Chalk + Notch Marcel

There isn’t a Chalk + Notch pattern in existence that I don’t love. I’ve tested Chalk + Notch patterns several times (Fringe, Pixie, Joy, Page) and own all the rest! Gabriela is a gem of a human and runs the most professional pattern tests I’ve ever experienced. So it’s no surprise I’m a fan of her latest pattern, the Marcel Dress and Tank.

I was assigned to test the tank, View C, and that’s where my love affair started. Marcel is fitted at the high bust (with loads of ease elsewhere), so your high bust measurement is the most important factor in sizing. I started with a size 8 A/B based on high and full bust measurements of 34” and 35”.

(The Marcel pattern size range is 0-24 (48” high bust). Full size chart here.).

It’s a good idea to muslin the bodice alone before proceeding to make a tank or dress.

bodice muslin over a tank

Ultimately, I found i needed to size down to size 6 for the bodice. Gabriela has a very detailed fitting post here. She has these Fitting and Common Adjustments posts for most of her women’s patterns!

I used small scraps of Rifle Paper Co rayon for my muslin. The bodice is Mariner Cloth.

I can’t believe the puppy sat there so perfectly for this!

It’s notable that the straps finish at 1 1/8” so they nicely cover most bra straps.

I went full out with Liberty Tana (cotton) lawn for a View A midi dress.

The midi length has five tiers in each side panel.

I’ve been asked a couple times if 60” wide fabric is required or if 45” wide yardage will work. For perspective, I measured the 5th, bottom-most tier for size 8. It was 10” high by about 50” wide. With 45” wide fabric, directionality could be an issue and/or you might need to do some piecing.

My poor Liberty suffered a hungry serger bite. I mended it with some tricot fused inside and zigzag stitching on top. It’s doubtful anyone will ever notice.

I usually purchase Liberty lawn from Duckadilly’s remnant offerings. Remnants are typically priced at $18/yard which is 50% retail. Lawn certainly doesn’t have the same lovely drape as rayon or tencel. But I love how airy this dress is.

A mini dress, View B, followed.

I used an embroidered chambray from Fabric.com for this version and I’m quite smitten.

The fabric aged in my stash for 3 years. But this dress might be my favorite Marcel. (Can you really pick just one?)

You might have noticed a little gal in a yellow dress above. Marcel, like several Chalk + Notch patterns, also comes in MINI (sizes 12 months to 12 years)!

I made my youngest a dress.

And my older girl a top. She refused to pose for any photos, so I consider myself lucky to get this shot while we were having a picnic.

She loves her leggings to pieces.

I sewed a hacked version for the Mood Sewing Network, which actually ended up as a top and separate skirt! I shared the details in this blog post.

Phew! I better stop here. (I actually have another tank I haven’t shared, but I don’t seem to have any photos of it!)

In summary, Marcel is a 14/10 pattern. I think you’ll enjoy it as well!