Wednesday 16 October 2013

The first of my ...


... dress collection! My big plan is to pop a few more summer dresses into the wardrobe this year. Usually I am a skirts and top type of dresser. But after seeing so many wonderful dresses being whipped up around the globe I have succumbed to their charm. I am starting to wonder if their charm is all in the fact that you don't have to match the top to the bottom, you have an instant all-in-one outfit, and only have to worry about the shoes and accessories. Though, it does feel a little like lazy dressing. But I am looking for easy care and easy wear for this summer.


First dress off the hanger is be Simplicity 2247. It's one I have had in the stash since it first came out in 2010. It is an AmazingFit pattern, which is what I think first lured me to this pattern. 


This pattern has interesting instructions - you will either love them or hate them, depending on how you sew. Because it is an AmazingFit pattern they give you loads (and then some) of helpful instructions on how to get the fit just right for your body, but in order to do this you have to continually baste the sections together, make any needed adjustments or tweaks, then take it apart just to resew it again. I guess it is great if you need to be hand feed any fitting issues. But if you already know that your shoulders are round and sloping, your tummy is on the large side, and your boobs have headed south, then this is a bit of a time waster.

Inside bodice partially sewn
But I didn't make this dress for the AmazingFit, I was actually impressed by the simplistic and workable style. I like the close fitting bodice with the princess seams, and that the skirt continues these lines. So far I would recommend this pattern to beginners, and to those wanting to learn about the fitting process in a dress of this style. I am really pleased with how this casual dress is coming together, and want to finish it ... soon! 

All that is remaining is the finishing of the zipper (I have changed this to an invisible zipper), the armhole facing, and then hemming. I have elected to line the lower half, just for personal preference, but other than that this first time round dress is 'as-is', straight from the pattern. 


What I like so far - it has been a simple breeze to sew! Nearly so simple it is boring! I am getting the feeling that this dress will need an accessory to lift it. Not sure what I mean, but just have a feeling. The fit is spot on, so I guess Simplicity has scored a few bonus points in this area. Because of the pattern on the fabric you can't see the stitching detail at all (either that or I have matched my thread perfectly!!!) And it is the first in my Make a Garment A Month Challenge, so I am well pleased ... J
And here is the little beauty finished, and worn for the day to work (please excuse any finger paint or playdough stains - hazard of the job!!! and the end-of-day-hat-hair!!!)

25 comments:

  1. Looks great on you Judith, fits really well and the material is lovely

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  2. Judith it's a great fit and the colour is really flattering on you. Perfect for no think dressing!

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  3. Looks like such a nice fit, and I'm sure this will be a wardrobe staple through summer! I've never tried one of these "Amazing Fit" patterns, so it's very interesting to hear how they work too - though I don't think I'd have the patience for all that double sewing!

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  4. Your dress looks beautiful on you Judith, and the fit is perfection. I have looked at one of these patterns and thought it all looked too time-consuming, but as you say, we learn over time what our fitting issues will be. Look forward to more summer dresses from you. Cool to wear, easy to accessorize!

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  5. Judith, that's a lovely dress and very flattering. I also tend to wear skirts and tops more so than dresses. I bought this pattern a little while ago, and after seeing your version, I'm keen to make my own.

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  6. Oh, what an amazing fit!!!!! Just couldn't resist, it really fits so well. I too love dresses like this for the warmer months.

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  7. Wow, that is an amazing fit. Your dress is super cute and looks great on you.

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  8. it turned out great! & looks great on!
    Helen

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  9. It is an amazing fit. It looks great on you and is super cute. Great for the job.

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  10. That is a beautiful dress. I don't think it NEEDS anything to lift it - it is such a lovely colour and well fitted and made. I think I will have to drag this pattern out of my stash. It's funny that you say that a dress is lazy dressing. I love a nice dress but have often thought you can do so much more with a skirt and top - but the simplicity of the dress does call to me. Great job Judith.

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  11. Judith, you have made me want to make this dress, I bought the pattern ,when it came out too, and never made it..
    It looks so cute on you.. and comfortable too.yea. Happy sewing.

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  12. That is such a flattering dress - I think you could dress it up with accessories but it looks lovely 'as is' :)

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  13. Gorgeous fitting dress and if you wanted to dress it up, try a necklace that will sit nicely in the "v".

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  14. Love it and I also am hungry to add in a few more dresses.

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  15. It is a nice dress - it's funny how you can look at a pattern and go "no" - but see it made up, you go "yes". This dress has that effect - it looks really nice on. Like you I've been a separates person but starting to see the value in dresses - looks like we'll both be making some over summer. It looks nice as it is, and it would look lovely with accessories - but how do they mix with play doh? Really, you can dress the dress up or down - and you have certainly perfected your fit.

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  16. Oh.. you have made a lovely dress! I like the style, simple but pretty :)

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  17. I´ve never tried one of these Amazing fit patterns but after watching your dress and how well fitted it is, maybe it is time!
    Lovely dress, you look great!

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  18. ohh...pretty! I would never have thought this would be such a lovely dress from the envelope pic. Yours is so nice!

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  19. Lovely dress - I really like to wear dresses but haven't made many (or as many as I have separates). I think I will have to join you in the frock squad.

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  20. That dress looks amazing on you! Very lovely!!

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  21. This dress fits so very well and you are so very patient to go through all those steps. The results are worth it for the fit though! I am a dress gal myself - can never seem to have enough!! Cheers, Karen

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  22. Lovely dress and looks terrific on you! The fit is right-on.

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  23. your dress looks lovely and fits perfectly. Its a great look that you could dress up or down. I love dresses and have found it's so much easier to co-ordinate than tops and skirts. I like anything that makes life easier :)

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  24. that dress is lovely. I think much of the beauty is hidden by the pattern photo. I'm sure you will get loads of wear from this beauty. g

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