5 September 2007

Simplicity 3874

Pattern: Simplicity 3874 (view B & C)













Size: S3874 comes in sizes 8 to 24. I used size 8 for the jacket. For the dress, I used size 8 for the bodice and waist and expanded out to size 12 for the hip (I could have used size 10 here, but I wanted extra hip ease since some days I sit a lot at work).

Fabric: For the jacket, I used a navy polyester blend twill from Wal Mart. For the dress, I used a blue box print polyester silky from Fabricland.












Project Photo:
Comments: As soon as I saw this pattern, I knew I had to make it. I love anything with raglan sleeves, so this was a no brainer. I have some other fabric that is perfect for this style, but I wanted to check the fit first, so I used some el cheapo fabric that has been clogging up my stash for a while now. I am not a huge fan of polyester, but after working with these two fabrics, I have to say that they are much nicer than their prices would suggest.

Both the dress and jacket went together easily, as this pattern was drafted very nicely. The only difficult part is getting the jacket collar and front "facings" attached nicely. But with careful marking and sewing, it isn't too tough.

The only changes I will be making for next time are the following:
  • I will eliminate the back zipper, as the dress slips on quite easily over my head.
  • The dress is a little tight across the back, through the shoulder blades. I seem to have this problem a lot of the time. The neckline and midriff areas fit perfectly, but the back pulls across the shoulder blades. This is a real problem for me at work, as I am always writing on the chalkboard and using my arms out in front of me. I looked up a solution in one of my fitting books that I will be trying in the future. I sure hope it works because this pulling across the back is quite annoying.
  • The jacket is cute. However, I find it to be a bit boxy and it tends to obscure the fact that I have a waist. Next time, I will make it shorter or add more shaping to the side seams.
Conclusion: I really like the dress on me - it is a real winner! The jacket is good, but not my absolute favourite. I will be making this outfit again, with the tweaks to the dress and some changes to the jacket. Here are the fabrics I am contemplating for the next incarnation (dress and jacket, respectively).

14 comments:

Summerset said...

I really like that box fabric! I can totally relate to the need for being able to move in school/work clothes. I just started using the chalkboard pretty heavily again due to my Physics class, and I freedom of movement is essential!

renee said...

oh! So pretty. Really, really looks good. What a great look!

Vicki said...

Ooh, they go together very nicely! I have the same problem with these new length boxy jackets. If you can't see the waist, it is not flattering!

Anonymous said...

Hi Shannon,
Try a pattern from the 60's with the back shoulder dart. They fit so much nicer in the upper back area. You could use one to draft a sloper that you could superimpose on other patterns.
Marguerite

Carolyn (Diary of a Sewing Fanatic) said...

*LOL* And that is exactly why I like the boxy jackets - if you can't see the waist - its a good thing! Seriously Shannon this is a really kewl jacket and dress and the next version is even better and its still in fabric form but I can "see" it!

Did your fabric from FabricMart come yet?

Erica Bunker said...

Very nice. I like that variation of the dress also. And I love the jacket.

Kitty Couture said...

Great outfit, Shannon! I love that blue print. Can't wait to see your next outfit in those warm colours.

Tany said...

Both dress and jacket look lovely and fresh! I love both colorways, the cold and the warm, and I'm looking forward to see the warm version!

Lisette M said...

Love your new outfit. I have this pattern too because I fell in love as soon as I saw it.

LauraLo said...

I love both the jacket and the dress and I would love seeing them on you! I was actually thinking of making this jacket too but cannot decide if to buy the pattern or not... It's those gathers who make me wonder... What do you think?

Adrienne said...

Very nice! Ihave this on my list for the fall.

Cherie said...

Gotta love it when a wearable muslin is...wearable! Nice, professional outfit. I also loved the dress, can 't wait to get to it. The fall colors for the next outfit are exquisite!

Shannon said...

Great outfit! I made the V-neck version of this dress, but wasn't real thrilled with it. The weird thing is, the pattern still "speaks" to me. After seeing your dress, I might go back and try the raglan version. I don't think this jacket would work for me, but maybe I can find a different jacket pattern that will compliment the dress and me.

Shannon F

Linda L said...

Love the dress fabric. I truly like the entire outfit.