Simplicity 1803

A twirly dress with a sash!  Classically awesome.

Pattern details:

Pattern:  Simplicity 1803
Size:  8

View:  B
Fabric:  Cotton!

(For reference my measurements are:  Hips, 38".  Waist, 26".  Bust, 34")

The biggest alteration I had to make to this pattern was at the bustline.  During the first fitting I looked down and realized that the neckline bulged out- way too far.  By the last fitting I had added a 2" wide dart at the center seam.  Apart from that the rest of the pattern worked out fine.

Don't you love the sash fabric?  Oooh, and the nice, straight zipper edges? (a rather rare occurrence for this particular seamstress...) 

Here is the more classy belt + heels look:

Like usual, I used the muslin as the lining:

I need to remember to line the top half of the bodice with the same color as the outside of the dress.  I had to add top stitching around the whole neckline to keep the white from showing.  Actually, top stitching is a nice touch, but professional ironing skills are still required to hide the white edges- skills that I certainly do not possess.

Simplicity 1778: The dress that has never been worn

Now, if you are looking for something awesome to sew, don't be put off by the title of this post. This dress is one of the best things that I have ever managed to make. But seriously, where am I supposed to wear such a fantastic dress?

Pattern Details:

Pattern:  Simplicity 1778

Size:  10

View:  C

Fabric:  The biggest adjustment that I made to this pattern was to eliminate the zipper.  Instead of using the suggested fabrics I chose a black double knit, and cut out the pattern pieces one size smaller than I normally would have.  

(For reference my measurements are:  Hips, 38".  Waist, 26".  Bust, 34")

I got ridiculously excited over the texture on these front panels...

Note:  Before I cut out the front pattern pieces I added about 1.5" to the top of each section to raise the neckline a bit.  If I make this pattern again I would also think about widening the shoulder straps- especially in the front- to create a more narrow neckline.

Apart from eliminating the zipper, using knit fabric is also nice because it doesn't need any major edge finishing.  This is the only dress I have made that I have not added any lining.

This dress turned out absolutely perfect.  Now the trick is to find someplace to wear it.  Hey, it has only been in my closet for four months....any suggestions?  

Simplicity 2442: The Casual Formal

I never attend any formal functions.  But sewing patterns for formal gowns are so enticing!  Simplicity 2442 had a most intriguing waistband, so even though it was a more formalish-type dress I decided to try it out anyway.

Ahhh, I love the way this dress turned out.  It is formal....but it isn't!

Pattern details:

Pattern:  Simplicity 2442
Size:  6

View:  C

Fabric:  Ordinary cotton, in my favorite color.
(For reference my measurements are:  Hips, 38".  Waist, 26".  Bust, 34")

Once again, I used the muslin as the lining for the dress.  If I could go back and change one thing it would be to use the orange fabric for the lining in the upper half.  If the dress is not ironed perfectly a little edge of white shows around the top.  

My favorite part of the dress is the waistband.  The texture is marvelous.

One recommendation that I would make is to have someone help you position the shoulder straps on the back of the dress while you wear it (or use a dress form).  If I recall, I was finishing this dress at around 3 AM because I was so excited to see what it looked like.  Attempting to pin the back together in a mirror did not work out too well.  I had to go back and fix them the next morning.

In summary, making formal gowns out of cheap fabric is a fantastic idea.  And if I ever really do want to make a formal out of fancy fabric this will be my first choice.