Draping with Paisleys and Flowers

This is my second version of Simplicity 3682.


I recently purchased this wild fabric from Lucy's Fabrics (lucysfabric.com). Despite the vibrant colors and overwhelming print, it really is very comfortable and flattering. I don't think there's fabric like this in local stores! Burda WOF June 2007 issue featured this as the fabric of an alluring top.

"The back with a deeply plunging neckline in a mock wrap-over look is definitely the attention-grabber on this colourful jersey top with cutaway shoulders. The front is plain and high-necked. Team it with the matching skirt at left for a trendy, two-piece summer dress!"


I sewed the sleeves flat instead of setting in the sleeves per Simplicity's directions. Then I sewed the sleeve seams and the side side seams as one continuous seam.



Simplicity 3682:


Sleeveless drape top by Semantiks





Reader Comments
Seamingly Simple 9/16/07 It sure did work! Your top looks great.
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Em's Summer 9/16/07 Now this is a really cute blouse! Thanks for pointing out this pattern!
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Vonnevo 9/16/07 Lovely top and fabric ! !
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bunz 9/16/07 Oh, this is a definite winner!
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mikkim 9/17/07 Your top is adorable. Thanks for the review--I hadn't noticed this pattern before but it looks like a good one.
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ryan's mom 9/17/07 Fabric is terrific and it's a lovely style on you! This is a winner!!
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HeathersMom 9/17/07 Thanks for the sweet comments!
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Lisa Merry 10/13/07 Wow, that is such a cool fabric and the style looks great on you!
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Seamingly Simple 10/13/07 That fabric is so YOU! What a neat detail the built-in camisole is. I can see that this pattern will become a favourite. BTW, I like your new name but thought it was HeatherRisque when I first read it!
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cindy-lou 10/13/07 Heatherrique, I love your new name-- tres francaise, and very fashionable! I also LOVE your new top-- a real winner! I agree about knits-- occasionally you have to kiss a frog with them, but when they're good, they are really really good (like this time)! Great work!
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EveS 10/14/07 Umm, you got that at JOANNS?! I need to shop in your neighborhood!! I have that very same fabric aging nicely in stash...I bought it from a fellow PR member...only after it had been sold out @ Lucy's Fabrics!! (Burda used it in one of their mags, too.) Wow. Anyway, great top as always and great use of a fabric I absolutely love! I like the cami, too. (shelving my JoAnn's jealousy now) :)
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Em's Summer 10/14/07 Great fabric and great top! I saw the pic in the gallery and thought, huh? That looks like Heather's Mom. And when I looked at the review, I thought...that IS Heather's Mom. Great new name!
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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.

Crazy Eights

From 1965:





Pattern Description
From 1965: "Misses' Dress in Three Versions. Long waisted dress, with double-breasted bodice and five section skirt, may be sleeveless or have above-elbow length set-in sleeves. Notched shawl collar, cut in one with bodice fronts, is faced and interfaced. Skirt has pleat at left front in wrap-around effect. Dress with sleeves may have contrast skirt. I made the sleeveless version.

Size
Size 16, Bust 36"

Fabric
Cotton printed with rows and columns of ittle splattered stars. I spent $6 for 3 yds of fabric at W - M.

Directions
* The instructions and diagrams were overall good for advanced beginners and beyond. Only two or three diagrams needed more specific verbal directions so that a step would not be missed or misinterpreted.
* I was able to construct some parts with little or no instruction.
* Pieces have extensive markings: 5/8" seamlines, bodice darts (bust, two long ones in the front, under collar area, two long ones in the upper back), slash marks and reinforced stitching for the lapels
* The constuction of the front bodice along with the collar is similar to current shawl collar construction of tops or jackets.
- The left and right front pieces are sewn together, creating a center seam
- Below the center seam, the neck corners are reinforced before getting clipped or shashed. The edges formed are then sewn at the back shoulders of the back bodice piece.
* The slash marking at the front edge of the bodice are for creating the notches of the lapel.

Likes
* The overall style: the double breasted bodice, low waist, notched collar
* The bodice is also secured by eyes/hooks and snaps in addition to the buttons.
* The flattering elongated back darts


Dislikes
* The actual construction was more time consuming than I had anticipated. Those design sketches of what seemed like basic coat dresses on the pattern envelope were misleading!
* * The actual construction was more time consuming than I had anticipated. Those design sketches of what seemed like basic coat dresses on the pattern envelope were misleading!

* I was careless in following the instructions to attach the
back facing to the front facing (nearly skipped it!). Because I was doing my own thing, I attached the front facing to the neckline of the bodice and the rest of the facing to the right side of the dress. However, I was supposed to sew the back facing below the center seam and neckline of the front facing and its left and right edges to the seam shoulders of the front facing (before turning the entire front facing to the inside of the dress, and hence the right side of the back facing would land just below the neckline). Instead of ripping out stitches, I attached the back facing to the front facing after it was turned to the inside of the dress. I handstitched the bottom edge of the collar facing over the back facing.



Modifications
* Eliminated the front darts
* Used eight instead of six buttons (Aligning and adjusting the buttons to fit is easier said than done!)
* Although the instructions for bound buttonholes are useful, I used my machine's buttonhole feature.
* Larger lapels (I used a seam allowance smaller than 5/8")
* Eliminated the interfacing (fabric was firm enough)
* Maybe because I decreased the width of the back darts by 1/8", I discovered that the back panel of the skirt did not line up with the bottom edge of the back bodice because there was extra fabric. I cut the back panel of the skirt through the middle and added a center back seam at the back panel of the skirt. Actually the center back seam looked nice on the skirt!
* Shortened the length of the skirt by 4".


Conclusion
This dress would also look great in light woolens or a soft corduroy.

If I do make this again, I would skip making the skirt and convert the dress to a top.

I would not say that this 60's pattern is easy, but of moderate difficulty that requires a lot of time and attention to detail!

Paisley and Wine Puff

The drip droop sleeves with billowing sleeves are here!

From Newport News


I thought that was a nicer color than the "grape" I purchased. It wrinkles so easily!

McCall's haute couture version:



Update: Sept 27, 2007
Look at those puffy sleeves with banded bottoms:


Here's my second version:


First version:







Pattern Description
"Misses'/Miss Petite Shirts: Fitted shirt with front button closure has topstitched seams and sleeve variations." I sewed view B with the self fabric ties at the sleeve ends.

Pattern Sizing:
6-8-10-12-14 with McCall's "Made for You" bust cup measurements A/B, C, and D.

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?
Yes

Were the instructions easy to follow?
* They were adequate.

* I noticed that the cutting layout was for the "D" size. I wrote the A/B numbered patterns next to the corresponding to the front and side front. I read the entire set of directions for view B and highlighted the ones that belonged to "B" to ensure that I would not skip anything. There were steps common to all views that seemed to belong to a particular view due to the format.

* The side front and side back are first sewn together.

* The sleeves are gathered at the top and bottom edges, seams are sewn and the bands are sewn to the gathered edges.

* The sleeves are attached to the side fronts and side backs (forming the bottom edge of the armscye), right sides together, matching notches.

* The front of the shirt is sewn to the side front and the back to the side back. The top gathered edge of the sleeves are set in to the upper armscyes.

* I found that hand basting (I used to believe that pin basting is adequate) the seams together before machine stitching really helps to keep the sleeve gathers together.

* This time I had an easier time in putting together the collar. The written directions were a little more specific (compared to those I encountered in previous patterns I worked with) in how the collar band and the collar are sewn together. I found that for me the front facings were a little tricky in positioning and sewing onto the outer seams of the collar before turning them to the inside of the top. When I turned the front facings to the inside, they did not exactly match the original fold lines.

*Topstitching the upper seams of the shoulders and the princess seams really pulls the look together.


What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?
I liked the princess seams! The pieces even lined up nicely at the princess seams! The blouse was really "fitted" for my own taste! I could have decreased each seam by 1/4". I also liked the fact the front bodice pattern accommodates the 4 cup sizes.

Fabric Used:
Paisley printed cotton from W-M for $2 per yard. I was able to make this blouse and a sundress for my daughter. What a deal!

Pattern Alterations or any design changes you made:
I used fewer buttons for the first version. The length of the blouse was fine without any adjustments. Since that was the case, the blouse on the envelope's model should have been higher on her due to her proportions!

For View B (the sleeves with ties)
I was surprised that the ties barely tied around my upper arms which are smaller for my proportions. I would add 2" to their length if I make this top the next time.

For View C (the banded sleeves)
The sleeves came out longer and a little larger than expected. But I ended up liking them anyway.


Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?
Yes, in another fabric! Yes, I would recommend this pattern because of its timeless style, versatile sizing and that it is easy to work with!

Conclusion
This is absolutely a nice shirt pattern that can easily be a TNT pattern!


(Updated Sept. 23)

Knit Fit for Knit Wit....It's also Emmy Night!!!!

I find drape tops very flattering!










flickr link:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/83461746@N00/1389641686/in/set-72157600382180795/

Simplicity View Finder:
http://www.simplicity.com/dv1_v4.cfm?design=3682

Close up

Drape top from Neiman Marcus

Pattern Description:
Misses' knit tunic and tops. (That's all mentioned by Simplicity!)
There were six views. Views A and B are gathered at the top edge and have short gathered sleeves. Views C and D are also gathered at the top edge, have empire styling and long sleeves, with sleeves gathered at the top. When I first saw View C and D, images of the Gibson Girl and 1890's fashion come to mind! Views E and F have built in camisoles, draped fronts, and either 3/4 sleeves or long sleeves with elasticized wrists. I sewed View F which was shorter in length than View E.

Pattern Sizing:
Misses' 6-8-10-12-14

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?
Yes, except the top seemed to have more drape in the illustrations.

Were the instructions easy to follow?
Yes, they were sufficient. This is definitely an easy pattern, but also easy enough for simple errors to happen (when rushing)! I had to make sure that I sewed the overlay's incorrect side to the right side of the fabric and aligned the points where the folded upper edge of the front overlay and the built-in tank top meet. I was somewhat surprised that I was a bit puzzled by the somewhat vague directions and illustration to attach the back to the front of the top, right sides together. It would have been helpful to show that the back was really placed over the front overlay (before sewing the side seams), especially for somebody who has never sewn with overlays!

I used the method described to finish the neck and bottom by folding along a 5/8" stitch from the edge (making sure the stitching is not visible from the outside),tucking the raw edge under, and stitching. Finishing the neck edges and the hem probably would have been easier with a serger!


Pattern Description:
Misses' knit tunic and tops. (That's all mentioned by Simplicity!)
There were six views. Views A and B are gathered at the upper edge and have short gathered sleeves. Views C and D are also gathered at the upper edge, have empire styling and long sleeves, with sleeves gathered at the top. When I first saw View C and D, images of the Gibson Girl and 1890's fashion come to mind! Views E and F have built in camisoles, draped fronts, and either 3/4 sleeves or long sleeves with elasticized wrists. I sewed View F which was shorter in length than View E.

Pattern Sizing:
Misses' 6-8-10-12-14

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?
Yes, except the top seemed to have more drape in the illustrations.

Were the instructions easy to follow?
Yes, they were sufficient. This is definitely an easy pattern, but also easy enough for simple errors to happen (when rushing)! I had to make sure that I sewed the overlay's incorrect side to the right side of the fabric and aligned the points where the folded upper edge of the front overlay and the built-in tank top meet. I was somewhat surprised that I was a bit puzzled by the somewhat vague directions and illustration to attach the back to the front of the top, right sides together. It would have been helpful to show that the back was really placed over the front overlay (before sewing the side seams), especially for somebody who has never sewn with overlays!

I used the method described to finish the neck and bottom by folding along a 5/8" stitch from the edge (making sure the stitching is not visible from the outside),tucking the raw edge under, and stitching. Finishing the neck edges and the hem probably would have been easier with a serger!


What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?
I finally found a pattern that looked like one of my favorite RTW top that I purchased months ago. I liked the drape front and the built-in tank underneath and the fact the blouse is simple to make. The view I sewed consisted of only four pieces (the front, back, front overlay, and sleeve).


Fabric Used:
Mystery stretch/lycra/spandex fabric from Joann's clearance section.


Pattern Alterations or any design changes you made:
I zigzagged the upper edge of the front overlay before folding it along the fold line. Other than that, I left the pattern as is. I did not encounter major fitting issues. If I were longer in the torso, I would definitely lengthen the entire blouse a little. I also found the armscye a little high. For those who have different proportions (I'm only 5'1" , short in the torso, arms and legs made for a woman who is 5'6", average weight), you might have to adjust accordingly. If I had broader shoulders and more muscle in the upper arms, I would have to alter the pattern so that I have would have more freedom of movement. The nature of the fabric would also have to be taken into account.


Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?
Yes! I might make a short sleeve version similar to my RTW top. The other views are also worth trying and are so "in" now. I sewed my version in one evening! I really recommend this pattern for those who want something stylish that is fuss-free, self-gratifying, and is easy to put together!

Working with this pattern is definitely a welcoming change after completing more challenging projects such as my recent labor of love, the 30 piece Simplicity 5376!


Conclusion
I usually avoid sewing with knits due to past experiences with finished products that looked unflattering and revealed more than what I wanted to show. But this pattern convinced me that knits coupled with certain styles can work!

Bohemian Wrap-sody"

Tops with Boho flair:


Here's my take on these empire waist tops:




Bohemian "Unwrap"sody


What? A belt instead of an empire waist casing?

Alternatives to the empire waist style!

Spiegel's Silk Blouson


LaBelle


Laundry by Sagal


Lepore


Have you tried something that looked enticing from the cover or packaging and discover along the way, that you were misled?

Pattern Description
"Misses' Tops nad Tunics: Tops and tunics have raglan sleeves, waistline elastic casings and ribbon bow. I sewed View B whose sleeves contain elastic casings at the wrists. The artwork on the envelope pattern enticed me to purchase at a Joann's sale some time ago.

The last time I wore an empire waist top was when I was pregnant five years ago. I sewed several maternity McCall's empire waist tops that had the back ties. They were very trendy looking for mommies-to-be! Although I really like the boho look of this top, I wish I could confidently wear the empire waist as I did before and during pregnancy. Being honest with myself, I decided to skip the empire waist look and pursue an alternative look.

I found some ideas
Shelli Sagal's Printed Jersey Dress at Nordy's (check out that retro hair!)

La Belle's Floral Charmeuse Dress at Macy's

Sizing
Misses' XS-S-MED. I sewed a medium. The top billowed out (tent style) without the empire waist elastic.

Fabric Used
A shiny and silky polyester from Joann's. Not quite charmeuse? Although it easy to work with, it can slightly fray (some thin threads protruding wildly!) I sewed 1/4" hems before turning 1/2" under to sew the neck and wrist casings.

What did you like or dislike about the pattern?

Likes
*Ease of construction
*Pieces for View B consited of the front, back and sleeve.
*The directions were easy to follow, although I somewhere switched the order of construction.
*Could be easily be adjusted to be a dress

Wishes
* Wish I could wear the empire style as well as the models.

Pattern alterations/modifications
* Omitted the empire waist casing.
* Created threaded belt hoops and a tie belt
* Cut neckline elastic to size XS on the elastic guide
* Sewed the sleeves to the fronts and back before sewing the sleeve and side seams as instructed
* Sewed the sleeves together and continued with the side seams

Conclusion
This pattern is definitely a very easy top to sew and is a wonderful and gratifying diversion from more complex projects!

This is a top that could be made up easily in one evening. Just a change of sleeves, embellishments and fabric creates endless daytime and evening styles!

* As I was surfing the Simplicity website, I found Simplicity's basic boho top, 4177 which probably would have worked better for me!

Built for Paisley

The pattern envelope is misleading. The tops seem so run of the mill.


After three days, here it is!


I was really impressed that it fit better than expected! After reading several reviews of this pattern, I became inspired to try it myself!


Pattern Description
Misses' button-down shirt with sash and sleeve variations. The description on the envelope simply states "Misses' shirt and sash."

Sizing
Misses' 4-12.

Fabric Used
From a recent Joann's 50% off sale, a paisley-print silky polyester with a slight suede-like feel to it.

Likes
* The wrap tie style!
* Easy top to construct!
* Few pattern pieces to work with (front, back, collar, sleeve, and tie belt)
* The flattering fit!
* Very comfortable!
* The sleeves draped nicely due being cut on the bias and the silkiness of the fabric.
* Seemed to run true to size.

Dislikes
There was nothing really to dislike except for a little error in the directions that a another reviewer pointed out- not to omit steps 3 and 4 for finishing the top and bottom edges of the self-facing (by opening the facing and stitching to the marked circle along the seam allowance of the neck edge, cutting a little piece at the corner and turning the facing in). It seemed that these steps were unique to the other view of the blouse, when in fact it belonged to both views.

Because I had been used to making larger collars, I took my time in attaching the narrow collar. The silkiness of the fabric made attaching the collar facing somewhat tricky. I was careful in stitching the folded edge of the collar facing to the inner neck edge while making sure so that the underside stitching was very close to the collar and neck seam on the outside of the shirt.

Modifications
* No pattern adjustments.
* Slighly changed the button placement (did not use the button guide)
* Used sew-on interfacing between the self facing and front edge when sewing the buttonholes.

Conclusion
I can see why the other reviewers liked this top! I would definitely make this top again very soon. I definitely recommend this pattern. It's versatile, comfortable, and definitely has a slenderizing effect! Simplicity gets a big thumbs up for this one!

Wrap Ture

It's been some time since I cut the pattern pieces for this dress. I had reservations to make this upon discovering the number of pieces and the cutting layout to make what seemed like an "easy" dress (the envelope was labeled "easy" and I thought that was misleading!. The actual construction of the dress was a breeze compared to the tedious cutting!


The cut pattern pieces of "the" dress has been aging for months in its envelope. Now that I found a suitable fabric, it's about time to stop the procrastination and to listen to a famous athletic shoe classic advice, "Just Do It". Now I am so glad that I finally did it!
Pattern Description: As usual, not one available on a New Look envelope. Yes, it is a faux wrap shirred dress, a mock wrap dress with ruching on one side, etc. Also the dress has a princess type of seaming that flatters the front and back and collar, sleeve and waist tie options.
I sewed view C, the short sleeve dress.
Pattern Sizing:Misses 8-18. I sewed a 12.
Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?Yes, except I have a more "real-life" figure.
Were the instructions easy to follow?Yes, I read them just in case. The illustrations were helpful.
What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?It seemed as if I spent more time cutting the pieces than actually sewing the dress! As mentioned by other pattern reviewers for this pattern, it was easy to figure out where the pieces go as I can see from the illustrations! I used colored dot stickers on varrious parts of the dress to represent the little circles marked on the pattern pieces.
The neckline came somewhat low for me, but not too low that I need a camisole for modesty's sake. I was surprised the ruching on my left side came just below my bustline. I wonder how this would look on a person with a longer torso!
Fabric Used
A poly matte jersey from Gorgeous Things with a "Graphic Large Chevron Print". This fabric sews like a dream and is so comfortable! I chose to sew a 12 (using 5/8" seams) instead of a 14 due to its strecthability.
Pattern Alterations or any design changes you made:I omitted the front and back facings for fear that the neckline will stretch! I opted instead to do a tiny zig zag stitch with a little gathering before folding over to make a 1/2" hem and topstitching. Next time, I will use invisible elastic to stabilize the neckline more.
One thing I wished was to orient the way the zig zags so that the "V" lands on my midsection. I admire those who could work with fabric with certain patterns and prints!
Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?Yes! Yes! This dress is very easy to make and seems to be very flattering to women of all proportions! But watch out for the length of the bodice fronts and back. Being the one who was born with a short waist (unlike my "little" sister who is 6" taller than me and my 4 yo daughter) with respect to my average length legs, I have difficulty finding RTW dresses that fit me properly. Maybe this is why I have been more of a slacks gal. The "v" bodice back did not come low as I anticipated. I would have to adjust the length if I had a longer torso.
ConclusionI was relieved to finally make this dress after having the pattern pieces cut out months ago!
The actual construction of the dress was a breeze compared to the tedious cutting!
I can see why this dress is very popular! It's easy to make, fun to wear, and classy and trendy at the same time!
I received this sweet surprise:
----- Original Message ----- From: Gorgeous Things To: xxxxxxxxSent: Thursday, June 21, 2007 6:11Subject: I LOVE your dress!
Hi _____________,I just saw your New Look dress on PatternReview. It looks spectacular on you! You did a great job. I don't comment over there because I don't want to have any appearance of improper advertising. But I did want to tell you how well I thought it turned out. Great job!
Ann
Gorgeous ThingsFashion, Fabric and Fabulosity, all in one neat package!http://www.gorgeousthings.com/gorgeousthings.blogspot.com

Tied and True

Pattern Description
"Misses/Misses' Petite top: Top has gathered neckline. View A: collar has back tie extensions, cut away armhole. View B: collar has left tie extensions, flared sleeves. View C: casing and elastic neckline, waist and sleeves, lace trim along upper and lower edges, ribbon trim."

Size
8-10-12-14. I sewed a 14.

Fabric Used
Cotton spandex "Astro Geo Cotton Twill" from Gorgeous Things. Leftover from a dress made from a vintage Simplicity dress.

Likes
*Easy to assemble.
*Figure flattering.
*Requires only three pattern pieces: front, back, and collar tie.

Dislikes
*The top runs a little large.

Modifications
*I wish I could keep the original length, but I had to omit 4 inches from the bottom due to fabric shortage.
*I narrowed the neck tie by about 1/2" all the way around also due to fabric shortage. I like the way the it turned out, although it was still somewhat wide at the neck, that I folded it inward so as not to overpower my neck!
*I used strips of the same fabric to finish the armholes instead of purchased bias trim.

Conclusion
*I normally wear a 10/12 RTW and use a pattern size 12 or 14. I found that the armholes were a bit large and could have gotten away with cutting a size or two smaller.
*This top would be a nice addition to a summer wardrobe! It is very easy to make that you can make several easily!

She's in Super Sheath, She's Super Sheathing Now!

After being inspired by several pattern reviewers, I decided to make a dress this time!

I chose this pattern because of its "simplicity" as the name implies and I was in the retro mood!

I had the courage to wear a dress, especially this dress for the graduation ceremony for officially our second graduating class of seniors at the high school where I teach.

Pattern Description
From 1966, "Misses' One-Piece Jiffy Dress or Jumper: Sleeveless, A-line dress or jumper with slightly lowered round neckline and back zipper has optional top-stitching and optional purchased belt."

Size
Miss, Size 12, Bust 32.

Fabric
An cotton-lycra "Astro-Geo Stretch Twill" from Gorgeous Fabrics This fabric was a breeze to work with and does wonders for figure flaws! Thanks Ann "Gorgeous Things" for your nice fabrics!

Likes
* The overall retro style which is now en vogue.
* "Easy-cut, easy sew". Yes, this pattern lived to that label!
* The diagonal bust darts were flattering, especially for my hard to get rid of mommy pouch! I was glad that I did not avoid creating these!
* The neckline and armhole facings fit well on the dress.

Dislikes
*The only thing to somewhat dislike was understitching the facings close to the neckline and armhole edges. It was worthwhile to minimize them from flapping out of the dress while being worn.

Modifications
* I sewed interfacing to the front and back neck facings before attaching them together at the seams. Somehow the directions asked to baste cut interfacing pieces (without the fabric facing, which seemed odd to me) to the neckline of the dress prior to attaching the neck facings. I found the same step on another 60s pattern.

* I did not cut my dress to mini length. I kept mine slightly below the knee.

* Although my bust is a 36, I did not make adjustments due to the fabric accommodations. I could have taken the back a little more after the final fit, but I wanted to avoid the "I have to squeeze into the dress" syndrome!

Conclusion
I definitely recommend this type of pattern to a beginner! I have searched high and low for current shift/sheath dresses and thanks to ebay, found this classic that was so easy to create with miminal fuss! I definitely will make maybe two more.