29 July 2009

Simplicity 3874

Pattern: Simplicity 3874 (view B)


Size: size 8 from shoulder to high hip, out to size 12 downward (I probably only need to go out to a 10 here, but I sit a lot in my job, so I wanted the extra room for comfort)

Fabric: Peach bubble print polyester woven (normally I hate 100% poly, but this fabric is actually quite nice) from Fabricland (a Canadian chain fabric store).









Project Photo
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Comments: I have made this dress once before and I absolutely love wearing it. It is such a simple, easy-to-sew dress that is so flattering on my body type. I love the empire styling and the bow that cinches up the front. Not to mention the great raglan sleeves, that add width to my shoulders to balance out my bottom half. This dress is an all around winner.

As with the other version of this dress, I chose to leave it unlined, since the fabric is quite opaque. Also, I will normally be wearing it in warmer weather, so I didn't want to add to the non-breathability of the polyester fabric. If I do wear the dress on a cooler day, I can add a separate slip and a cardigan to keep me warm.

Next time I make this dress, I am debating about leaving out the back zipper. The dress goes on over my head, even if it's zipped up. The only problem with this is that I like to get dressed after doing my makeup and hair and I don't want to mess that up putting on a zipperless dress. Hmm, decisions, decisions...

Conclusion: Such a wonderful dress! I have a few other versions on the drawing board and hopefully I'll get them made up in the near future.

33 comments:

Kristy Chan said...

beautiful dress and lovely colour, it goes so well with your fabulous t-bar heels. I've made this dress once before in a modified version for maternity wear, but after seeing your lovely dress I'll make it in a normal version now. I've made the jacket loads of times though, I just love it

Beatrice said...

The dress is gorgeous, and it looks great on you!

Beatrice in Germany

Anonymous said...

I love this dress. It looks really nice on you!

Erica Bunker said...

Beautiful dress! Great choice of fabric!

Unknown said...

I love the print on the fabric. Very nice style on you!

NancyDaQ said...

I love the dress! I have this pattern and will need to finally do something with it after seeing your version.

mermaids said...

i love that pattern! wish it came in my size.

your version looks fabulous on you.

Unknown said...

It looks so great on you. I hope the weather is warm enough to wear it. g

Sigrid said...

Gorgeous.

amber said...

I stumbled upon your blog from Pattern Review and love seeing all of these adorable outfits you've made. I'm brand new to the world of sewing, but I'm so inspired by what I've seen here and on other sewing blogs.

We seem to have a very similar shape (classic pear), the only difference being I'm a few inches taller. It's nice to see some of these patterns on a real live person that is built much the same.

Love the fabric for this dress. Might have to pick this one up at the Simplicity sale this weekend at Joanns. :)

Sheila said...

Its gorgeous dress and the print is 2df.

toy said...

I don't care if its poly or not, its beautiful, you can always line it with some batiste I always say ;)
great dress, the colors look great on you.

Lisette M said...

Very pretty dress, the color is very becoming.

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

These colors are perfect for your coloring and to me that's what makes the dress! After reading your older post, I see that there was a jacket fabric to go with this dress. Are you making up the jacket too?

Also, I am soooooo loving your summer sewing!

Terri K said...

I always enjoy your stylish coordinates and the garments modeled by you instead of some dress form. I never understand how anyone can be "inspired" by a custom garment on a dress form, hanger or laying flat on the floor, devoid of the personality, pride and total "look" when worn by the person who created it.

Nancy K said...

Gorgeous! I agree that these colors are really wonderful on you.

Nancy K said...

Just read your first review of this dress. Did you add width across the back?

Meg said...

This dress is just peachy-perfect! In fact, I am craving some peach ice cream right now because of your dress...

Tamara said...

Beautiful dress! I love the color!

Chris said...

Love the dress and the fabric. It looks great on you. I think I will have to give this pattern another look.

Carol said...

As much as I'm reluctant to admit it, some of my favourite fabrics have turned out to be 100% poly! I love this print and the colours are perfect for you. It's a great style, very versatile.

Unknown said...

The pattern, color and shape...gorgeous on you!

AllisonC said...

Such a cute dress and the print and colour combinations are gorgeous.

Jackie O. Stitches said...

Nice looking dress, love the fabric choice!

Faye Lewis said...

Oh Shannon, I so love that dress. Going to look to see if I have that pattern - I think I do!

Sue said...

Gorgeous dress on you! I would keep the zip in - to me the ease of putting the dress on after doing your make-up would be worth it!

gwensews said...

Beuatiful dress and very flattering. That would make a wonderful LBD, with a matching jacket that would take a person anywhere, anytime.

Sewellen said...

Great Dress! I have this pattern somewhere, I think I'll get it out and make one more summer garment. Yours is beautiful!!

Anonymous said...

WOW! This dress is a stunner. That fabric is beautiful to begin with, but with your coloring is even better. Love it!

Rose said...

This is one good-lookin' dress! You look great!!

Cennetta said...

Ultra cute dress. Boy you have been sewing up some really cute outfits.

katherine h said...

It certainly is a winner...suits you perfectly. I haven't visited your blog for a while, and now I'm having fun going through your old posts, thank-you

Dk's Wife said...

Very Pretty!!! :)