I’m so happy to share with you the River dress & top pattern tester roundup! Some of our lovely testers have been kind enough to let us share their makes – and I love how different each and everyone is!
A thorough pattern tester is a huge pattern of our process, and I take the feedback from our testers very seriously. After our first round of River testing, we made some changes to the pattern before beginning a second round of testing to perfect the pattern. Some of these makes are from the first round of testing, so you may notice that the neckline shape is a little different and skirt hems are a little shorter, but I really wanted to show you ALL of the test makes because I love them all and everyone made such beautiful garments. Just keep in mind that in the final pattern the dress hemline is a little longer, the belt and pocket position is a little different, and the neckline is deeper.
Thank you so much to all of my lovely River testers, we couldn’t have done it without you!
Ok, let’s look at these beautiful makes, and please make sure to check out these makers links to see more of their sewing journey!
WHO
Julie
MADE
Version 4 // woven top
HER FAVOURITE THING ABOUT THE PATTERN
I like a fast pattern that is also stylish and this is exactly what this is! It’s also flattering! The pattern can be “hacked” in many different ways and is a staple for any wardrobe!
WHAT SHE IS PLANNING ON MAKING NEXT
I added piping to the arm seams which made the top ever more sporty. I have a scuba knit ready for the dress version. It’s kind of a cool fabric because on one side it’s suede-like and on the other side it’s plain black! I was thinking about making the top version and attaching a gathered skirt at the bottom to make a dress.
WHO
Claire // Find her on her blog I want to be a Turtle and on IG @iwanttobeturtle
MADE
Version 1 // Knit dress
Version 2 // Woven dress with pockets and belt
HER FAVOURITE THING ABOUT THE PATTERN
There’s a lot to like about this pattern – the relaxed style, the simplicity of construction, and the number of looks you can create through different fabrics. It is also a satisfyingly quick make.
WHAT SHE IS PLANNING ON MAKING NEXT
In addition to the scuba version, I made the dress in bright African wax cotton. The drape is slightly stiffer in the cotton but it still looks great with a belt. I don’t currently have any future versions planned but I think it is only a matter of time!
WHO
Kara // Find her on IG @knitsandsews
MADE
Version 2 // Dress with belt and pockets
HER FAVOURITE THING ABOUT THE PATTERN
The deep hems give it structure and the belt nicely defines my waist.
WHAT SHE IS PLANNING ON MAKING NEXT
I made a woven dress with pockets and a knit dress without pockets. I can definitely see myself making more knit dresses, and I’d like to try a knit version of the top as well!
WHO
Madeleine
MADE
Version 4 // woven top
HER FAVOURITE THING ABOUT THE PATTERN
The ease of construction and the versatility of the pattern.
WHAT SHE IS PLANNING ON MAKING NEXT
I hope to make the dress variation in knit and I’d also like to see if I can make a version that could work with my slowly growing baby bump!
WHO
Becky // Find her on IG @beckssews
MADE
Version 2 // Dress with pockets & belt
HER FAVOURITE THING ABOUT THE PATTERN
The shape of the body portion with the length – hit at a perfect spot for this look on me.
WHAT SHE IS PLANNING ON MAKING NEXT
Yes – I will modify the one I made to have a deep v-neck and shorter sleeves. I would be curious to try version 4 in rayon or silk.
WHO
Kate // Find her on IG @katiep_sews
MADE
Version 4 // Woven blouses
HER FAVOURITE THING ABOUT THE PATTERN
The instructions to change a standard sleeve hem into a cuff. They were very clear and made for a great finished product. I also like that it’s easy to have a reversible, round or v-neck top/dress using this pattern and mixing & matching. I love the ease of construction and the speed it came together. Just a quick and satisfying sew. The cropped length of the top is on trend but it can easily be lengthened so it’s an all-rounder!
WHAT SHE IS PLANNING ON MAKING NEXT
I am planning a denim Tencel dress and a knit top version. I made mine with french seams, which is an easy additional detail for construction on a top like this and may be a good step-up for beginner sewers to try.
WHO
Ame // Find her on IG @wine_and_pie
MADE
Version 2 // woven dress
HER FAVOURITE THING ABOUT THE PATTERN
That it is reversible.
WHAT SHE IS PLANNING ON MAKING NEXT
I cuffed the sleeves and shortened the length on this version. I plan to make a lengthier version of the top as a cover-up with a white linen fabric.
WHO
Amy // Find her on IG @cashmama1
MADE
Version 2 // Dress with pockets & belt
HER FAVOURITE THING ABOUT THE PATTERN
I honestly love the length and width of the sleeves and the ease of the dress. It gives it a very beachy vibe. I also love the option of wearing it v-neck or round neck.
WHAT SHE IS PLANNING ON MAKING NEXT
I would love to do this in a maxi and a knit.
WHO
Leah // Find her on her blog Struggle Sews a Straight Seam
MADE
Version 2 // woven dress with pockets and belt lengthened to maxi
HER FAVOURITE THING ABOUT THE PATTERN
Design-wise, the sleeves, I like the raglan shape and fit.
WHAT SHE IS PLANNING ON MAKING NEXT
Yes! I’m going to try a knit version tomorrow. And maybe something else, I don’t know! I want to do one with an elastic waist, that’s fun. Maybe a shirt in a drapey rayon? It’s a fun canvas!
WHO
Jenny // Find her on her blog Wardrobe Architect and on IG @thewardrobearchitect
MADE
Version 4 // woven top
HER FAVOURITE THING ABOUT THE PATTERN
How versatile it is!
WHAT SHE IS PLANNING ON MAKING NEXT
A dress version with pockets and belt in a stable knit.
WHO
Ivana // Find her on IG @ivanamania
MADE
Version 2 // Dress with pockets & belt (plus a patchwork Version 2 dress out of scraps!)
Version 4 // woven top
HER FAVOURITE THING ABOUT THE PATTERN
I just like the fit, Cocoon shape and raglan sleeves. The neckline and the ease of construction.
WHAT SHE IS PLANNING ON MAKING NEXT
I plan to make another blouse version V3 or V4 and the V1 knit dress with extended sleeves. I love the fact that I can choose between woven and knits. The first one I made in poly crepe and I have been using store-bought bias tape. Also, I have used embroidery stitch on neck binding – it is my cheating method – it holds everything in place even if you make mistake.
WHO
Marie-Fleurine // Find her on her blog Sew Marie Fleur
MADE
Version 4 // woven blouse with the belt from Version 2
HER FAVOURITE THING ABOUT THE PATTERN
The v-neck and the option to add belt loops and a belt.
WHAT SHE IS PLANNING ON MAKING NEXT
A lengthened blouse version to wear to work.
WHO
Eliza
MADE
Version 3 // Knit top
HER FAVOURITE THING ABOUT THE PATTERN
Easy and quick satisfaction. Did not use a large amount of fabric so I can use my expensive 1-1.5 yard cuts.
WHAT SHE IS PLANNING ON MAKING NEXT
I would like to try the dress and add elastic to the back and ties in the front of the waist.
WHO
Megan // Find her on her blog Meggipeg and on IG @meggipeg
MADE
Version 2 // Woven dress with pockets
Version 4 // Woven top
HER FAVOURITE THING ABOUT THE PATTERN
I think the pattern has a flattering fit and I like the raglan sleeves and wide hems. I love a dress or top that is easy to wear and looks great.
WHAT SHE IS PLANNING ON MAKING NEXT
I’ve already made a top and two dresses and will definitely be making more versions of this pattern. I would love to try this in a variety of fabric types and experiment with prints and colour blocking.
WHO
Miss Fedi // Find her on IG @miloupio
MADE
Version 2 // woven dress
Version 4 // woven top
HER FAVOURITE THING ABOUT THE PATTERN
The very simple and flattering form and straightforward sewing… and all the possibilities you can imagine to make with such a simple pattern!
WHAT SHE IS PLANNING ON MAKING NEXT
I absolutely love the pattern and think I will make much more versions of it. I made the cropped blouse with 3/4 sleeves, the chambray dress with contrasting neck/sleeve and bottom binding and I am planning to make a more sweaterly-like version with long sleeves in a knit fabric for colder weather and another dress for summer in a really nice rayon fabric … etc etc
WHO
Caroline // Find her on her blog Full-Time Vixen
MADE
Version 2 // woven dress with belt and pockets
HER FAVOURITE THING ABOUT THE PATTERN
It’s a breeze to make, a very simple pattern with an interesting neckline concept.
WHAT SHE IS PLANNING ON MAKING NEXT
With this kind of neckline, it might be fun to make a dress version in lovely drapey silk. I’ve now tried this pattern in a woven and knit fabric. I think I used a knit fabric which was too heavy and stretchy so I accidentally made something really low-cut but contemporary!
WHO
Pascale // Find her on IG @pascalettre
MADE
Version 1 // Knit dress
HER FAVOURITE THING ABOUT THE PATTERN
The fact that it was reversible.
WHO
Rebecca // Find her on IG @rebeccaw0w
MADE
Version 2 // Woven dress with pockets & belt
HER FAVOURITE THING ABOUT THE PATTERN
It came together SO FAST. And the length is just right, the neck is cute but not too covered or open. I appreciate your easy style that fits into my life with versatility – I feel dressed but not too tailored.
WHAT SHE IS PLANNING ON MAKING NEXT
I cuffed the sleeve for a shorter look and a little flair. I like the suggestion to cut them really short /cap sleeveless length, and will likely do that next time!
WHO
Sally // Find her on her website Sally’s Angelworks
MADE
Version 1 // Knit dress
HER FAVOURITE THING ABOUT THE PATTERN
The top and the V-neck are very flattering.
WHAT SHE IS PLANNING ON MAKING NEXT
Yes! I will make a bunch of t-shirts for myself! Can’t wait! I made a version with a wider skirt for playing the cello which I do professionally. Perfect!! Even though it is knit, it’s not too casual for my church gigs. And so comfortable!
WHO
Tami // Find her on her blog Sew Sophie Lynn and IG @sewsophielynn
MADE
Version 1 // Knit dress
Version 3 // Knit top
HER FAVOURITE THING ABOUT THE PATTERN
I love the ease and how quickly the pattern came together. The boxy style is so on trend!
WHAT SHE IS PLANNING ON MAKING NEXT
I would like to make a fun summer dress- an eyelet overlay would be super cute!
WHO
Dorte // Find her on her on Instagram @dragonfly_fabrics
MADE
Version 4 // woven top (with added waist tie!)
HER FAVOURITE THING ABOUT THE PATTERN
I really like the simple shape and how wearable it is, and also how easy it is to sew.
WHAT SHE IS PLANNING ON MAKING NEXT
I’m planning to make a dress version in soft chambray and another blouse in floral cotton lawn.
LOOKING FOR MORE RIVER POSTS?
Here’s the full list of River posts and tutorials:
- Inspiration and ideas
- Pattern Tester roundup (this post!)
- Staystitching and Pockets
- Flat raglan sleeve insertion and side seams
- How to insert raglan sleeves in the round
- Neck band View A & C
- Bias bound neckline View B & D
- Hemming
- Belt and belt loops
- Variation : ruffle raglan sleeve detail
- Variation : patch pockets and contrasting fabrics (View A)
We absolutely love seeing what you make, so don’t forget to tag your creations with #MNriver and @megannielsenpatterns when sharing on social media, and check out what everyone else is up to!
DON’T HAVE THE PATTERN YET?
