Thursday 29 July 2010

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 ……..

25 comments:

  1. Looks great, a black/white print dress is so useful for traveling.
    thanks for the info - I have been planning to make this pattern and when I started looking it over I thought the exact same thing, it had a lot of pieces and was very fiddly for what is basically a shirtwaist dress. hmmm.
    anyway - looks good on you!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Very nice! I too am a fan of adding a skirt lining to dresses, so much more comfortable for wearing - especially when it's so hot and sticky.

    Are you using some of the New York fabric for the new dress?

    ReplyDelete
  3. Very pretty! I really like that print, too.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Love your dress. You look gorgeous in it. Great idea to add the lining. I'll have to remember that.

    Trudy
    www.sewingwithtrudy.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  5. Of course, it was worth it. You look great in your cute dress.

    ReplyDelete
  6. Very summery and cute. I usually don't love contrasting black inserts of fabric but it totally works on this dress for some reason. Great job!

    ReplyDelete
  7. This looks great! I really love the fabric pattern, and the black contrast looks great!

    ReplyDelete
  8. Such a cute dress!!! I love the fabric and of course the silhouette!!! A great, stylish dress to wear in the BIG Apple!

    ReplyDelete
  9. Hi redsilvia - you are clearly reading my mind because, yes, I am using some of my New York fabric for the new dress - I hope to post it soon!

    ReplyDelete
  10. I adore this dress. I don't think that I have ever seen this pattern! I looks like the perfect summer dress!

    ReplyDelete
  11. I like this dress! Lucky you to visit NYC and do some fabric shopping.

    ReplyDelete
  12. I love it!! Both summery and urban - what a combination - what a sophisticated little dress!!

    ReplyDelete
  13. Terrific dress! It looks very nice on you. In New York--lucky you!

    ReplyDelete
  14. Great dress! I just picked up this pattern, too! Thanks for the little tidbits on the making of the dress!

    ReplyDelete
  15. Pretty dress! Of course, it was worth the work. You look so nice wearing it!

    ReplyDelete
  16. I love your version, the fabric is very pretty. This is another pattern that I'm hoping to make

    ReplyDelete
  17. I love the dress. very pretty.

    ReplyDelete
  18. Cute! That dress had a lot of work for you, but that makes it more valuable.

    ReplyDelete
  19. Very nice! Your dress is chic and looks great on you.

    ReplyDelete
  20. I love your dress! Looks really nice on you too. I think it was a great decision about the lining on the skirt portion, eliminates the need to wear a slip! Also, it appears you had a wonderful time fabric shopping in New York...I envy you!!

    ReplyDelete
  21. Great dress. I love the choice of understated print teamed with black. The half lining is a great innovation. And NY - my favourite city - I'm so jealous.

    ReplyDelete
  22. This is so pretty! The dress looks deceivingly simple - I can't believe all that work went into it! Yikes! I agree with you though, the result was worth it.

    PS - I'm just catching up on blog reading, and must express my jealousy over your NYC fabric purchases below. Milly is my fav designer (actually, I'm wearing a Milly dress right now!) so I am green with envy that you snagged Milly fabric. I recall seeing that Milly's offices are in the same building as Kashi's, so I suppose I should not be suprised that he stocks her leftovers. This has strengthened my resolve to take a day off of work soon to head to the Garment District (as both Metro and Elliot Berman are closed on the weekends).

    ReplyDelete
  23. Your dress is fantastic!!!! What a fun trip to NY and to meet with these other bloggers!!! I'm jealous!

    ReplyDelete
  24. I am impressed. Great looking dress in a hard to work with fabric. Just lovely.
    African Fabrics, African Wax Print

    ReplyDelete
  25. awesome.We have a great collection of African fabrics. Good quality at lowest price. For whole sell price Visit us hope you guys love them.
    Sequin Fabrics

    ReplyDelete

Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...