18 July 2008

Simplicity 3323

Pattern: Simplicity 3323 ~ From the envelope: "Dress has slightly extended shoulders, bateau neckline, back zipper closing and contrasting bias and bow trim. Version 1 features a full gathered skirt."

Size: Sub Teen Size 12 s (bust 31)

Fabric:
Muslin: car print cotton polyester blend
Garment: embroidered cotton w/ a border print
(both fabrics are from Fabricland)











Project Photo
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Comments: I was looking for a simple sun dress to showcase a beautiful border print I found at the local chain fabric store. When working with a border print, I prefer to not have to cut up the border at all, so I wanted a pattern with a dirndl skirt (basically a rectangle that is gathered at the top). When I found this pattern in my vintage stash, I knew it was the one.

I wanted to first make a wearable muslin of the dress before cutting into the good stuff. I'm glad I did. The dress straight from the package was sized for a person with a very short torso - it may be due to the sub-teen sizing on this pattern, although I didn't encounter this problem with other sub-teen patterns I've used in the past. In the end, I added 1.5" to the bodice length. When I make this dress again, I will add another 0.5", to bring the total up to 2" added length.

Flat pattern measuring also suggested that I needed to reduce the size of the two front and two back darts (by 0.5" in each case, to add a total of 2") to accommodate for the larger size of my waist. In the wearable muslin, this worked out beautifully, since the garment sat up above my waist, at the bottom of my ribcage. However, when I lengthened the bodice, I forgot to take into account that my actual waist is smaller than the measurement on my body 2" higher up, so the final dress was roomy in the waist. I removed the skirt and resewed the darts, effectively removing the 2" I had added. I'm pretty good at tweaking patterns to fit me, but every once and a while, I still goof up - ah well, to err is human!

The only other alteration I did was to remove some fabric from the front armscyce (0.25" at the centre, tapering to nothing at the shoulder and underarm seams), as the muslin pulled in this area when I would reach forward. In the next version, I will remove another 0.25" and it should be perfect.

The skirt is a single layer of fabric (too bulky otherwise). However, the bodice was fully underlined with cotton batiste.

Conclusion: The muslin is wearable, although it seems a bit young what with the crazy car print (check it out - it says "vroom!") and the elevated waistline, so it will likely be reserved for weekend wear. The border print version is definitely a winner and will become a regular in my warm weather wardrobe. I actually have another border print fabric that was to become a skirt, but I may end up making this dress again with that fabric.

19 comments:

Anonymous said...

CUTE!! One day, I want to be able to say "my vintage stash"!! Right now, I just have a few. :(

Dana said...

Great dresses! I love what you did with the border print.

Unknown said...

The border print turned out great! I love it. Glad to see you are actually sewing and not just shopping :) g

Rose said...

Wow! I like the car print--its pretty amusing. But I just adore what you did with the border print--I like how it hits the waist and the hemline. Wow! :)

Cherie said...

That border print dress is absolutely stunning. Quite a sophisticated look, and a bit party-ish! What color shoes will you wear?

Nancy Winningham said...

So cute! The border print really makes it.

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

I'm so glad to see that you are alive, well and sewing! I was about to put out an SOS on you!!!

Aren't border prints just the best to work with? And aren't you always so pleased with the results? I am loving the border print dress and the green one will make a great running around one!

Can't wait to see what's next!

Vicki said...

I too was just thinking of you this morning wondering how the 9 weeks off was going. Nice dresses. The border print is lovely.

Maggie said...

Shannon, very nice use of the border print. I love how you can wear those full, gathered skirts so well with your tiny waist!!
Marguerite

Sew Bettie said...

What a cute dress! I added your link by the way.

Linda L said...

That border print dress is gorgeous! I am envious of you and Carolyn's recent border print dresses. I can not find any thing locally with a border print and have not had much luck online. Truly a lovely dress!

Tany said...

What a fabulous idea for the use of a borther print! The dress looks fantastic (and the wearable muslin looks nice too!)

Anonymous said...

Your muslin looks like a great housedress. Just perfect for cleaning and pegging out the laundry.

LauraLo said...

This is such a cute dress, it really makes the border print stand out. And I must confess I like the crazy vroom one also :)

Nancy K said...

The dress is wonderful and perfect for your figure. Glad to see you back and sewing.

Kitty Couture said...

Wow... Love how you played with the border print. What a classy dress!

BCN - UNIQUE designer patterns said...

You are a great specialist of "vintage". congratulations. greetings, Paco

Valerie said...

The border print dress is adorable - looks truly vintage! Nice work!

Mon Café Couture said...

I LOVE THE BLUE PRINT ONE!