So where is that Simplicity dress I said I was making?

Before I set off for my New York trip I mentioned that I was feverishly working to finish Simplicity 2403 and I’m sure that you are all wondering – did she ever finish it? And, if so, where is it?

I am pleased to report that, yes, I did finish it and, to prove it, here is a picture of me hanging around the streets of New York wearing it.

The pattern is this one -

As with all the Project Runway patterns there are a whole lot of style variations to choose from. My version has the stand collar and the waistband has tie ends (I used a piece of black cotton that I had in my stash for this).

Here is a closer picture of the bodice –

The pattern doesn’t call for a lining but I added a lightweight one to the skirt part only, just to add a bit of extra body to the cotton fabric and to make sure it wouldn’t be see through or cling to my legs! Here’s a picture of inside the dress.

I pretty much followed the pattern instructions except that I used an invisible zipper instead of a regular one and instead of using purchased bias binding for the armholes I made my own from the dress fabric remnants. Oh, and I omitted the slit that is supposed to go on the left hand side of the skirt – I just didn’t feel it would look right and the skirt definitely doesn’t need it for walking in.

This dress isn’t difficult to make but there is a LOT to do. The front has princess seams; the back has a yoke with a gathered bodice; there are front bands with buttons and buttonholes; a stand collar; the waistband needs attaching to the bodice with its facing; the skirt has inset pockets and pleats at the front and darts at the back; the skirt (and the lining) has to be attached to the waistband, a side zipper has to be inserted, the armholes need binding, the waistband ties have to be made and attached and, finally, you can hem the skirt.

Phew! Was it worth it? Mmm, I think so.

In fact, I have already embarked on a second, but quite different looking, version and I’m hoping to finish that very soon ……..