NEW RELEASE: Briar Top and Dress Tester Round-up

November 20, 2023

I am so excited to finally get to share with you the Briar Top and Dress pattern! This pattern has a story behind it. I bought this stretch lace dress in the early 2000s. I wore it on my first date with my now husband, and on our anniversaries since. Even after two kids and many years, the stretch was enough that it still fit. Until now. Over the past few years, my body has changed and the dress no longer fit well. It became my mission to recreate that dress. This dress is that desire come to life. Size 8B/10 hip in stretch lace with lining. I chose thin straps, the ungathered flutter sleeve, and mermaid skirt.

Briar includes pleated A-F cups, as well as an extensive fitting section with instructions for increasing the cup size beyond F, bust point, and sway back adjustments. You can choose from strappy (thin or thick) or sleeves. You'll find any hem length you could ever want! Let's take a look at all the variations our testers came up with!

1. Shardee - https://www.instagram.com/sewing_shar

Shardee used a cotton jersey for her size 8D tank. She really shows the versatility of a cute tank under a blazer that goes to a dinner outfit!

2. Carolyn

Carolyn is showing off a beautiful floral DBP in a size 20D. Her top has the long sleeves with cuffs.

3. Jenni - https://www.instagram.com/earlysews/

Jenni chose a french terry for her size 8C/12 Briar. Jenni chose a top length, long sleeves, and cuffs in a lovely periwinkle.

4. Donna

Donna outdid herself with three different versions in a size 6 E. First, we have a short sleeve version in DBP with elastic in the sleeve hem to make a cute puff sleeve. Next, a cuffed long sleeve version also in DBP. Lastly, this fabulous dress made in a wet look performance fabric

(what?!), long sleeves, with elastic in the sleeve hem. I just had to show you the back of this dress and how it shows off that lace bralette!

The most popular version in this test was definitely the long sleeved version. My first one, I made in a teal cotton lycra and it fits beautifully. I made another in a sweater knit and wow, does it fit differently! I love it, but the lack of recovery made construction difficult, and it's definitely a looser fit. Fabric choice is so important to getting the look and fit you're going for!

5. Renee

Renee's divine long sleeve version is a size 20F in DBP. I am so in love with this whole look!

6. Ashley

Ashley made two versions in a size 10E/14. The purple is a soft, drapey modal top with cap sleeves, while the long sleeve dress version is a DBP.

7. Laura

My kiddo chose a bubble gum pink cotton lycra for her size 2A/6 tank top. That bright pop of color is so happy against the late fall background.

8. Heidi

Heidi made a size 12D. The short strappy dress is a french terry. The maxi sleeved and thick strap crossed back top are both jersey knit. Great fabric!

9. Josianne - https://www.instagram.com/sewista_fashionista/

Josianne made this long sleeve size 6B/4 version from a teal DBP. Then went the extra step to match it to a pair of Foxglove Leggings. Add a belt and you've got a faux body suit! Fabulous!

Another Briar I made has the cap sleeve left loose. This cheerful tropical fabric is a slinky rib knit. It was a little tricky to sew, but it makes a perfect summer top.

10. Ashley - https://linktr.ee/madebyashley

Ashley made her size 2B out of an ITY fabric. That deep purple combined with the soft drape of the ITY looks like a fairy tale top!

11. Tasha

Tasha chose a DBP fabric for her size 14E short sleeved top. The pink floral reminds me of a warm garden full of blooms. A bright daydream in the dreary winter weather.

12. Miranda

Miranda's short sleeve tops are a size 22D. The blue polka dot is an ITY fabric, while the green is nylon spandex. Great fabric choices to show off that beautiful neckline!

13. Laura - https://instagram.com/kittymakesit/

Laura used an awesome cheetah print honeycomb for her size 12E. This turned out so pretty!

14. Kim

Kim made her size 10C in two very different styles and shows you how to make Briar a little less revealing, if you wish! The left is a DBP with a modesty panel (instructions included in the pattern!). The right is a sweet stretch lace over a RTW tank.

15. Michelle - https://www.instagram.com/my.handmade.heart/

After making her first size 8C Briar top in a bamboo (my favorite fabric!), Michelle switched it up to a cotton spandex for a dress. Great illustration on how fabric behaves differently! Notice the Prelude Pouch for added style!

16. Marina

Marina made a size 8F/10 in a groovy DBP. Those boots totally make the outfit!

17. Michele

Michele made a size 4C in a poly spandex. This dramatic maxi in the black and red floral is just begging to be worn to a holiday party!

18. Joan

Joan is rocking a red strappy version in a size 20E. The fabric is a rayon spandex. This dress reflects the warmth and beauty of the desert sun.

19. Ruth

Look at Ruth's rosy pink fabric! I really do love this pattern in pink. Ruth made a size 10D with a drapey ITY fabric and long sleeves.

I have one more version of my own to show you. This sweet sundress is the thin strap, short dress options in a floral border lavender ITY. I can't wait until the sun comes back to get some wear out of this one.

20. Laura

Laura's size 10D/12 dress is simply breathtaking. She chose the cap sleeve and mermaid skirt in a (wait for it!) nylon spandex sequin fabric! I so hope this dress gets shown off at an appropriate shindig soon!

21. Lorraine

Lorraine's made a size 14D/22 top version with short sleeves in a DBP. This whole outfit feels like an optimistic breath of spring in the winter snow!