15 July 2009

Simplicity 7990

Pattern: Simplicity 7990 (vintage) - sleeveless, surplice bodice view.

Size
: 8

Fabric: A gorgeous border print fabric from Fabric Mart.


Project Photo
:

Comments:
I have made this dress before in several incarnations (here, here & here - P.S. Nancy K., you can see my camera in the last link), always with great results. I find this particular dress perfect for my pear-shaped body - it's snug where I'm small (bust and waist) and loose where I'm not so small (hips and thighs).

For this version of Simplicity 7990, I used a nifty border print fabric that has a blue, lime, yellow, black and white print. It is medium weight fabric with a lovely jacquard weave. I placed the border at the hem of the dress. This required a bit of finagling as the original pattern had a curved hem. Since the skirt was already dirndl-ish in nature, it was easy enough to manipulate the pattern piece to run the hem along the border.

The bodice of the dress is underlined in a thin cotton batiste - this allows for the invisible hand stitching of the facings to the underlining. This finish always gives such a beautiful look to the inside of the garment and it gives the dress more of a high end feel. The skirt however was left without underlining as the fashion fabric is already hefty enough without added bulk at the waist seam.

Conclusion:
Once again, I love this pattern. This version of S7990 is definitely one of my favourites. I will really enjoy wearing this dress to work this fall.

29 comments:

Sewsincere said...

So very pretty! You are a poster child for revisiting vintage patterns!

Erica Bunker said...

Gorgeous! That fabric is perfect for the dress!

The Sewing and Knitting Loft said...

Perfect fabric for this dress, and it looks wonderful on you!

Anonymous said...

This dress and your skirt and top from yesterday's post are beautiful.

Lisa said...

Nice dress. Love the colors, the cut. You are correct it is a flattering pattern for you!

Yesterday's outfit looked very nice also.

Rose said...

A winner of a dress! You look great wearing this version!!!

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

Okay, how did I MISS that piece of fabric at Fabric Mart? Cause it has made you one amazingly gorgeous dress! I love this pattern on you...stunning results!

Anonymous said...

Beautiful dress on you.

CarlaF-in Atlanta said...

Lovely!

Audrey said...

A really lovely dress, and great use of a border print fabric.

Summerset said...

Love it! I agree it is perfect for your body shape - with the same shape, I can see how great this pattern is.

Sheila said...

That is a beautiful dress, especially the border detail.

Rachel said...

That is a beautiful dress and I love the fabric!!

Linda T said...

Very nice! You look so pretty in it!

kiltsnquilts said...

Another voice to say 'great dress, great fabric'. I don't think I have seen you make many garments in that kind of colour but it looks great on you. The style is very flattering too - and yummy shoes!

Maggie said...

Shannon, really a winner here. This style is perfect on you too. Hve fun wearing it knowing you look so good!

angie.a said...

Shannon this is SO pretty!! I love the fabric, great color for you (as is the pattern!)

Carol said...

I have this pattern and I've never thought to do anything like this with it! The dress is so pretty; the fabric is vibrant and so flattering for your colouring. A wonderful combination!

Lisette M said...

Every time you make up this pattern I love it more!

Danielle said...

This is GORGEOUS!!!! I LOVE!! I might have to try to make one...hmm...we shall see!! :)

Anonymous said...

I love this pattern! Not to mention the great fabric...enjoy wearing it.

Unknown said...

Wow! Lovely pairing of fabric and pattern. TNTs are great! g

Meg said...

Fabulous! This is a perfect dress on you. Nice work!

cidell said...

That dress is stunning!

Cennetta said...

This dress is no doubt a winner! But your latest version is ultra chic and you look absolutely fantastic in it. Bravo!

Tany said...

I can see why you used this pattern so many times: it looks terrific on you!

Anonymous said...

oh wow! Love the print!! Great job!

Vicki said...

Another great version. And they all look so different.

denise@thebluegardenia.com said...

Totally wow! I want this in my size. Fabulous dress.