Tuesday Project Roundup: Nightgown Edition

On Instagram, it seems like everyone and their dog on is making the Wilder Gown by Friday Pattern Company–yes, that’s “Wilder” like Laura Ingalls and “gown” like nightgown, or “big shapeless dress.” Obviously I had to jump on that bandwagon, too.

Pros:

  • Easy pattern
  • Great instructions–anyone could make this
  • Looks good on lots of people
  • The neck gathers make for a nice fit in the bust, even without darts
  • Extremely on-trend
  • Comfortable, like a nightgown

Cons:

  • As drafted, I think the casing for the neck tie is a hair too narrow, leading to lots of folding and bunching of the tie
  • The combo of raglan sleeves and unfixed gathers around the neck means that the neckline is prone to a lot of shifting when wearing. I tacked my tie at the center back and at both ends, but essentially the entire weight of the dress is hanging from the neck gathers. Combine that with a lightweight fabric (just some poly crepe from JoAnn) and you get a neckline that moves around a lot.
  • No pockets as drafted (I added some)
  • If you make it in a dainty floral print, it may be indistinguishable from a nightgown

 

Am I happy with this? Yes. It’s very FASHUN and good for twirling. Will I make it again? Maaaaybe in a big floral for spring. But we’ll see what the next hot pattern is for 2020 first.