Ann of Designer Stitch patterns launched the Shelby knit dress this year.

I initially sewed a firm zebra knit bought from Spotlight for the test version.

The second version is a blue on beige odd print from the US that I bought at least 8 years ago. That’s the one I love the most.

Ann’s sewing instructions are brilliant.

Secondly, check your body measurements before you print out your pattern.

Check all the adjustments you need to suit your curves from the test version.

What was my style choice for the Shelby?

The shortest skirt. The shortest sleeve option. The flat tummy and flat lower back option.

What fit alterations did you have to make to the Shelby?

Skirt – shortened the darts to 10cm long. I know where my curves start so I do this for all my dresses and trousers. Once I finished sewing the dress I raised the hem by 5cm because I am short.

Bodice –I raised the dart by 2cm and shortened the dart by 2.5cm. I angled the bodice dart up by 2cm. I took out 5cm from the bodice length below the bust dart.

I wore it to lunch and I got a nice compliment from my husband. It was a wolf whistle.

My design friends absolutely love the collar. They really do.

I’ll try the tummy and lower back gathers for a black version, to add some interest in the design.