Monday, March 16, 2009

Off to the Emerald City - S2724 The Final Chapter




I couldn't help but think about the Wizard of Oz and the Emerald City as I posted the final chapter on the making of Simplicity 2724.

When I originally purchased this pattern, it was for me. I was planning to make the view with the white pleated bodice and black skirt. In February DD and I were shopping at Hancock's looking at the silk Dupioni and talking about how much we love jewel colors. The emerald green spoke to us this time. I wanted to make something special for my DD, because she is always patient when I'm sewing for others. As her "I want that sewn for me" list grows, I feel somewhat obligated to quench her desire for a version of this dress. She will wear this dress on Easter. The prom and graduation session is underway, and I'm glad I was able to work this in.

This is a great pattern to sew. There are so many options for dresses, skirts and blouses. This is on my favorites list for 2009. You should try it.

Pattern Description: Misses' Dress with skirt, bodice and sleeve variations.

Pattern Sizing: 4-20; I used a size 10 and made modifications. I'll talk about that later.

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it? It looked like the basic dress combination of the bodice and skirt (pink version). She wanted the 3/4 sleeves. My version is slightly longer, but it's looks like it.

Were the instructions easy to follow? The instructions were easy to follow. One suggestion: follow the instructions on the ruffle as stated. It makes the process easy. Take your time with making it. It will pay off in the long run. This version of the dress showcases it. I made a few changes in how I completed my version of the dress. All will be listed in the design/alteration section.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? I love this dress. It was a joy to make. I only have one dislike and that's the side zipper. The dress is semi-fitted in the bodice and you may have difficulty getting in and out of it. The pattern calls for a 14" zipper; I inserted a 22" one cutting it off at 18" to ease the burden of contorting the body to get in it.

Fabric Used: The queen of fabrics, silk (dupioni). I love sewing this fabric. It's easy to handle and sews beautifully.

Pattern Alterations or any design changes you made: There were are few alterations and design changes:

As you know, the Simplicity Project Runway patterns gives you the option to create your own design.

- DD and I started with the design of the pink dress on the envelope. She doesn't like sleeveless tops or dresses; so she decided that the 3/4 length sleeves would work for her.

- I pattern fit the bodice at size 10. I made a small full bust and broad shoulder alterations. Here are the pattern pieces laying flat atop the fabric.



- There is no lining for this dress. So I decided to underline it. The results give this dress a polished finish and a little more body to the fabric.



- For the stand collar, I under stitched the top edge and slip stitched it to the neckline of the dress.



- Inserted a longer zipper for easy access.

Back View

There are more pictures in my Flickr Album.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others? Yes DD has plans for more dresses from this pattern. I plan to try to make the ruffled bodice into a nice little peplum top.

Conclusion: This is a great pattern to try. It's not difficult to sew, but requires some patience with creating the ruffled bodice.

33 comments:

  1. That is simply beautiful. I saw the emerald green fabric stand out on Pattern Review and had to click on it to see more. It fits her perfectly, too.

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  2. The colour is gorgeous - as is the dress. Lucky daughter!!

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  3. Such a pretty colour and a beautifully made dress. I agree about the pattern and I am adding to my 'must sew' list, too!

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  4. Great combination, the girl, the dress and the color, hurrah!!!

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  5. Very pretty dress. It definitely makes a statement.

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  6. I love this color. I tried to talk my daughter into this color for Prom, but she wouldn't bite. She chose a gold crepe back. I hope my dress turns out as beautiful as this one.

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  7. She looks darling in this dress, wonderful job!

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  8. I love this dress! Your daughter looks beautiful. I really did a great job.

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  9. Look at your jewel! She is gorgeous and becoming such a young lady. The dress is beautiful, that rich color just does it for me.

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  10. Your DD dress turned out beautifully. My internet service was down since my last post. So, I was dying to see to the finish dress.

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  11. Exquisite, very well done. She looks so gorgeous in it, I love the color so much on her.

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  12. Both your daughter and the dress are beautiful! Sometimes, underlining can be a PITA, but it really improves the garment.

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  13. What a beaut! I was looking at this pattern over the weekend. My oh my. I loooove the fabric!

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  14. Thanks everyone! This was a great project.

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  15. That dress turned out beautifully!! More power to you for the underlining - I did it once and I still get a twitch when I think about the process.

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  16. Fantastic Cennetta! And so perfect for today - St. Patrick's Day. The color truly is stunning.

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  17. Oh wow! Your daughter and the dress are positively beautiful - they both glow!

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  18. Your daughter looks beautiful! You did an excellent job, the dress fits her perfectly.

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  19. Your DD looks stunning! You did an outstanding job, the dress is wonderful, well fitted and will make the perfect easter dress! Well done!

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  20. It looks beautiful! So wonderfully made

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  21. Thanks for the tip on the ruffle--I read through the instructions and didn't like them, but maybe I should give them a try (when i get to this on my never-ending project list!).

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  22. What a beautiful dress and the color is awesome

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  23. Better than Dorothy's I tell you. The smile says it all and she's looking dynamic and classy...just liker her Momma!

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  24. The dress is beautiful and the color looks fabulous on your daughter. Thanks for the review. I have that pattern and dd has asked me several times when am I going to get to it. I must admit you are scaring me about the zipper, but will be mindful of using an 18" zipper.

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  25. This pattern has been sitting in my sewing truck for about a month now. Seeing it on you makes me eager to get started.

    (Now if only I could put a freeze frame on the whole work and mommy thing and get some time to myself...)

    'till next time...

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  26. Thanks everyone,
    Sheila - The longer zipper worked just fine. DD can easily in and out of the dress.

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  27. Your daughter's dress is lovely and fits her so well. Great job. I like the idea of a longer zipper. Good tip as I have this dress in my line up to make soon.

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  28. hello Cennetta.- The dress for your daughter is wonderful, really. The green color is radiant and you always do things with a special touch. is like a poem by Federico García Lorca: "....verde que te quiero verde, verde..."

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