I wore this to church on Sunday (7-25-10). It was a hot and sunny day. Perfect dress for this type of weather.
For years I shied away from all garments that included a godet. Recently, I conquered the fear of the imperfect godet and I'm enjoying the victory of mastering another design technique. To build up my courage, I tried sewing one or two godets in a skirt or dress. Last week I sewed eight in Simplicity 3877. All turned out perfect.
Here's my review of S3877.
Pattern Description: Misses'dress in two lengths with bodice variations. Separate patterns included for B, C, D cup sizes. I love those patterns that include separate patterns for the cup size. It makes it a little easier. In most cases a only have to increase the seam allowance from under the bust to the waistline.
Pattern Sizing: 6 - 22; I used size 14.
Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it? Pretty much. I barely had enough fabric for the main pieces of the dress. The belt is about 4 inches shorter than the pattern.
Were the instructions easy to follow? I only glanced at them; but I didn't see anything that was confusing. Make sure you press as you go.
Initially I thought I'd add cap sleeves to view A, but when it came time to insert them, I decided to go with no sleeves. I used bias tape for the armhole facing.
What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?
-I love the full skirt. My DD calls this type of dress "June Cleaver-ish".
-The wrapped bodice is a favorite design element of mine as well.
-This pattern included separate patterns for cup sizes. This is always a plus for me.
No dislikes.
Fabric Used: Linen blend from Vogue. I bought about four yards, barely having enough to fit all the pattern pieces.
Pattern alterations or any design changes you made: A few minor changes were made:
- shorten the tie about 4 inches due to not enough fabric
- small board shoulder adjustment
- used voile for the neck facing and used bias tape for the armholes
- at center back of the skirt, I added a little soft pleat as the skirt was bigger
at the (back) waist. Everything else lined up perfectly. (I don't know what happened in my measurements.)
Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others? Maybe, it's a good pattern to sew from. I may mix and match with another pattern. Maybe..., Yes, I do recommend it. I love this summery dress.
Conclusion: This is a good pattern to try. It offers bodice and sleeve variations. The instructions are typical at glance. It took me about seven hours to make this dress.
Pattern Sizing: 6 - 22; I used size 14.
Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it? Pretty much. I barely had enough fabric for the main pieces of the dress. The belt is about 4 inches shorter than the pattern.
Were the instructions easy to follow? I only glanced at them; but I didn't see anything that was confusing. Make sure you press as you go.
Initially I thought I'd add cap sleeves to view A, but when it came time to insert them, I decided to go with no sleeves. I used bias tape for the armhole facing.
What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?
-I love the full skirt. My DD calls this type of dress "June Cleaver-ish".
-The wrapped bodice is a favorite design element of mine as well.
-This pattern included separate patterns for cup sizes. This is always a plus for me.
No dislikes.
Fabric Used: Linen blend from Vogue. I bought about four yards, barely having enough to fit all the pattern pieces.
Pattern alterations or any design changes you made: A few minor changes were made:
- shorten the tie about 4 inches due to not enough fabric
- small board shoulder adjustment
- used voile for the neck facing and used bias tape for the armholes
- at center back of the skirt, I added a little soft pleat as the skirt was bigger
at the (back) waist. Everything else lined up perfectly. (I don't know what happened in my measurements.)
Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others? Maybe, it's a good pattern to sew from. I may mix and match with another pattern. Maybe..., Yes, I do recommend it. I love this summery dress.
Conclusion: This is a good pattern to try. It offers bodice and sleeve variations. The instructions are typical at glance. It took me about seven hours to make this dress.
Parting shots: Me wearing V8380 on Saturday afternoon.
You have mastered the skill of looking stylist and also cool and comfortable! Both dresses look fantastic. Your sewing skills are impressive.
ReplyDeleteVery nice dresses Cennetta! What is your trick with godets? I've never really tried them on a skirt or dress so I have no clue, but I don't fear them like a front fly trouser! Was there a special technique or step process that you used to get them so perfect? Thanks!
ReplyDeleteThat is a gorgeous dress on you and love the print. The maxi dress looks good on you too and screams its hot, humid and dog days of summer here I come....lol
ReplyDeleteBoth dresses are fantastic. Great job.
ReplyDeleteOoooo, both dresses are so pretty and look great on you. Perfect for these hot summer days.
ReplyDeleteGores give a nice kicky feel to a skirt. Your dresses are perfect for this hot summer and they look great on you.
ReplyDeleteThanks ladies! Before the door. No tricks, just patience and lining up the seams. I'll post something on the process soon. Thanks for asking. C
ReplyDeleteTwo perfect dresses for the summer
ReplyDeleteVery pretty!
Love the simplicity dress. The floral linen is a great fabric pick. I'm currently sewing that one for a client! Both your dresses are so perfect and summery:)
ReplyDeleteHey, you look great as June Cleaver then. What a great dress. Congrats on conquering a new sewing technique.
ReplyDeleteBoth are perfectly beautiful and I'm sure you looked so pretty at church!
ReplyDeleteVery pretty dresses!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful dresses. Lovely prints and they both look great on you.
ReplyDeleteVery pretty summer dresses, you look great in both of them.
ReplyDeleteyou look beautiful, very radiant in these two dresses. I love the one with the godets, you looks like you are about to have tea at some ritzy coffee house in Savannah.
ReplyDeleteThose dresses are so pretty. By the way, I like June Cleaver fashion style. People dressed civilized in those days, I mean pearls on in time for breakfast! Now we have students showing up for college classes in sloppy pj's. I find that a lack of respect for themselves and the institution. Back to the dresses, I want one just like the one you wore to church--with pearls :)
ReplyDeleteYou always make such gorgeous dresses. Both of these are so summery and pretty - just right for a hot weekend!
ReplyDeleteThat is a gorgeous dress and looks wonderful on you. I would top it off with a hat with a huge brim. It's so feminine and lovely.
ReplyDeleteBoth are great dresses; they look so comfortable.I agree with Toocutedobs, I love the feminine, classy look. It seems with this overwhelming love for vintage, the feeling is mutual by a large majority.
ReplyDeleteBoth dresses look fantastic on you! I'd love to hear more on how you tackled those godets too. You did a great job.
ReplyDeleteReally cute! That looks perfect for a hot summer day.
ReplyDeleteYes - summer perfection. I'm also loving the shoes and the yellow bag!
ReplyDeleteI love this dress! I can't wait to make it.
ReplyDeleteLove both dresses! Bet that Simplicity's a great "twirler" too ;)
ReplyDeleteBeautiful summer dresses.
ReplyDeleteI love this on you. I too am a scaredy cat when it comes to godets, but after seeing this and reading your tutorial, I'll pull this pattern out and give it a try. I'll keep you posted.
ReplyDeleteAngela
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ReplyDeleteThanks, everyone.
ReplyDeleteAngela - I'm glad you are inspired to make this dress. It's really nice and easy. I'm looking forward to your design.
C
Two lovely dresses! you look stunning in them!
ReplyDeleteIt's funny, immediately when I saw the first picture I thought "Well, if that isn't the perfect summer church dress, I don't know what is." Then I read your commentary. Great minds and all that. ;) Lovely dress!
ReplyDeleteWOW, you look terrific on both outfits!! Well done!
ReplyDeleteHow did I miss these dresses?! I love the first one...you chose an amazing piece of fabric to make this in. The fabric just sings summer and the dress is perfect for those hot, hazy summer days! Lovely!
ReplyDelete