Simplicity 8687: Pinstriped Dress

Doctor T questioned if Simplicity 8687 was on one hand modern and scandalous. I didn't get that vibe at all when I fell all smitten over this pattern. To me I felt that it had a retro 1920s sort of vibe yet I agree wholeheartedly with Dr. T observation that "styling can change this look." That's one of the things I enjoy about sewing. One pattern, countless takes on it.

So, here's my take on this simple shirtdress with a front overlay.  

I don't know what happen here in the photo, but the fabric is actually a pin-stripped stretch poplin. Maybe the other photos will display this better? Let me first say that Simplicity did a great job at writing the instructions geared to a beginner. And the pattern is well drafted. I would highly recommend this for a beginner who isn't afraid of a little scandal and buttonholes.  

Underneath that mock wrap dress front is a full blown shirtdress, it's the perfect merger of two classic dress styles.  

And it gets better, this pattern has side pockets.  I love a dress with pockets.  I did make some changes though. I started with view A and added two inches to the length.  I thought about swapping the sleeve pattern and placket from Vogue 1503 but decided to just go with a straight sleeve, no cuff, or other details. I will mention that this Simplicity pattern does offer several sleeve variations. Instead, I went with sleeve A, lengthened it by one inch for the hem and omitted the sleeve band.  The dress is cut as a size 12 with the exception of the sides where I went up to a size 14.  The other changes were to the construction method.  Even though I was impressed with the thoroughness of the instructions, I did stray into my own way.  I flat fitted the sleeve instead of doing a fitted sleeve.  

And I chose another way of sewing the back yoke lining.  Instead of sewing the inner yoke to the front facings, I sewed the two yokes to the back and then hand stitched at the shoulder seams.  And almost as thrilling as a dress with pockets, this project came together quick quickly.  Minus cutting, I was able to sewing this in a day.  

The Stats

Fabric:  4 metres of stretch poplin

Interfacing:  1.2 metres of fusible interfacing

Buttons:  9 - 1/2" shirt buttons

Additional Tools and Supplies:  Pins, scissors, tailor's chalk, cutting table, ruler, measuring tape, iron, ironing board, sewing machine, serger, thread, seam ripper, buttonhole cutter, and hand sewing needle.

Happy Sewing!  

One More: Vogue 1455

Really, I just can't get over this dress pattern. It is one more reversible pullover dress with ribbon front ties.  

Happy Sewing!

Just Can't Get Enough: Vogue 1455

Seriously, in my humble opinion, Vogue 1455 is one darn cute child's dress pattern. And it's fun to sew. 

I've lost count of how many times I've made this pattern but I will say that this one was the most challenging of the bunch. It's made for a little one whose favourite colour is turquoise. I didn't see that one coming! I'm used to hearing answers of "pink" or "purple" as favourite colours, never in a million years, "turquoise."  

The challenge came in trying to find turquoise coloured fabric. I found some lovely turquoise fabric at Fabricland recently but it was a cotton / silk blend that was much too sheer for this project. And when I was about to give up on ever finding turquoise coloured fabric, I remembered I had this in my stash. Thankfully, there is still enough to make a pair of pants or a skirt because it's rare to come across this gem. It's hemp fabric that I found at Marshalls a few years ago. But it's turquoise, or as close to turquoise as I'm going to get. It does look like turquoise, right? Well, we'll find out soon because children are honest and will tell it like it is. 

The reverse side is my favourite but it's not for me, I'm just hoping that the recipient of this dress will be please and will enjoy wearing it.  There is one more to finish sewing for their older sister. I have creative rein of the next one. 

Happy Sewing!  

Vintage McCall's 7352: Jumper

McCall's 7352, circa 1994, is part of the NY The Collection line from by-gone days. Yet it's a pattern that I've longed to tackle for decades and I recently worked on it. 

With a recent weight loss, I thought that I might be able to squeeze into a size 12 but gave myself a little extra ease at the side seams. There was high hopes that this project would turn into a wearable toile / muslin.  Ah, but it wasn't meant to be.  

Lengthwise, after shortening the lower length by two inches, it was perfect. It just fell snug around the mid-section. My fabric choice has some stretch but even with the extra ease at the sides and gently pulling it at the front, I'm still not all that comfortable. I let out the side seams to provide more ease around my mid-section and hips but markings were left in my fabric and I wish the centre fronts were extended. And let's talk about the back darts. Oh my goodness, they fall really low, much lower than any other back darts that I've sewn but the curves they create make them an absolute love-it feature. I also adore the placement of the side-to-back ties which are positioned higher than the waist-line.   

On the upside, I can work with this to modify the pattern and hopefully, one day, have a copy of this jumper to wear.  I also think I would like to add pockets. If I could get more ease, maybe in the front from the princess seam.  

This didn't turn out to be a wearable toile / muslin but it has inspired me to dream on. 

Happy Sewing!