There is currently a Sis Boom Jamie Sew-A-Long happening; here's Day 1. It's only 4 days long, very fast sew. I wanted to participate because the pattern was on sale for $5!
Sis Boom always has great patterns, easy instruction, and it comes in sizes XS-3X. If you are a busty gal, there is also a cutting line for extra room in the bodice. This dress truly is flatting on every single figure. Just Google for images. It has a full skirt but you can easily change it to A line or just narrow the skirt for less gathering. The pattern gives you measurements to make the dress any length you desire. I've seen it as a tunic and maxi dress! Looks awesome with any cut.
The dress does not originally have pockets. The sew a long tells you how to add the pockets based on the Sis Boom Angie pattern (which I also bought for $5!).
The sew a long ALSO gives instructions for how to make this dress nursing friendly! Lot 'o' options!
I'm in love with this dress. It's so comfortable. Dress up or down or with a bolero when it's cool.
The only thing I changed was the zipper installation and length. The pattern calls for a 14" zipper, which would make me cut off one pocket. I only sewed the zipper to the top of my pocket (which was approximately 10"). I'm a pocket girl, I really didn't want to cut 1/2 of it out.
The shorter zipper works fine, but there is not enough room to get the dress over my hips. I'm forced to take it off/put it on over my head. Not a big deal for me. If I had cut 1" off my pocket and used 11" of the zipper, it would have fit over my hips just fine.
I took extra care to make sure my side checks would match up. I did a pretty darn good job.