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!!!)

Make A Garment A Month Challenge ...

... and they are all just for ME!!! That's right, the first rule of this challenge is that one garment, in every month, must be for ME! Not someone else. Now this is a challenge for me. 

Sarah Liz, from over at SarahLizSewStyle is hosting this challenge. It is a very easy-going  challenge, started this month, and has lots of great fellow sewers joining up.

So, for the month of October, I will aim to make not one, but two dresses just for ME! First off will be a new basic dress for work, Simplicity 2247 in a cotton fabric. 

But as well as this I would like to trial Butterick 5917 for a more formal look. My son has his Valedictory coming up in early November, and I would love a new dress to wear.

Fingers crossed all goes to plan ... J