DIY TIERED A-LINE DRESS | FIBRE MOOD MIRA REVIEW

You might remember that a few months ago I was complaining about my lack of sewing motivation. Well, I am definitely over that. And the reason is that I’ve fallen for Fibre Mood, and fallen hard. I made 5 of their patterns in the past couple of weeks and I don’t think I’m stopping any time soon. 3 are from Issue 5 which I reviewed in the previous post, one is a free pattern, Frances, which I thoroughly recommend and this is Mira from Issue 4. Reviews for all coming up on the blog soon.

I still can’t say what is that draws me to these patterns so much. They are quite simple designs, but they manage to surprise me with some interesting constructions details. They come together quickly, but I still need to peek a bit at the instructions, so they keep my attention instead of sewing on auto-pilot. And they are fun! Plus the styling in the magazine is very hip. I also like that there is so much inspiration available on their website community and on Instagram, so you can always check out new ideas.

Btw, if this sounds like an ad, it really isn’t, I’m just being a nerdy fangirl right now.

Anyway, back to Mira…

FIBRE MOOD MIRA PATTERN INFO

Mira is a flirty little tiered baby doll dress, that can be made out or any lightweight fabric for a fun summer outfit. It has a 3/4 sleeve, round neck and back hook & eye closure.

This is the pattern description from Fibre Mood:

Mira is a hip little, loose-cut A-line summer dress. Interested in something a little more form-fitting? Make the bands slightly narrower so that there’s less fabric to ruffle. Do you dream about romantic dresses? Try sewing decorative ribbons between the seams.

It comes in sizes 32-58 online and XS to XXL on paper.

I used the Pattern Book version from Fibre Mood issue 4, but it is also available in printed pattern version and PDF to download.

I made a size S and for the record, my measurements are:

• Hips: 98 cm (38.5in)
• Waist: 72 cm (28.5in)
• Bust 88cm (34.5in)
• Height: 1.72m/5.7in

To note that for the magazine version, the instructions are on the website, not in the pattern book.

SAVE THIS FOR LATER ON PINTEREST

What I liked about Mira:

I am not one for layers and ruffles, especially since they were all the rage this year, but ever since I saw examples of the Mira dress on Fibre Mood Instagram, I was so attracted to this pattern. I’m not exactly sure why, I never really do with Fibre Mood, but I just had to get my hands on it. It seems a bit different from regular tiered dresses because of the high waistline. I like that it swishes and swings and it’s fitted across the chest and yet somehow oversized. I don’t know, I just really really enjoy wearing it!

Check the swishiness…

FIBRE MOOD MIRA – MY FABRIC CHOICE

A while ago, I got given a big bunch of shirting fabric that I didn’t really know what to do with. So every time a project asks for cotton, I dig into that stash to see if anything might be suitable.

In this case, I think it was. This is brushed cotton that was a strange taupe colour before I got my dyeing groove on and made it navy. Because I am massively on a navy bandwagon at the moment. Or for the past few years or so. It’s really mad how much navy I have in my wardrobe, but hey ho, everything matches and makes it easy to dress in the morning.

This cotton is so nice to wear, a bit on the warm side, but still has a nice swish to it. And it doesn’t crinkle too much, which is always a bonus in my books. Because ironing all those gathers is really a pain.

FIBRE MOOD MIRA – ALTERATIONS AND CONSTRUCTION

Alterations & Fit 

I didn’t make any alteration at all to the pattern as I copied it from the magazine. Looking at the finished measurements, I knew that is was going to fir me fine over the bust, which IMHO, is the only part that actually counts for this pattern.

Now, to one thing I would mention is that this dress came up very short, as you might have noticed. I’m not sure if this because the patterns are made for shorter people than me (I’m 1.72 or 5’7”) or they just come short. Other versions I’ve seen, plus the model in the magazine/website seem to be a normal length.

So for next time, and I’m pretty sure there will indeed be a next time, I would definitely add a few inches to the overall length. I’ve already added 1/2” (2.5 cm) to each tier I really like the empire waistline, but looking at these pics, I think that it could use a tiny bit more length there as well.

Otherwise, I’m getting some really strong 70s vibes and a bit too much leg for polite company…

Construction 

Mira is super simple to construct, but the gathering is quite time consuming indeed. The tiers are voluminous, and there are loads and loads of inches of fabric to gather. Since I really want to make another one, I since invested in a gathering foot for my Pfaff. I haven’t used it yet, but testing looks promising. There are also gathering feet for overlockers, I used to have one that came with my previous one, a Brother 1034D.

The only change to the construction as per pattern instructions was to replace the self-bias binding at the neckline with shop-bought one. This saves time and also saves on the fabric requirements as you don’t need the bias for the self-tape.

My top tips for sewing this pattern:

• Use a gathering foot if you have one. If not, make sure you definitely do two rows of gathering
• Use the quartering method to assemble the tiers and to attach the top tier to the bodice (divide the circles in quarters and mark them, pin the marks together, then ease the gatherings between the pins)

FIBRE MOOD MIRA – VERDICT

OK, I don’t think you were waiting with bated breath to get to this part, were you? I have been gushing quite intensely throughout this post, so you already have a pretty good idea I love this pattern. It only took me a few hours to put together (other than copying and cutting) and it will be even quicker with the gathering foot. I really can’t wait to make another version, maybe in some floaty chiffon? I know summer is almost over, but if you follow me on Instagram, you might have noticed I’m really into dresses over trousers lately. So I’m sure I’ll find some fun ways to wear them even later in the year.

Speaking of styling, I have a post in the works with three ways to wear the Mira dress, so stay tuned for more ideas.

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FIBRE MOOD MIRA – REVIEW RECAP

Pattern: FIBRE MOOD Mira Magazine version (PDF available here), size S

Fabric: Brushed cotton from the stash, 2m;

Notions: 1 hook and eye; ready-made bias binding from the stash

Alterations: None

Next time: increase the length of each tier by 2.5 cm

Other versions: #FibreMoodMira on Instagram and on Fibremood.com (scroll to the bottom)

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