...that my first garment for 2013 was an AMAZING dress!!! I have just sewn Simplicity 2217 and it was unusual to make. Assuming that the instructions would be similar to most patterns for dresses I have sewn, I barged on into it...lesson learnt the hard way.
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It seems that the idea behind the AmazingFit part of the pattern is all in the machine-basting that constantly needs to be done. You extensively machine-bast the pieces together, make any adjustments that are needed, then rip that basting out, only to restitch it back together again. I am definitely not use to this style of sewing. It was like making a faux-muslin without even knowing it - I am getting good!
But the instructions were very detailed and easy to follow.They really help you get that perfect fit.
Here you can see, "how the midriff seams shape my body above waistline and below bust!" Who would have thought...
On the inside I followed the instructions and used the facings, but since the linen was already of a weight I was happy with, I just used some light weight cotton lining in black.
The back has an invisible zipper down the centre seam - nothing exciting to see here.
Fabric is a printed linen just picked up on Monday at the Spotlight 30% off sales. The envelope back recommended 1.9 m for View C (sleeveless) but this was way too much - when placing the pattern pieces on the fabric I could easily see there was a skirt hiding away in those scraps!
I did find that the pattern erred on the side of largeness, I did have to take in some cm's on the bust section. And I didn't make the little belt, as I am hoping on picking up (or whipping up) a thin belt in either the lilac or burnt red colour to match.
Overall, I loved the pattern, particularly the pleats above the waistband - very nice flattering feature. After using this AmazingFit pattern I will probs pick up a few more! These patterns allow you to 'design' your own body pattern for A, B, C or D cups sizes, and then Slim, Average, or Curvy hips without having to do your own FBA or other fitting adjustments - I must be getting lazy as the year wears on.
Has anyone else tried any of Simplicity's AmazingFit patterns? Any recommendations for future pattern buying???
No, I haven't tried any. But that dress does look great!!
ReplyDeleteNo, I don't know if they are all that popular. I must admit the cover doesn't do anything to help...
DeleteWell done, a dress! I like the fabric choice, would work for summer and winter. Ugh, you just didn't mention Spotlight was having a sale did you...? ;)
ReplyDeleteSorry!!! But it is the only time I buy at Spotlight when they drop their prices...
DeleteThis looks like it has some very lovely details - well done!
ReplyDeleteThanks, just very hard details to photograph - isn't that always the way!!!
DeleteI really like that fabric, and it looks lovely made up. I haven't tried any of those amazing fit patterns yet. I like the idea of having all the alterations done for me already on the pattern, but hate the idea of basting everything only to have to sew it up a second time. I guess it wouldn't really be double work if I only had to cut it out once, but I'd have to be choosy what kind of fabric I was using.
ReplyDeleteI know! That basting, ripping, and resewing was strange to do - like making the dress twice.
DeleteYou have turned out a stunning dress - the hard work was well worth it. Beautiful fabric. I went to spotties and didn't see anything I liked. I guess I don't have the eye of being able to translate from the rolls to the dress.
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely lovely.
I know, it is the luck of the draw with Spotlight...
DeleteLove your new dress. First off the rank for 2013 and what a great little number.
ReplyDeleteI haven't tried Amazing Fit patterns either, but I like the idea. I won't buy a pattern unless it has the variable bust cup.
Spotlight fabric? Sometimes you can find real gems and at other times.....mmmmm!
Don't think I have ever come across a 'real gem' at Spotlight, just OK for a current make...
DeleteThat is really nice. I have made this pattern last year (2012) and I didn't do the basting as I was in a hurry for a function however the front does not gape due to the cut of the pattern. I will make this again as I think it will look different with different fabrics. You are so right that the cover does no justice to the pattern.
ReplyDeleteI won't be doing all that basting again either, live and learn, live and ...
DeleteGreat looking dress and interesting about the pattern. Good for you for sticking to to all that basting and stuff, I think I would have just barged ahead but it has really made a difference.
ReplyDeleteIt used up a lot of my old 'hot pink' thread that never gets to see the light of day...
DeleteI've got loads of that colour too! How does it get into the tread basket?
DeleteThis is a lovely dress! I used a Simplicity amazing fit shirt pattern with good results. The pants pattern wasn't such a success though. I am not surprised, though, pants are a nightmare to fit.
ReplyDeleteI steer clear of pants, haven't been game enough to add them into my list of 'must-conquer' ...
DeleteWow- this looks fantastic! I love the fabric and this looks like a fab fit! :D
ReplyDeletePlanning on wearing it out tomorrow, so fingers crossed someone snaps a piccie of me in it...
ReplyDeleteI have of this range but never tried, looks great. I'm loving the fit and fabric combo. Great omen for the year now x
ReplyDeleteI know, once I dive into the sewing early in the year I have to keep treading water...
DeleteHaven't tried the amazing fit patterns, but maybe it is worth a go. I do a muslin quite often with a new pattern, only to the point where I can decide what works and what doesn't, then switch to my good fabric. The dress looks really lovely - great sew!
ReplyDeleteOne of my new 'goals' is to muslin more. I have just picked up 10m of calico from Spotlight at the sale in readiness to trial patterns from now on...
DeleteWhat a way to start the new year, it's a fabulous dress. I've never tried the amazing fit patterns but everyone seems to get great results when they use them.
ReplyDeletewhat a lovely dress Judith - beats my two pairs of underpants
ReplyDeleteThe dress is super, well done, I like the pattern. Reading the comments it seems I am the only one who tacks first then sews. I have to say I do enjoy this process.
ReplyDeleteI only do this on patterns I haven't used before, that are fitted. I just roughly tack the main body pieces , take a note of adjustments then machine. The days are gone when I could just sew a pattern and it fit first time. For me its much easier to unpick tacks than machine stitching. My new sewing machine has a tacking foot which speeds this process up.
Great looking dress! I have not tried these Amazing Fit patterns though I have come close to buying one. May have to give it a try.
ReplyDeleteLooks really good, I love the fabric and the pleating details on the dress. I have made a pair of the amazing fit pants about a year or so ago but have never made one of the dresses/tops. I have to admit the whole cup sizes do my head in! I can never work out what size to start with and then what cup size to use so never made any!
ReplyDeleteThat's a very pretty dress. Congratulations on making such a successful garment to start off the year.
ReplyDeleteYour dress is simply stunning! I have a few of the AF patterns and have tried with great success S2648 (dress) and S2860 (pants). I never blogged about the dress and only mentioned the pants as part of my fall mini wardrobe. It took four or five muslins to get the dress right, but I wanted to take my time since I was using an expensive-to-me silk cotton satin. I'd love to see photos of you in the dress!
ReplyDeleteI haven't tried them but do know of someone who uses them and likes them.
ReplyDeleteYour dress is fabulous. I am in love with the fabric and how it is a perfect marriage with that pattern. Hope to see a pix of you wearing it.
The dress is really pretty. I have this pattern and a couple other from the line, but I don't think I have made one just yet. Thanks for the review.
ReplyDeleteI am a big fan of the Amazing fit patterns, I use them all the time, love them. I buy all the dress patterns to keep as basics. I don't do the basting so much, just on the side seams. I do find they are a bit big, but better to err on that side. Your dress is fantastic and I love the fabric.
ReplyDeleteI have tried one of the amazing fit patterns...2648 which is a princess-seam bodice. The fit was very good on me, so I will probably try another one of the patterns at some point. I always do a lot of basting, ripping and restitching anyway to try to get a good fit! Great job on the dress. I love the fabric and the top looks like it will fit well.
ReplyDeletethis looks fantastic. I haven't tried an "Amazing Fit" pattern yet but I have a few (I think I might even have the one you used). I'll have to give it a bash.
ReplyDeleteI haven´t tried the Amazing fit patterns but always felt very attracted to them... now the secret is out (basting and basting) I might give it a go when I need something amazinly fitted ;)
ReplyDeleteYour dress is just gorgeous!
THis is beautiful.. I tried one of these patterns, and your right, they run on the big side.. Love this one..Great job.
ReplyDeleteJudith - what a fabulous dress. I have this pattern, guess I should get busy making it. g
ReplyDeleteVery cool! How talented are you!
ReplyDeleteGinny
mynewfavoriteoutfit.blogspot.com
That is a great dress - and thanks for showing the inside as well. I am always interested to see how others finish off their garments - I learn so much!
ReplyDeletebeautiful dress! and you're so quick to already have this done in 2013!!
ReplyDeleteI love this! And I have this pattern but I haven't sewn it up yet so I'm glad to see how yours turned out. I think this dress would be flattering on a lot of figures.
ReplyDeleteYour dress looks amazing and I have made up Amazing Fit S2648, the princess seam dress, but still had to do a lot of adjustments.
ReplyDeleteThis is a beautiful dress!!!I love it!!!
ReplyDeleteGood afternoom from Thessaloniki greece!!!
Pretty dress!! This pattern has been moving toward the top of my stash for a while.
ReplyDeleteabsolutely gorgeous dress! I haven't tried these Amazing Fit dresses yet but now I really want to! I'm so glad I found your fun blog.
ReplyDeleteOh my! That is such an amazing dress! The fabric is just so perfect and fresh.
ReplyDeleteI do love the Amazing Fit patterns...I've made a few.
Beautiful! And the inside looks so nice. I'm a big fan of basting first to check fit. I hate making muslins so I like to check things that way. I love your dress! Such a pretty print, too.
ReplyDeleteThere sure is a lot of basting in the Sure Fit patterns but it really does seem to be well worth the extra effort. This dress looks gorgeous and I LOVE the fabric :)
ReplyDeleteI love your choice in fabric. What a dress to start the year off with. I have a pattern from the amazing fit but have not made it yet, A girl in my class did the pattern. Her complaint was how do you know if you need curvy or straight?
ReplyDeleteLove, love, love your dress! Great print, and the style is wonderful. I'll bet it looks fabulous on! I've never tried the Amazing Fit patterns, but will definitely be looking at them now :)
ReplyDeleteThanks for posting about this!
Now I need to get onto dresses, even if we don't quite have the temperatures you are 'suffering' in Aus this summer. And this dress looks fantastic - yay to linen in summer hey?
ReplyDeleteI have some lovely white linen that would drape so nicely in a reasonably structured dress like this. And I could learn to line it and and and ....
This is a gorgeous dress!
ReplyDeleteI've never tried one of the Amazing Fit patterns before, but this one is going on my list, it looks such a flattering shape.
Off to have a look round your blog now, this is my first visit!
gorgeous dress!!!!
ReplyDeleteI really appreciate this review, since I recently bought several of these patterns but haven't yet looked at them. Sounds like a lot more work than just doing my usual flat pattern adjustments! Your dress is lovely!
ReplyDelete