The Paris Pink Dress

Vogue 9668

Pattern Description:  Lined dress, below mid-knee variations or lower calf, has neckline variations, fitted, self-lined bodice, midriff, tapered or flared skirt & back zipper.
  
Pattern Sizing:  6-22.  I cut the size 6.

Fabric Used:  Maggy London Paris Pink basketweave textured cotton suiting, purchased from FabricMart for $1 a yard.  I lined it with Vera Wang silk check in pale pink.

 

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?  Yes, considering all the changes I made.

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:  I could tell just from looking at the pattern piece that there was no way that the tiny bust dart was going to accommodate my C-cup chest, but I was optimistic based on how well it fit other reviewers and made a muslin.  Needless to say, the bodice and midriff did not fit me at all.  Rather than mess with a full-bust adjustment, I just used the bodice from Simplicity 2337.  I rotated out the back bodice darts so that all back quadrants would be flush.

Were the instructions easy to follow?  I didn't refer to them, as I was mixing pieces from different patterns. 

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?  I love the skirt pattern; it's feminine and flowy without excess fullness.  I also like the unusual neckline which is very flattering, especially if you have bony clavicles.  The sleeves are well drafted and easy to sew in. 

Would you sew it again?  Yes, in a floral print.  Would you recommend it to others?  Yes, although it is recently out of print. 

Conclusion:  This is a great pattern with vintagey details that are not readily found in other patterns.

The Fringed Sheath

  Simplicity 2337 

Pattern Description:  Misses dress with front and sleeve variations.

Pattern Sizing:  4-20.  I cut size 4 and sewed 1/2" side seams.

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?  Not really, as I made several changes.

Fabric Used:  FabricMart Boucle' suiting in a rainbow of colors with rayon lining in Ralph Lauren green.

Were the instructions easy to follow?  I didn't refer to them; it was just three pattern pieces.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?  I love the shoulder princess seams, which I can alter to fit my shoulder area.  This is the first and only dress pattern that I have found in years with princess seams from shoulder to hem. 

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:  As afforded the opportunity by the pattern, I altered the shoulder area to accommodate a hollow chest.  

I did change the shoulder princess seams to curve into the side seam at the hips.  

I actually traced the seam line from another Project Runway pattern, Simplicity 2927.

I placed the side front pieces on the bias.  This both allows for a better fit and eliminates the need to match seams in that area.  

I changed the neckline to a V, shortened the length by a couple of inches, and added a lining and fringed hem, a la Dolce & Gabbana.  

Would you sew it again?  Definitely.  Would you recommend it to others?  Wholeheartedly.

Conclusion:  This is a superb pattern with great fitting and design opportunities.

 

The Most Photographed Event in the World

Greetings from Albuquerque, New Mexico!  I'm here enjoying the 40th annual Hot Air Balloon Fiesta.  The temperature was much colder this year, but we saw many more balloons than last year.