Amelia by Minerva is such a versatile dress style. I sewed this pattern and fabric as a Minerva Brand Ambassador.

As a petite I’m really conscious of making dresses look well fitted.

My initial measurements indicated to sew size H and do a full bust adjustment.

Since wearing this dress the next Amelias will be size G.

This Amelia size is a B cup and the next pattern size up is a D cup so I did a bust adjustment for my bust.

Here are my modifications on this dress because the fabric and print are brilliant.

Moved the bust gathers 2cm closer to centre front.

Raised the front skirt up the bodice by 1.5cm

Removed an additional 1.5cm from the front bodice above the bust.

Took in the side seams from the sleeve to the top of the pocket by 1.5cm.

In my sneak peek, the sleeves had shirring. Later that day, I wore this dress to lunch and the sleeves volume did nothing for me, so once I got home, I removed the sleeves and took out the fullness in the sleeve.

I also removed 1.5cm from the bodice shoulder seam at the sleeve join. I prefer sleeves that are on the shoulder point.

Now that I’ve finished this dress, I’ll remove more skirt width from the hip to the hem. I won’t want a straight skirt but I feel the hem volume is too much for my lack of height.

I can definitely see this dress being brilliant for more cotton fabric and a few swishy rayons too.

The heart applique is to raise awareness of women’s heart health because womens heart health is different. The symptoms are different for women. #SewDoItForHeart is an ongoing womens heart disease awareness campaign this heart applique represents.

There’s also #sagamappliqueaugust challenge right now.

I’m keeping the pockets on future Amelia dresses. Future Winter Amelias may have sleeve cuffs for a sleek finish.

There are so many possibilities for Amelia.

This Winter version of Amelia is brilliant.

My advice is if you purchase this fabric, do your best to make whatever pattern you choose to look great on you. Unpicking is a necessary skill for sewing great clothes.