Built by Wendy dress pattern-Simp. 3835

Does anyone else think that the sizing on this pattern is just strange?  I realize that I am not a teen size, at 45 years old, but I normally wear a 12 or 14, and when I measured myself and looked at the envelope, I should be an 18!  Also, neck is too high.  I made up a 14 anyway, figuring patterns usually run a bit big, and the dress was so small across the bust and hips that I had to add a piece of fabric to the back seam!  I am interested to know what others have done with this pattern...Thanks.

I've made this pattern several times and didn't have too much trouble with it.  My measurements are larger than the largest size 18, but I got it to fit by reducing the seam allowance to 3/8".  I made the dress as well, but actually had to take it in more because it felt too big.  I was able to take it in about 2 inches! 
I generally only use pattern sizes as a guide and usually sew the pattern with cheap fabric the first time around.  After I adjust the fit, I draw my own pattern out of freezer paper and mark the changes I made on the pattern's instruction pages.  This way, I have a pattern to use that fits and can be ironed on over and over again.  (I don't have any patience for pinning.) 
As for the neck, I don't remember having any issues with that except that I used way more elastic than they called for because I wanted my neck larger and not as gathered. 
Here's the link to one of the shirts: http://www.flickr.com/photos/7791990@N04/731481191/
And the dress: http://www.flickr.com/photos/7791990@N04/2437473532/
There's alot more examples of this pattern on flickr.  You could do a search and probably get more info on what other's thought as well.

I made the top with this pattern and was VERY sad when my measurements said I was 3 sizes larger than normal.  I then proceeded to make the size 12 (not the 14 that my bust/hip measurement called for) and it is very snug in the chest/upper arm area.  I have debated ripping out the seam and adding some fabric, since I used some cute Amy Butler fabric on this and don't want to "waste" it... but am not sure how/where to add the extra.  Oh well, maybe it will be my incentive to lose a few pounds   I've made another of the Built by Wendy pattern and went with the real size that I measured and it turned out great.  I guess I'm going to ignore the size number and just think measurements for now on...

Please don't be discouraged by the sizing--like wedding dress sizing, pattern sizing has little to do with current retail sizing.  It really is just a number.

http://sewing.patternreview.com/cgi-bin/search.pl?search=search&patternid=14387&CompanyID=45&PatternNumber=3835

Here are some reviews from the Pattern Review website - it sounds like other people had trouble with the high neck.

I prefer to look at finished garment measurements before I start cutting.

Don't be sad! There is something people should know, clothing sizing in stores and on a pattern are very different. For example, a size 10 dress in a store is in reality more like a 14. I don't know if it's the clothing industry that does it like that to make people feel better about buying their clothes, but you should always refer to the back of the pattern enveloppe and measure for a perfect fit. And remember that sizes are just a number, even in a clothes store, just because you think you are that size, it doesn't mean it will fit everytime.

The tip of using cheap fabric the first one is a great one, even though it's more work.

I did have some problems with the neck, and ended up doing it differently because I couldn't figure it out, i thought the piece was too small. But it ended up great, and I will definitely do that pattern again, it's so versatile!

I didn't make the dress - but I did make the shirt.  The sizing freaked me out (more concerned about the number matching what "I" thought it should be!).

BUT I do have to say that it makes me look pregnant.  I have to take mine in around the waist area otherwise I'm going to be getting some looks.  Does anyone else have similar problems?  Or am I just being too concerned about it?

I was glad to see this post as I worked on the minidress version of this pattern yesterday-I am somewhat inexperienced, and thought that surely the size 12 would be ok (if not on the large side), but the dress still is really too fitted for my taste. Maybe I was just too optimistic about my own size!

I also had the issue of the neck being high and the arms being a bit too small...I like the style overall, and will probably try it in a larger size (or even larger, I should say). I guess I learned my lesson about trying with cheap fabric first.  Too late for this try, though-Does anyone have any suggestions to help with making the top/dress a little more roomy after the fact? Someone mentioned adding some fabric in the back?

Don't worry about the size number on this pattern...I thought that same thing when I matched up my measurements to the back of the pattern envelope. 

I've made the shirt twice, but have not tried out the dress yet.  On my second shirt I added a little extra length.  The only problem that I ran into were the sleeves being somewhat snug...but that was an easy fix when I adjusted the length of elastic that I used in the casing. 

Using a cheap fabric for your first attempt at making the shirt is a great tip.  That's what I did and it helped me out. 

Good luck! 

Here are two links to my finished shirts:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/14861803@N06/2628900461/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/14861803@N06/2645457588/in/photostream/