Round and Round We Go!

Stuff from Duff and More-a from Dora!




Lighting changes the mood!





Hilary Duff's outfits are fashion forward and retro at the same time!


Size-zipper pants from New Look


I want to give my deepest appreciation and thanks to Annette1 for encouraging me to make another of the ring collar style that she liked on me from a previous review.

My daughter spotted this pattern on McCallpattern.com and mentioned that her friend Hilary has patterns for ladies just like the girls. That did not make sense to me. I don't think I can dress like a tween or teen. But her designs seem geared for the "older" girls!

Pattern Description
MISSES’ LINED DRESS AND LEGGINGS: Lined, loose fitting, A-line dress, 5" above mid-knee, has gathered neckline, back opening and bias turned down collar with button and fabric loops; dress A has cut-in shoulders; dress B has above elbow sleeves with turned back cuffs; leggings, below mid-calf, have elasticized waist and no side seams. The best description I would give the collar is that it has a mini-cowl quality to it. After it is sewn to the neck, it is turned outward.

I shortened the dress to create a top and sewed pants (same material as top) with slightly lowered wide waist band and side-zipper made from
Sizing
Misses' 10-12-14-16. I sewed a "14" which turned out bigger than expected (tentlike for my taste). I could have gotten away with a "12" for this pattern.
Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?

Were the instructions easy to follow?
Yes. The dress consisted of only the front, back, collar and button loops. Attaching the collar was not a problem (lining up the notches and markings along the neckline and sewing the seam). The directions and even the picture on button placement were not clear on where to place the two buttons.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?
The dress is definitely very easy that a beginner would find little or no difficulty in creating it. It is definitely a very comfortable dress/top. However, the back closure of the collar which consisted of two buttons and their loops along with the folded collar could be reworked to reduce some bulk. After one day, the neck collar was not overwhelming as before because it was cut on the bias and had time to expand on its own.

I did not think that the gathered back flattered my back that well or possibly I was accustomed to a more fitted back. I think that this is part of the trapeze style of the dress.

Fabric Used:
Mystery woven fabric from Joann's clearance section for $2.50 yard

Pattern Alterations or any design changes you made:
I skipped the lining. If I made the dress, I would add the lining so that the arms would have a more natural finish. You don't have to worry about fitting issues for a trapeze dress.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?
Yes. I made the top version in one afternoon and I would be able to sew the lined dress version in the same amount of time or maybe less once I was familiar with the steps.

What took me longer was fiddling with the back closure to minimize the puffiness at the back of the neck. I will make the dress in its sleeve and sleeveless versions.

Conclusion
An easy dress to make which surprised me considering this is quite the opposite from the first Duff pattern I sewed.

From October 6, in reference to the 60's green ring collared dress on PR from a very sweet lady:
Hi there. I'm always admiring your creations on PR, and today I saw a pattern in the Vogue book that I thought would look really cute on you. (Vogues were on sale at Joann's for $3.99 apiece through October 8. I couldn't believe it. I didn't even know they were having a sale ... just happened to wander in, because I never pass up a fabric store.)

Anyway, I thought I'd pass on the number, just in case you're in the market for another pattern that has that circle/halter style neckline, or whatever you call it, like your green dress you made. That style is so flattering on you, because you have good shoulders ... which is more than can be said for those of us with no shoulders whatsoever. :o) Anyway, the pattern number is Vogue 8229, and this is a link where you can see the picture: http://www.voguepatterns.com/item/V8229.htm?tab=very_easy_vogue_dresses_br_includes_koko_beall_designer&page=3. You know, just in case you don't have enough patterns already!

Happy sewing, Annette.

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Hi Annette!

Thanks for the recommendation! Although I liked the style, I did not find the ring collar dress the most flattering on me as on another. Maybe I should stop comparing myself to a drawing or those toothpick and expressionless models. I just have more luck with the fit of those outfits made from 60's/70's patterns. One PR member told me that the 70's was the last era to create fashions for "real" figures! Sometimes I cannot fit into a misses' large. My mom thinks that today's large seemed to be equivalent to a S/M back in the good old days. Huh?

But it is nice to have another person see things from a different perspective! I really appreciate the sincere compliments and encouraging feedback that you post! I also enjoy admiring your work and reading your reviews , which I find very informative. You have given me much inspiration. I could also tell that not you are very kind and generous, but witty and fun (you seem that you could liven up a party or girls' night out! Whoo hoo!

You gotta goofy friend in San Diego!
_____________ _______________

P.S. If you ever feel the need to visit beautiful and traffic-congested San Diego, feel free to give me a buzz.

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_________a:

I LOVE your name. :o) I kept thinking of you as Heather, and then I'd think, no, that's her daughter ... both beautiful names. :o)

Well, if patterns from the '70s are made for "real" people, THEN I'D BETTER MOVE TO THE '70s! In fact, I just bought a couple of patterns from Lanetz Living that (I think) are '70s vintage. I'm always on the look-out for wide-legged pants patterns, and these look in the drawings to have a nice cut to them.

I just now finished the third of the five smocks I'm making for the humane society volunteers. I can't WAIT till they're done. :o( It's really boring sewing the SAME thing over and over. The only difference is the fabrics used, which all have some sort of cats or dogs on them. Once I get them done (and two more toiletry kits), then I can sew for ME-ME-ME! :o) I got some fabric from Fabric Mart Fabrics that is a brocade (I think). I get brocades and jacquards mixed up. At any rate, I like the wrong side almost better than the right side, but the right side is so pretty (fancier), that it would be a shame not to use it, so I'm thinking maybe a loose-fitting reversible jacket. That's the BIG PLAN anyway.

San Diego! I'd be lost for sure. Living here in PO DUNK (aka David City, Nebraska), we're in the BOONIES, I'm telling you. I've moved around much of my life, so I know boonies when I see them. It took me a while to get used to it, but now I really like it.

It looks like it's FINALLY going to cool down, so I can't wait! (Tonight it's cool and rainy.)

Every little girl should be so lucky to have a mom like you, that's all I can say. :o)

Happy sewing, Annette.