is awesome! Your review is great, you should do pattern testing since your reviews are so thorough! As for the spelling mistake, CC is out of Montreal, QC Canada and confident in French is confiant (masc) confiante (fem) maybe that is why it was missed. I like using the fine elastic, like was used on the Covid asks when gathering, it isn't expensive and goes so much faster. Happy new year!

It is all in one's perspective.. with your green boots I love that space between the boots and dress, it gives a cool and funky look from here. Looks great!

Fantastic review, thank you. Now I feel more prepared to start sewing this pattern.

Wonderful review, Rachel I am 5 foot and 4 widths around bottom tier seems huge, do you think I would get away with doing 3 for the bottom tier ?

Rachel, thanks for starting 2023 with a great review. All of the detailed information you gave will make a huge difference when I get around to making my Nicks dress. Those errors in the instructions would have cost me hours since I'm much less experienced. So thank you, thank you, thank you.

Great review Rachel , I’ve got the pattern but wanted to see what other’s thoughts were before cutting into 5 m of fabric.

Loved this review. Am about to start cutting out and have taken your thoughts and tips into account. 😊 Thankyou

Love this dress. I've had a look at the Drapers Daughters version the pleats in the sleeve do make a difference but maybe its because hers is a plain fabric. As a newbie sewer I've come across quite a few patterns with errors and it is really frustrating but I'm getting the knack of the seam ripper lol

What a wonderful review Rachel. All of your details will help anyone who makes this dress in the future. I love how it looks on you, sadly I would just look like a sack of tatties. I agree totally about the mistakes, inti patterns aren’t inexpensive and the instructions should be perfect. Ps….you look really well. 😍

Happy New Year.Wishing you all the best with happy memories.

It is true, they are professionals and need to check spelling and errors like this, it’s not fair to beginners to follow instructions and have to rectify because the pattern instructions are wrong. My husband and I have noticed this is newspapers and novels lately that spelling mistakes are common. Gorgeous dress Rachel, that color (American spelling lol) really suits you. Xxx Maybe Martin will surprise you with a trip to the south of France, where you can walk down the promenade with your neck tie on, lol.

Fab review and I love that you have pointed out the errors. As a beginner I would have been completely stumped with this! Thank you!

Love your suggestions! They were very useful.

Very good review, thank you! I love that you mention spelling errors, because for those of us that have a different mother tongue than English, spelling errors can lead to misunderstandings and uncertainty. Anyway, I think that it is fair to expect much from these rather expensive patterns. I do so appreciate your videos, I learn a lot, and am quite entertained as well 🤩

Love this type of review! So very helpful.

Gorgeous dress. Thank you for this review as this dress is on my “to make” list.

Thank you so much for such a thorough and clear review. I have the pattern and material for the tunic and the blouse versions. So glad I’ve watched this before setting to work on them. I am also tall with long arms and would normally add 1-2 inches to sleeve length. Will definitely be adding 4 inches now. Wishing you a very Happy New Year!

Awesome review... Thank you 😊

Your dress looks lovely, but I agree with your thinking that the bodice, sleeves, and skirt should all be lengthened. Ill remember that when I make mine since I'm the same height as you. Did you write the company about the errors? I always find errors in almost all the different companies' patterns and always tell them, and they are always appreciative.

Love dress, colour definitely suits you

Beautiful dress, really suits you. Very useful balanced review

Gorgeous dress 👗 thankyou for your honest review.

HI i know this isnt the right place to be asking this but i enjoiyed your christmas vlog so much i went back to past ones and have been bingeing them did i miss what happened to your beagle has i had a beagle of my own so my eyes perked up whenever he was on sorry if this is to personal

Happy New Year!!! xXX👍👍👍

Great review! It is a pet peeve when bodices are mirror images and the pattern repeat is obvious, your extra work you put into the dress really shows, it's beautiful!

I love your dress. I have made the short sleeve peplum top. Which l didn't size down, and it is a bit big l feel, especially at the back. Can l ask you please, if you went down two sizes, what do you do at the shoulders. Do you make them size 8 or a 12 then go to the 8 at the bust? I don't know what to do in that circumstance. Thanks

Hi Rachel. thanks for the review. I am also 5"10" so I find your reviews very interesting. I know the exact feel of the bodice being too short and not having enough fabric to cover at the breasts.(suggestion: wear you best lifting bra when wearing that dress) I sewed a similar dress and made it too big. It looks frumpy. It's interesting to me that even though that style has abundant ease the fit is still important. Recently I added a 4" knit cuff to a RTW blouse that had an elastic wrist finish that was too short. I believe the RTW blouse was designed to end above my wrist, but it was irritating and annoying. I saved the blouse. We tall girls have to get creative to make things long enough!

The dress looks lovely on you and that colour is 👌🏻. Until I started using Indie patterns 6-7 years ago I don’t think I ever found any mistakes I all the years I used the Big Four, which were the only ones available when I started sewing. I was absolutely astonished to find mistakes and sometimes poor drafting so the fit was terrible. I first made the Ultimate shift dress by Sew over it and the sleeves were so tight your arms couldn’t move.I have gone on to use many more of their patterns but I’m always aware of this and allow for it. I eventually drafted my own sleeve for this pattern as I liked the simplicity of it and made a few of them. Well done for your new make and comprehensive review.😊

It's a lovely dress. Its a shame about the pattern mistakes, my Clare coat instructions tell me to enjoy wearing my new Jean's at the end 🤣 💝 xxx

Great review, Rachel! 👍🏻 Your dress (and that fabric) is lovely and you look smashing in it! 🤩 I know some people might say you're being nitpicky about the mistakes in the pattern because I'm like you and have definitely been accused of it before. However, I wholeheartedly agree with you that, as a consumer, I expect a professional product / experience in return for the money I'm paying. When I see errors like the ones you pointed out, that business's professionalism goes down a notch or two in my view. In the case of this pattern, you would assume that with so many different people seeing the instructions, that those errors would've been caught and corrected before it was released but I guess not. Anyway, Happy New Year to you and your family! 🍾 Wishing you the best in 2023.

I’ve watched this numerous times now as it’s so helpful. In the middle of sewing the blouse version and I’m taking your advice for the sleeve finish (I don’t need added length as I’m super short). Cross fingers it works out. Thank you so much.

The dress looks amazing on you and thank you so much for the honest review. I agree with you - when I see spelling mistakes or “small” errors in the instructions, I’m a little bit turned off if I’m honest. If they don’t pay attention to these small details, what else are they not paying attention to? Happy New Year to you and yours!

Thanks for this review. It arrived just as I was about to cut mine out. How fortuitous..I agree with you that spellings errors like Confidant are inexcusable in a pattern costing £21. I also agree that the fabric requirements are quite optimistic. I have 83cm left from my 5m although I didn’t follow the cutting layout. There is definitely room for some jiggery pokery in the cutting out. I took your advice and added 2.5 cm to the sleeve length. I’m not as tall as you but I definitely needed that extra bit of length, I also debated on whether to do your sleeve gathering but decided to do the pleats and cuffs in the end as I think the point of the pleats is to concentrate the volume at the elbow side side of the sleeve rather than having that volume under your arms. The cuff instructions are definitely wrong, I forgot you’d commented on them and followed the instructions to find they’d ended up the reverse of what they should be. DOH ! I found it easier to gather the bottom tier in two halves as doing the whole thing in one go is just too unwieldy. A very helpful review and your dress is gorgeous.

Thank you for such a detailed review - it’s really helped me - I’m planning on making & reliving my youth ! 😘😘

I'm making the Nick's Blouse as I watch this review! So far so good. I'm with you on hating gathering and try as I might I'm never 100% happy with my result. There is some gathering on the Blouse but not anywhere near the amount on the dress.

I’m just about to make the Nicks dress (very late to that party)! I’ve been going round in circles of which size to use - your vlog has been so useful. May start with the tunic as I’m 5’3” and think the dress might swamp me, although I love the look of this dress. Thank you for a really informative review - so helpful. 😊

As another tall (5 10.5) I understand about the frustration with short long sleeves.

Well, you have tipped me off the fence and into the Nicks camp. 😍 It's interesting to get your take on the ease. I don't think I'd like as much fabric either 😁. Your dress is absolutely stunning 💚💗💗💚Happy New Year to you 🥂

Great review! I’m currently in the middle of making this and do wish I had watched this before I cut it out. Fingers crossed it’s okay!

Wanting to make this dress soon and found this vlog most helpful. I think your evaluation of the pattern will save valuable time. Thanks😊

That was a fantastic start to 2023.A brilliant,in-depth review that was completely understandable.The dress looks gorgeous on you. I was wondering ,as there were cuffs,why you didn't just unpick those and make them longer for just this make. I think the darts at the sleeve ends are supposed to give the finished sleeve a lantern shape sleeve. I don't know if your machine makes one but I bought a gathering foot for my machine which is great and you can pleat with it. I loved this vlog

Hi Rachel: I made version C straight out of the envelope, I will be honest I do not look at the instructions that closely, but I do agree with the pleats on the sleeves, I thought they were kind of useless, and the cuff instructions had me scratching my head so I just did my own thing, I love how it turned out and I will make it again with the rouleau option and make the bodice a bit longer as I found it a bit short on my 5'7" frame, I liked the sleeve length on me but I tend to like my sleeves more on the three quarter length.

Excellent review and beautiful dress! Thank you!! 😊😊

I forgot to say ,I bought "duck billed"scissors which are brilliant as they only cut the top part of the seam allowance, keeping the underneath fabric safe .

Hi Rachel. Thanks so much for such a detailed review. I would have found the binding issue frustrating as I am not the most careful with scissors near a finished bodice and I too have cut holes where they shouldn’t be!. Your finished dress looks fabulous and I’m more tempted by the pattern after seeing your version. The fabric and button combo is 👌. ❤

Brilliant, great review, really thorough and helpful esp. as I'm 5'9" and always need to lengthen body etc. Lovely dress and fabric. Thanks!

Lovely dress Rachel - beautiful material. Such a fab detailed review 👏I've not made this dress, but your review has made me look at it further, so thanks. Look forward to meeting you at Sam's sewscial next week 😻

Love the Nicks dress.. I have to make it.. I need to decide on the fabric. Yours is gorgeous..thanks for sharing.

Rachael, thanks for the thorough review. Your dress looks great. Happy New Year t yo and yours.🍾🥂😍

I love this pattern and am planning on making it, so your review has been super helpful - thank you. Looking online, I think the sleeve pleats do add something by giving a slightly more architectural look - but, that probably isn't noticeable on a busy fabric anyway.

Aww - I was there with you strolling along a promenade in a pair of capri trousers and the top.... Seriously though - what a great review - as Ruan says it is thorough and really fair. I agree entirely about accuracy in pattern instructions; as a relative newbie in sewing that would have had me head scratching for some time! Love the dress on you, so all that gathering was worth it in the end! 😊😊

The dress looks so lovely on you. Thanks for the tip about the arm and bodice length - i think i will be lengthening both too, as i like the top part t ‘blouse’ over at the waist too and those arms do look very short!!

Great review, Rachel, as usual. I quite agree about the mistakes on the pattern and ,being a pedant myself, particularly spelling mistakes! Patterns are expensive, especially when you then have to print, stick and cut the PDF’s at home yourself. Happy New Year to you and your lovely family. Keep up the good work. 💕

Lovely make beautiful dress on you Glad you were relaxing and sewing in between Christmas and new years Always looking forward to seeing more Take care

Happy New Year! The dress is beautiful. Thanks for telling us about it, I just may need to give it a try!

That was a really good review and the dress looks perfect on you. Thank you. As I'm 5.10 myself I know all about sleeve issues. I always add 5cm automatically to all things sleeved and until this day, none have been too long. My monkey arms come in handy as well from time to time! Happy New Year!

I love this dress and have recently made a similar one which is proving great for those cooler summer days we sometimes get. Your description of the south of France made me smile as the beach scene I am looking out on from my caravan in Nelson New Zealand while watching your review is exactly the carefree beach life you describe.

Sewladida Vintage did a Stevie dress which I made for my daughter. You may want to take a look.

I’m new to closet core, your dress is beautiful!! I’m just about to start the Elodie dress ❤

What a wonderful review,I'm so tempted now I've seen your version!

Thsnk you for your thoughtful, thorough review. Happy New Year!

I’m with you, Rachel. If I’m spending our hard earned money on a product I expect it to be correct in all ways. Very nice review!

Totally love your pattern review comments. I too expect the spelling, details and instructions to be fully worked out in patterns. I also appreciate your observations about what to watch for if you are a petite person (which I am) making this dress because you got it right on! Having said that, your finished dress looks great on you and especially making another front bodice piece was important. I too can't see why you'd do a cuff when a gathered elastic sleeve looks exactly the same, and recutting to lengthen the sleeves is a must if it hits at the wrong place, I hate that awkward place just above the wrist.. Thank you much!!

Great review thank you Rachel I have purchased this pattern and am looking forward to having a go when I have a few more simple makes under my belt 😊

We're about the same height and your sleeve saga is a familiar one. 😂

That was a very in-depth review, I loved it that’s how a review should be. Thank you so much. I haven’t made the dress yet but about to it is summer here now in Australia or suppose to be. The weather is all over the place. Love your dress. Stay safe.

Fabulous review and a beautiful end result. I'm tall and can't bear sleeves not being long enough, but unpicking a French seamed sleeve head is a task and a half, so an extra well done you from me. Re the skirt length, I'd add some lace.

I forgot to say, that was an excellent review. You covered everything which is what I look for in someone's review of a pattern. Well done and thank you.

Such a helpful review. Your criticisms are fair and justified but although you have made them I am now keen to make the dress. Not the first time you have won me over to a pattern!

Love your dress! (It's exactly in the style I love too.) Really like the print as well. Thank you for the detailed explanations of the pattern. Happy New Year and all the best to you and your family.

That colour is gorgeous on you. The dress looks amazing. Happy New Year 🎉

A comprehensive review - thank you for taking the time. So helpful.

Thanks for such a great review. The dress looks absolutely fabulous on you.

Wonderful review happy to see you back …..the colour of the fabric is gorgeous and the style perfect shows off the fabric xx

Great review - lots to think about - good for all patterns really!

Love the fabric and the dress is very beautiful. 🧶🌈💙🍓

This was such a helpful review! I just started working on this pattern yesterday, and now I wish I'd waited to see this video so I could have extended my sleeves! 🤣

This dress is on my 'to sew' list. Thank you for the review, it is very useful.

Thank you for an indepth review. I would love to sew this dress too.

Great review, we are similar in height so i will add the same to the sleeves when i get this pattern out of the 'to be sewed pile' . I recently finally tried gathering with a zig zag stitch over dental floss and it was a game changer! Dont know why I took so long to give it a go

Love this review! So useful as its on my Make Nine this year

thank you for the honest review, it was so interesting! i honestly do blindly do what the instructions tell me do do without realsing whether they could be wrong. closet core are not cheap patterns either so i agree with you that the instructions would be spot on.

Many thanks for taking the time to give such a detailed and constructive review. I really don’t mind how many times you say “ if that makes sense”. 😂 really people? Happy New Year!

💙💙