This is for “A Ladies Wrap”,  pattern number 0291.

My skill level is advanced/professional.

I would rate this pattern a five.  It was easy and fun.

I think that a beginner seamstress would find this pattern fun, and fairly easy.

The pattern and instructions were fine, but again as usual I went about the construction in a different manner then instructed.

This pattern was so easy for fit and size, after all there wasn’t much to fit.

The only pattern changes I made were for fit.  I slashed the front section from the dart/slash point to the front hem edge and spread  the pattern as needed.  For the back I just added the needed amount to the center back.  I then lengthened the collar at the center back.

I cut the pattern main pieces as instructed (front/back and collars).  I cut the belt,  belt trim, and (bias) wrap trim as instructed.  I interfaced the collar and the belt pieces.  I cut two front/back pieces from the lining as well.

I start by doing the reinforcement stitching on the front/back sleeve/gusset area (do not slash yet).   Stitch, slash, and press the darts at the front/neck and shoulder areas.  Stitch, and press open the center back seam.  Pin and stitch the tucks in the front and back pieces (you can use the tucks to help with fit).   Repeat these steps on the lining pieces.

Sew the bias trim to the sleeve’s lower edge.  Place the trim (right sides together) above the UPPER placement line.  Overlapping the seam lines.  Stitch along the seam line.  Flip the trim downward, , align the lower raw edges (both pieces should be right side up, and the upper stitching is hidden) press.  Baste lower edge if you wish.

Place the belt pieces (with a layer of interfacing), right sides, together.  Stitch both long edges,  Grade the seam allowances.  Flip the strip right sides out and press.  Repeat this process with the belt trim piece.  Leave short ends open on both pieces.  Trim the length of the (main) belt piece to fit the waist in the desired manner.   Slide the buckle onto the belt (I will position later).  Position the belt at the desired location and PIN.  Baste the front edges of the belt in place along the center front edge.

Place the lining over the main body piece, right sides together, pin or baste in place.  Starting at the center front edge, where the collar end point is (collar is NOT attached yet), and sewing around the whole piece to the opposite center front edge collar end point.  Making sure to catch the lower edge of the sleeve trim and the front edges of the belts.  Following the stitching line at the underarm junction.  Slash along the cutting line.  Clip, trim, and grade the seam allowance as needed.   Flip (using the neck opening) the piece right sides OUT, press.  Understitch where needed. Match the raw edges of the neckline, pin or baste.

Stitch two collar pieces (right sides together) along the center back edge, repeat on under collar pieces.  Lay the interfacing pieces over the under collar piece, (wrong side up), lapping the center back seam.  Basted in place.  Place both collars, right sides, together and stitch along the outer (long curved) edge and the lower front edges.  Stitch, clip, trim and grade seam as necessary to create a flat lay.  Understitch to prevent the under collar from rolling.

Place the collar INSIDE the wrap.  Upper collar facing toward lining.  Pin (or baste) leaving under collar free (unattached).  Stitch the collar in place, again leaving the under collar free.  Clip, trim, and grade the seam allowance, press toward the collar.  Fold under the seam allowance on the under collar and press.  Match the fold to the stitching line and hand stitch in place.  Roll the collar to the front and STEAM (do not press a hard edge) into place and shape.

Try the wrap on.  Pin the belt in the desired waist location.  Place the buckle at the center back.  Slide the belt trim piece into the buckle, over the main belt,  trim the belt trim to an appealing length and fold the raw edges inside and hand stitch closed.  Hand stitch the belt in place along the upper and lower edges.  Leaving the appropriate GAPS at the sides.

Stich snaps or hooks and eyes (or decorative hooks) at the center front closure. Sew the tassels at the sleeve points And you are ready for an evening out.

I had a lot more fun with this pattern then I expected I would.   I (again) did two.  The first one I did in black velvet with black satin trim, belt, and collar. It is really beautiful, and very wearable with todays styles.  But I just had to go a little WILD with the lining.  I chose a wonderful outline style chrysanthemum print in black and gold.   It works really well and since the inside SHOWS as part of the wrap, lining should really be considered as part of the garment.   I used a lovely antique belt buckle (I received from my grandmother).  That was black enamel with a gold peacock inlay.

The second one I did was QUICK AND EASY,  but oh what a look.  I did this one out of white lace.  I skipped the collar and sleeve trim.  I did not line this piece so the beauty of the lace could shine.  I used an overlap, stitch, and trim method for all the seams and darts.  I finished all the raw edges (hems and neckline also) with a narrow flat lace.  I used satin RIBBON for the belt and belt trim.  For this one I used a chrystal buckle at the center back.  I had I matching chrystal hook set for the center front (at the belt),  to create a closure.   Just the right amount of bling.

Again thank you for your time.   Shelly