I'm still using up fabric I bought to muslin my Mother of the Bride dress - like 6 yards of this cotton/poly jersey from Girl Charlee. The print is not quite my favorite, but the fabric is a perfect weight for this maxi from Simplicity.The pattern has been around for several years, and I've given it a pass a couple times. But I liked the idea of the cut-on sleeves on View B and the little twisted front drape on View A. Worth a go...
In the end, I left off the drape and reshaped the sleeves :-) And my favorite part is the shape and fit through the bodice.
- Sewed a size 14, which has a bust of about 37".
- Raised the front neckline 2 1/2". The original neckline was low...which is OK for an evening dress, but not exactly comfortable for out and about. I've seen this worn with a cami to fill in the neckline. But why wear more clothes!
- Lengthened the bodice, front and back by 2 7/8". Otherwise the gathers would have been right at my bust apex. I've noticed that a lot of sewists have made this adjustment to the pattern.
- Added 4" to the skirt length, based on the waistline mark. But ended up removing 4" and still taking up a 1 1/2" hem! And I'm 5'7". Crazy.
- Left off the waistline seam elastic - the fit is close without it, I'm not sure why it's suggested.
- Changed the sleeve by lopping off the pointy parts. I made them to the pattern first, but...no. I really did not like the points! Without them, the sleeve looks like a long butterfly sleeve.
I'm not over the moon on this one, but I think it's my fabric (that print)...the dress is really comfortable and has good lines. The bodice is so pretty - I'll try it again.
Bye for now! Coco
The changes you made gave you a dress that looks great on you! Even though you don't love the print, I'm sure you'll enjoy wearing it since it fits so well.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Beverly. I think I like it more now, a few days out, and having worn it a lot!
DeleteI like it, but it fabric doesn't have the tropical vibe you do so well.
ReplyDeleteI know - I think I miss my orange, yellow, green and so on :-)
DeleteHi Coco, Good for you for using up all that stash :-) Your changes to the neckline are really nice, and the overall loose drape will be so comfy. As Nancy said, the print is not your usual tropical but it is a great dress nonetheless.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Mary. It is really comfy - and I do have lots of other fabrics to do it in. This is just so subdued!
DeleteWell the dress looks great and comfortable and wearable. Not everything needs to be a favorite and we all need something pretty to wear while the favs are in the wash! :-)
ReplyDeleteYou're so right, Theresa!
DeleteA lovely dress. You are making quite a collection of beautiful long flowing dresses.
ReplyDeleteThank you, BeaJay. I live in maxi's...just so comfortable here.
DeleteThis is a beautiful dress! Lovely - you have been making amazing dresses lately. g
ReplyDeleteThanks so much!
Deleteit is a nice dress, love the shape of it, if you don't wnat to wear it as a dress, you can wear it to lounge around the house on sew days !
ReplyDeleteHelen
Indeed - love those sew days! thanks so much...
DeleteI love the shape of the bust and sleeves. The effect is very elegant and graceful on you.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Sara. Bust and sleeve are my favorite parts. Can always borrow them for another garment...I love to mix things up.
DeleteThat's a beautiful pattern, shame you're not keen on the fabric because it looks lovely from here.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Ruth. It is a pretty fabric. I'm getting more used to it, but it needs something besides roses!
DeleteI love the print and the pattern too. Both look lovely on you!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Judi!
DeleteOh yes, I like this shape and I think it loves you too!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Anne - I'll do it again in something more Sui :-)
DeleteThanks, Valerie!
ReplyDeleteThis is a very lovely dress!
ReplyDelete