I've been loving this pattern from afar for a while now after seeing some gorgeous versions, namely Zoe's from So, Zo..., Rochelle's from Lucky Lucille, and Roisin from Dolly Clackett's recent version (I love the Eiffel Tower fabric!). In fact Roisin inspired the fabric too, but more of that later.
The pattern is Project Runway Simplicity 2444. I'm not sure why mine looks so battered. There are lots of variations on this pattern; neck band, collar, long sleeves, short sleeves, waist bow. I just went with the plain bodice and no sleeves.
The fabric came from Minerva Crafts. It's cotton poplin, 45" wide, and £6.99 a metre. I used 2.5 metres. I first saw it on here on Roisin's blog, and loved it. Then I spotted it on the Minerva Crafts website, and had to have some.
I really like the darts on the bodice. Instead of bust and waist darts, it has double waist darts that are on a diagonal. It's a bit difficult with the busy fabric print, but hopefully you can see them in the photo below. The skirt has pleats at the front and back, and a centre seam at the front.
I made a size 4 at the shoulders, size 10 at the underarms, and size 12 at the waist. The bodice length is size 12, and I didn't have to shorten it, therefore it would probably be a bit too short for most people. I lowered the back neck by 3.5cm, and shortened the front darts by 1 inch. Although I think I could sew the bottom of the darts in a bit more at the front as it feels a bit loose at the front waist. Also the neckline gaps a little bit, but I can live with it. I mention this because I want to make these adjustments on the next one, because there will be a next one! I have the fabric already. The skirt is size 12 with no alterations.
I lined the bodice with some white cotton lawn, but forgot to take some photos of it. I hadn't lined a bodice before, and used this tutorial. I had been a bit scared of lining a bodice, but, honestly, it was so easy! Much easier than faffing around with facings, and also easier than using bias tape as facing. I can recommend it.
In crocheting news, my Granny Square blanket is oh so nearly finished. I just have to finish the shell edging on one side, but more of that another time.
Lynne
Aw Lynne, it's gorgeous, and an inspired use of the fabric!
ReplyDeleteThank you!
DeletePleased to hear your lining went well- I've been planning on lining my next dress. I really just hate faffing with facings...
ReplyDeleteLovely dress!
Thank you! I couldn't believe how easy lining the bodice was.
DeleteLooks gorgeous! I love the fabric too.
ReplyDeleteThank you!
DeleteIt looks lovely :)
ReplyDeleteThank you!
DeleteThat print is AMAZUAL! Gorgeous dress, I'm intrigued by the bodice darts. Glad to hear lining isn't a total beast too :)
ReplyDeleteThank you! It was the bodice darts that sold me on this pattern.
DeleteI love your dress! The pattern is a bit addictive as you've seen, but so versatile too. Thank you for the lining link, I'd like to have a go on my next one. Looking forward to seeing your next one!
ReplyDeleteThank you!
DeleteI love that dress. The fabric choice is brilliant. From a distance you just see bright and colourful blocks and then as you get closer you see the detail. Very clever indeed. Plus, it looks great on you.
ReplyDeleteThank you! I thought that about the fabric too, I like that you have to look at it twice to see what the print is.
DeleteBeautiful Lynne! I love how the fabric looks so different from afar and up close! You look fantastic - looks like a dress made for twirling :) x
ReplyDeleteThank you! That's what I liked about the fabric too.
DeleteReally, really cute! I love this! I made this pattern for my mom about a year and a half ago when I really didn't know what I was doing sewing-wise... maybe it's time to revisit it!
ReplyDeleteThank you! This pattern is definitely worth a re-visit, I'm going to start my second one today or tomorrow!
DeleteIt looks great, I may have to pick up that pattern. I also love the fabric, it's so wild and fun :)
ReplyDeleteThank you!
DeleteLove the fabric, I think it would make a fabulous knitting bag too!
ReplyDeleteThank you! It's funny you should mention about a bag, because I have some fabric left over, and was thinking of making a bag from it. Great minds think alike!!
DeleteYour dress looks beautiful! The diagonal darts really look good with a fabric with vertical stripe. I made one of my favorite dresses using this pattern, and I'm kind of itching to make another.
ReplyDeleteThank you! You should definately make another one, I've already started my second!
DeleteYour dress is beautiful, I love the fabric choice...I have a real thing for sewing with fabric that has a sewing theme, always makes me smile.
ReplyDeleteThank you!
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