The Megan Nielsen Protea Dress
It's taken me a while to write about my experience with the new Megan Nielsen pattern, but I was one of the lucky few who got to try it out first. The Protea dress is an incredible pattern with five stunning views that can create a truly remarkable capsule collection. For my first two versions, I went with view C, as it checked all the boxes for me. The waist tie, tiered skirt, square neckline and dreamy sleeves had me absolutely obsessed with this dress.
It's funny how things work out because, when the team at Megan Nielsen reached out to me, I was in the process of hacking a dress to look exactly like their pattern. I had five patterns spread across my kitchen counter, which I was trying to mash together. So, if this wasn't a sign from the sewing gods, I don't know what is!
For my first version, I used Birdies fabric from Ellie Whittaker Studio in a pastel colorway, which is simply magical. It made me question why I don't work with pastel colors more often. I followed the instructions and made the dress as is, which was a fast and straightforward sew. Gathering the fabric for the skirt was the most time-consuming part of the process, which reminds me, I need to purchase a gathering foot!
The second version was made with linen from Blackbird Fabrics, which sold out five times before I could snag it. It's that epic. I went down one size and attached the channel differently from the instructions. I basted it to my bodice and then stitched it on the top and bottom so that it wouldn't move. I'm not sure why, but the way I read the instructions had the channel only attached on one side, and I'm not too fond of a flabby channel, so I made sure mine was anchored down. Other than that, I made no other changes.
I absolutely love my new dresses. However, if I had to give feedback, it would be to be mindful of sizing. I went down a size, but I probably should have gone down one more. I prefer the square neckline to sit tighter on me than the pattern ease allows for. I'd also suggest checking out the channel for the tie and seeing what you prefer: looser or anchored in. But that's it. Everything else was a breeze, and although I've only made one view so far, I can't wait to try the others soon!
In conclusion, the Protea dress is an incredible pattern with a lot of potential. Its versatility allows for endless possibilities, and it's a fast and straightforward sew. I highly recommend giving it a try and creating your capsule collection. Don't forget to take the time to find the perfect fabric and make the necessary sizing adjustments. Happy sewing!
