Simplicity 2369 in Gorgeous Print

Weekly I have the pleasure of chatting with a few of my sewing, blogging friends.  And weekly we share thoughts on patterns we'd like to try, projects in the queue, and our ever growing fabric stashes. 

During one of those sewing conversational marathons, Andrea told me she was making a dress using Simplicity 2369.  And guess what?  I decided to add it to my list of summer projects as well. 

As usual, Simplicity gives a vague description of this mini wardrobe collection.  So I describe this dress as a mock wrap dress that comes in two lengths or a tunic.  You have the option of three different sleeve variations.  The wide legged pants has an elasticize waist.

The pattern comes in sizes 8 to 24.

My dress looks like view B with the sleeve variation of view C.  After surveying my collection of knit dresses, I realized I don't have many new dresses with sleeves.  So I decided to use the bell sleeve for this dress instead of the cap sleeve.  It can be worn on cooler summer days and well into the fall.  (It sounds strange mentioning fall when summer just began.) 

The instructions presented no difficulties in the construction of the dress.  It only took a few hours after I cut it out.  My only problem stems from using size 16.  I just needed to make my fitting adjusts using size 14.  It's roomier than I like.  So I will take it in before I actually wear it.

My favorite design element is the mock wrap with the tie or buckle.   I think this is a flattering neckline for me.  And it's easy to wear.  I like comfortable work wear.  Often, I spend hours on the road, traveling to one meeting destination to another.  Knit wears well in the car plus no wrinkles. 

This is a beautiful knit purchased from Gorgeous Fabrics.  It sews together with no problem and has a nice hand and drape.  I'm not sure if this fabric is still available.  Ann has several similar knits available that would work well with this pattern.

I made my usual alterations, which are the same as those made for M6163.  Additionally, I had to adjust the width of the faux wrap overlap (lower left side at hip area).  It didn't lay flesh against my hip.  So I had to adjust the width of it by pulling it in at the side.

I may make it in a solid color for the late fall early winter.  We will see how that goes considering the number of dress patterns I own.  And I do recommend it to others.

Cute and comfortable dress that is easy to sew.

Now for the pants.  No design changes.  I only added a few inches to the length of the leg.  The fabric was purchased at JoAnn's.  This was my first pair of "Fancy Pants" made. 

All pictures for these two garments are posted on Flickr..

Happy Sewing!
C