If at the beginning, I had decided to publish my “Win & Fail” for you, to show you that a failure is not serious and above all can be overcome, I noticed that it has modified my to-do list, and impelled new cravings. At the moment, I want to sew tested and approved patterns, clothes in which I feel good, and especially at ease. And if there is a dress that I wanted to remake for an eternity, it is the Darling Ranges from Megan Nielsen.

My first version is one of the dresses that I wear very often, although it isn’t the most flattering of my wardrobe, regarding the red poplin that I had used and which isn’t really adapted to the gathers of the skirt. But no matter, its flashy color instantly puts me in a good mood, and worn with red ballerinas, this is one of my favorite outfits. And above all, it is COMFY.

The Darling Ranges, if I had to rename it in one expression, it would easygoing. Being bowed at the waist by a knot that you adjust yourself, it’s you who decide how you want to wear it. Normally, the knot is sewn at the back and is shorter. I personally reproduced the same modification as on the first: I lengthened the piece of the pattern (instead of cutting it in twice, I simply cut on the fold, twice, and I sewed them between the side seams, just above the waist seam).

You can see here the rendering of the non waist-fitted dress: note that Megan offers multiple versions of the Darling Ranges, and it can be stitched straight, without gathering and without darts.

The advantage of sewing the ties in the side seams is that you can tie them on the front! The result is very cute.

Compared to my first version, I made some modifications:

• I didn’t sew the pockets: always afraid that it adds thickness to an area … er … which is already quite thick like that. : D
• I topstitched the seam at the waist so that the seam allowances remain in place.
• I interfaced the buttonholes area.
• I reduced the skirts by 5cms.
• The darts rising too high to my taste, I lowered them to 12cms. But having made no changes to the pattern upstream, we see that there is an excess of fabric just under the chest. My fabric being thin and flowing, it’s not shocking, but with a thicker fabric, an adjustment of the pattern would probably be necessary.

The last modification is about the sleeves: I noticed with my first version that on my morphology, the elasticated hem just hits right on the fold of my elbow. On this one, I decided to sew a simple hem : the sleeves are a little wide but my fabric is thin, again I don’t find this very shocking.

Let’s talk about this fabric: I came across this print in a newsletter from Bennytex. My husband offered me vouchers, I took the opportunity to order 2m of this viscose, thinking about a dress for next fall. And when I received it and discovered its softness, its fluidity that BIM, the evidence: here is your new Darling Ranges !

The fluidity of the fabric is great for flattering gathers. And the fabric is so soft: I can’t wait to wear it without tights this spring.

Again in S size, hemmed the skirt on 5,5cms and chose covered buttons.

“Oh oh, seems like I beat Mr. Photobombing out !!!” : D: D: D

Verdict: for 2 years I wanted to remake a Darling Ranges, and I’m really thrilled to have found the perfect fabric for! The great advantage of this version lies in the print shades, which will allow me to wear it as much in fall and winter, with tights and boots, as spring with bare legs and camel derbies. It is a real cozy dress, the one that allows us to remain feminine without feeling too restricted or overdressed … let’s say the perfect casual dress !

And guess what ??

J-54 before Spring !!! ❤❤❤ A great week for all!