This is the pattern company whose name I hear echoing in the wide, open spaces of every fabric shop…Wiksten…W i k s t e n…. W i k s t e n. As a skeptic, I wondered what all the fuss was about for patterns in the $20 range. I mean, that just feels pricy.
It’s undeniable, however, that everything I came across made from a Wiksten pattern was somehow simply amazing. Not flashy or complicated but just seemed to fit right and look great in an easy-breezy, perfect kind of way. So, when I discovered the digital pattern for $10, I bought it. I really, really hate piecing together pattern pieces. Like full-on despise it. When it means I save almost $15, however, I will slap a smile on my face and happily piece together a digital pattern. I guess I can be bought. 🙂
I love my Wiksten Tova dress, it is as good as they say. The fabric is from my stash, the very, very special section of my stash of Pendleton Wool. My great-grandmother worked for Pendleton, the Omaha branch, and she and my grandmother had tons of their lightweight wool. When my grandma moved into a smaller apartment I was given all of her Pendleton. I know. Amazing. Trust me, I know how lucky I am.
I really like this dress. The wool is perfect, it keeps me warm and it has enough weight that this tunic-like length doesn’t feel like something someone my age shouldn’t wear. I did line it with a thin red polyester fabric because otherwise the wool would stick to my leggings and the lining keeps it from being a dress I have to fuss with. I also altered the neck facing. The pattern calls for a neckband twice the size of what I made. I just wanted a simpler neckband.
As you can see the side seams don’t line up AT ALL, which made me a little self-conscious at first. I decided I’m going to focus on how well the front bodice seams do line up instead of worry about the side seams. Ok, those aren’t PERFECT either but I’m not one to worry about perfection.
I’m happy with the dress and psyched about the pattern.
For whatever reason, though, I have the hardest time picking fabric for this dress. With uber-plain fabric it seems so boring (although lots of people are rocking it with the plain but sophisticated look) but with bold fabric it’s a bit like fancy scrubs. Example A is my version of the top in some long-hoarded Lotta Jandotter fabric:
Oops. If you’ve got any tips for picking fabric for my next one, I am all ears! Especially tips on how to mix and match fabric for the bib and main dress body! I’m terrified of doing that but really want to!
Daniela D says
Love! Your Pendleton Tova dress is glorious! I personally thing the Lotta Tova top is so fun!
Melissa Q. says
You are so sweet. Thank you! Glorious is such a nice word. The Lotta top is fun but makes me look totally crazy.
Laura says
I have wanted to try this pattern for a long time. Yours looks amazing and sounds so luxurious in wool!
Melissa Q. says
Thank you so much! It’s a straightforward pattern (and for $10, not too bad).
Jenny Yarbrough says
Wow, Melissa, that is stunning! So funny your hesitancy because of the price! Me too! I didn’t realize there was a digital version for $10!! 🙂 The wool is gorgeous…lucky gal!
Melissa Q. says
I know! It’s such a bargain (if you ignore the piecing pain). At the end of the day, I’m a total cheapskate. Thanks for saying such nice things about the dress Jenny!!
kristin says
Ohhhh the Pendleton!! It looks amazing on you, such a perfect fall/winter layering piece. I’ve sewn the wiksten tank but not the tova, you’ve got me thisclose to buying it though!
Melissa Q. says
Hey, wait! Didn’t you just have a baby! And, you are on top of commenting on blogs. You are truly amazing. The Wiksten tank, by the way, is one of those…hmm-looks-so-simple-but-amazing patterns that got me curious. I can only imagine what you would accomplish iwht the Tova pattern.
Masha says
I really love your plaid dress version. I have been stalking this pattern for years, but it doesn’t seem like it will work for the larger busted. I really love it, though.
Melissa Q. says
You make a good point about the large bust. I rarely find advantages to having a breast size in the ‘juniors’ range but this might just be one of them. 🙂
Delphine says
I am a pitiful seamstress but you making me feel I should really try’s bit harder. That model is beautiful on you.
I hesitated about giving advice on colors and patterns. But actually colors and patterns are my job and you asked for advice…the Lotta Jansdotter pattern is actually marvelous on you! it just needs a little scarf. On mixing patterns and colors, I would say, go for uneven numbers : pick two colors you like, add one , any one. It usually works, it’s a bit of magic. Yellow and brown and a bit of green. Works. Pink and blue and a bit of beige. Good. Etc etc. Pick colors that talk to you, that red from a dress you loved, the blue of an apron, etc. Works. Colors are good friends, they are always cheerful . About patterns, I would say, two possibilities. Either go for exact same style by same artist ( 3 lotta patterns from the same collection! yummy ) or go for contrasts . I love florals with stripes and a color accent. Or dots with a dark floral? I must admit, in doubt, instead of removing a color or a pattern, I add another one. Most of the time, it works, but I like it a bit boho…
Melissa Q. says
I’m so happy you commented because I just looked at your amazing blog. If I am inspiring you to sew more you have inspired me hundredfold to try more illustration! Wow! Amazing stuff Delphine. I really wish you designed fabric.
I love your advice so much about color and I’m glad you went for it. I love that it’s a mix of ‘follow your gut’ and ‘go for bold’. Does adding a pattern work? Thanks for the Lotta Jansdotter compliment. You think I could pair it with a scarf and work it, huh? I might just have to try that.
Patricia Burns says
Wonderful and so cute. I love it on you. Really fun and youthful but not too young looking. Once again I am inspired by you. Love. Mom
Melissa Q. says
thanks mom. 🙂
Toni-Maree says
Oh I love them both Melissa, gorgeous. I need more plaid in my life.
Melissa Q. says
I know what you mean, plaid is so perfect sometimes. Thanks.
Jenya says
I saw this top on Flicker (I am secretly stalking you – OK not so secretly now haha), and had to pop over and read about it! The tunic/dress look great, and… you can be bought for $15? haha Just kidding 🙂 Really, it looks great on you!
Melissa Q. says
Thank you so much! And, yes, I’m cheap. Apparently, I only just realized it.
Kim says
I love this fabric, and I especially like it in your leather bag. Gorgeous!
Melissa Q. says
Aw, thanks Kim. I got it from my fashionable Grandma, how awesome is that?