Second Time Around for S2724 - A Different View

Last Sunday I made another version of S2724 for DD. She wanted a new dress to wear while in Vegas this week. This time I made the pleated neckline with puff sleeves.

I didn't make any alterations and a followed the instructions to the letter. The fabric used: gauze, which is light and airy. Perfect for the hot, hot desert land of the west. After finishing the seam allowances, it took me about four hours to make this dress. No lining or underlining.

I'm sticking to my original claim that this dress pattern is a winner. You can easily sew four or five versions of this dress each being as distinctive as the next.

DD is able to put this dress on without unzippering it. I also noticed that the waist had about three inches of wearing ease. It could be a combination of weight lose and the weave of the fabric (crinklely gauze). DD loses a few pounds between spring and summer.





There is one thing that I did not like about the puff sleeves. The band is applied to only show on the inside of the dress. My perference is a narrow version of the band used for the 3/4 length sleeves. Outside of that I like the dress. Ms. DD has no dislike; totally satisfied with it.

Side Tracked by Simplicity 2724

Sheila is my inspiration for this post. While on facebook yesterday she asked me about my progress on the jean pocket project. Sad to report, I got no further than finishing the seam allowance on the pants. I'll probably finish them on Saturday.

So, what side tracked me?...., Simplicity 2724.

My DD asked for another version of this dress made out of fabric she bought in the spring.



She and her Gal Pals are on their way to Vegas next weekend. So I made the cap sleeve version with the pleated neckline and same skirt as the easter dress. After church, I finished it. Maybe I'll get a photo of her in it before she leaves. So in the meantime, I'll work on my jeans, of course, along with the matching jacket. Also, in the works are my bright orange dress, M5801 and my multi-color (brown, green, and orange)dress, V1020.

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.

Green with Envy - S2724 Part II

Yesterday I nearly completed the emerald green dress for my DD. I'm so happy with the results and wanted to share a few photos. Today, I will hem, slip stitch the sleeve bands and collar, then press it.

Word on the fabric: I'm so glad we chose silk dupioni. It sews beautifully and is an excellent choice for this dress. I did very little pressing throughout the process and didn't have any problems with handling or shaping the fabric. The pattern didn't call for a lining. I underlined it with Ambiance lining for a more polished look.

I would strongly recommend trying this pattern. There is one thing that I dislike about it and that is the place of the zipper. The dress is semi-fitted in the upper body. You may want to consider putting the zipper in the back, starting it about two inches from the neckline through the hip area of the skirt.

Here are a few photos. Excuse me for not pressing before the photos. I'll take more with DD wearing it.








Happy Sewing!
C

Easter Dress for DD Pattern Fitting S2724 - Part I

It's easy to work a pattern fitting for DD because she's home with me and is usually around when I'm sewing for her. So instead of doing a muslin fitting, I do a pattern fitting. I'm making S2724, the pink view with 3/4 sleeves for Easter. The fabric that I'm using is an emerald green silk dupioni purchased at Hancock's. The dress does not call for a lining, which I prefer. After experimenting with draping the ambiance lining and the silk over my hand and forearm I decided to underline it for a more polished look. Pretty inside and out. I also thought underlining would be best for the pleating and the full sleeves.

Here's the fitting process:

I cut the pattern at size 10. Noted from front view she needs a FBA and a little move in the shoulder area.





Pattern Fitting back of bodice DD's Easter Dress. There is pulling in the upper back and shoulder area. Plus I forget to pin the back waist pleat.




FBA



Broad shoulder and FBA for DD's Easter Dress. It's still uneven at the waist.




Back View