Unity Conference Dress 2016 - Simplicity 1156

Photo taken day after event, Monday afternoon.

For the past several years, almost every Unity Conference I've made a new cream or white dress.  This year is no different.  But I must say I thought, "By now I should have enough white/cream to wear for this annual event."  I also thought, "I wish the principle color was a color instead of white/cream."   Oh well, it's been this way since I could remember.  So I concluded that next year I will repeat something already in my closet and make myself a vibrant birthday dress instead.

With that being said, here is my review  for my Unity Conference dress 2016.  The fabric used was a gift to me.   I don't know the fabric content, but I suspect it is a polyester/rayon blend.  It washes beautifully and wears well.  It has a wonderful texture.  There are three layers: top, bottom and a very light filler.  It's not quilted, but it is fused somehow to create what look like stitching from a distance.  Very nice.

For this dress I used Simplicity 1156.  It's an "Amazing Fit" pattern.  It includes separate patterns for B, C, D,and DD cups sizes.  The fabrics recommended are woven, but I used a knit.  It's what I had on hand and I thought it would be easy to make given the fabric had quite a bit on stretch in it.

The dress is described as misses' dress with individual pattern pieces for slim, average and curvy fit and B, C, D, and DD cup sizes.  I used size 14 and average, view A.  The category of pattern promises an "Amazing Fit" because of the multiple pattern pieces for the cup sizes.  It also includes inch side seam allowances to help make fitting easier.  Now this does not mean you can bypass an adjustment like the sway back adjustment.

The seaming of the dress allows you some extra points of adjustment that may not be available in dresses with fewer style lines.  For my dress, the knit fabric made it that much easier.  My choice of sizing was pretty good. for the bust area.  But for the other seams I made adjustments.  Some allowances were greater than an inch.  It worked out fine though.  Once I got the fit, I serged the edges.

Accent color fuchsia. Shown with self-made corsage.

When my dress was finished it did look like the photo on the envelope, with the exception of the length.  I added a few inches.

There was nothing difficult or confusing about the instructions.  Typical.

The reason I picked this pattern was because I wanted something very quick and easy.  This fit the bill.  The style lines gave opportunity to fit and I prayed that the cup sizes would work for me.  And it did.

Taken on Sunday, Worn with self-made corsage.

My dislike are related to the drafting of the pattern:  neckline, the shape of the skirt, and facings (neck and armhole).  I prefer a closer fit about the neck and a slightly tapered skirt.  So I made slight adjustments to both areas.   Facings are a pain.  If you stitch them down all the way around, there is a possibility that the stitching will show through to the right side.  I just stitched in the ditch at the side and shoulder seams.  I also had to make a sway back adjustment.


I probably won't sew this pattern again.  But recommend it to other.

This is a very easy dress to make.  The style lines gives more opportunities to make adjustments as you sew.  The angled side seams are pretty nice too. 

Happy Sewing!
C

Alaska, The Beautiful

 

At last I'm able to post a blog about my vacation to Alaska. ( I've been under the weather since I returned eight days ago.) Most of my life I've dreamed about the days when I'd be able to travel to all the wonderful places of the world.  During my early days at the University of Illinois at Chicago, I used to make the travel arrangements for the Research Services Program Coordinators (late 1980's).  Back in those days we had to pick up the airline tickets at Hobbit Travels.  With each visit to Hobbit Travel I would pick up a different brochure about an exotic place to visit.

On August 24th, eleven of us set out to visit Alaska, the beautiful. We flew to Seattle, Washington.  The very next day, we set sail aboard the Explorer of the Sea (Royal Caribbean).  I was super excited and each time I thought of how grand it was to go to Alaska, my heart was over-joyed.  It felt like Christmas morning.  I also recognize not many people of the world get to vacation very far from home.

In Seattle we lodged at the Mediterranean Inn.  It's a modest hotel with very good accommodations.  I didn't do must sight-seeing or shopping there. 

 But we did eat at a great little mom and pop restaurant called "Mecca Cafe and Bar".  Mmm, Mmm good food at a reasonable price.  Unfortunately, we did not make it to the Pike marketplace.  But there is always next time.

Our first stop in Alaska was Juneau.  From a distance, the mountain sides appeared to be covered with grass, instead of endless rows of evergreens.

We all booked an excursion for Mt Robert Tramway.  The tramway takes you high up the mountain side where you can shop and hike the trail.  I was scared to ride the tramway, just a few cables to hold the car as it ascended way above the evergreen canopy.  Lucky me, we had a singer aboard to help keep me distracted.  It worked for a little while..,

At destination, I breathed a sigh of relief and hoped to see an eagle or some majestic wild life.  No sightings, but I had a good, short hike up the mountain.

Our next port of call was Skagway, Alaska.  We chose to take the White Pass train up the mountain.  For three and half hours, we learned about the railroad, the search for gold, and the lives of the people who came to Alaska in the early 1900's.  I couldn't imagine life back then, harsh weather and harsh living conditions.

Ms. Bunny

My Cousin Gerri

Retired section of the Railroad

For those days at sea it was festive aboard the ship.  There was plenty to eat and drink around the clock.  There were shows, shopping, music, and dancing.

Trina and Me

Enough fun to be had by all.  From the dining areas and from our balcony we saw whales. And there were sea loins swimming near by.

Tracy Arm-Fords

The next stop was to be Tracy Arm-Fords, but the area was unsafe.  So the captain took us to another location so that we could see the glaciers.

We arrived at 6:30 am.  Out on the balcony, I was able to behold the beautiful of this most frigid part of the world.  It was amazing beautiful.  How could it be.  It was like a movie. 

Our final stop, before heading back to Seattle, was Victoria, Canada.  Lovely, clean, and quite the touristy location.  We took a tour bus through the town, did some shopping, and eat at the "Dog Gone It" hot dog restaurant at Government and Humboldt.

The weather forecast was between 52 and 76 degrees.  We were lucky to have a sunny day at Juneau.  There was rain and overcast in Skagway and Victoria.  This time of year, a coat was certainly needed.  Layering was the best approach to prepare for the Alaskan weather conditions.

I'm very pleased with my little tour of Alaska and hope I get to visit the other side someday. 

Cousin Train and Me Again

 God is good!
C

Flower Power - Fancy Pants Review Long Over Due Simplicity 1617

 Taken August, 2014

S1617 in 2014

S1617 in 2014

Happy Monday everyone!

I spent part of my would be sewing day, recovering pictures and files.  One of my flash drives got corrupted.  Needless to say, the information could not be recovered.  So I had to review other flash drives and my cameras to recover some of my photos.  Good thing is most were backed up on other drives.  This is a lesson I should have learned long, long ago, but you know..,

So word to the wise backup everything, every time there is something new.  It's good to have an external hard drive like My Passport.  It's big enough to save tons of information and photos.

Okay enough on the recovery situation.  There are so many garments that I haven't reviewed over the past two years.  Today I decided to post a review for Simplicity 1617, view A.  I made these about two years ago.  These were part of my "fancy pants" collection here, here, and here.

When I first made these pants, the fit was snug; but now there is some extra room.  I noticed it immediately when I tried them on again.  In the two years I had never worn them.  They were supposed to be part of a vacation wardrobe.   But I didn't were them.   Anyway, here goes.

Taken July, 2016; worn with M6841, modified.

Pattern Description:  Simplicity describes this pattern as - Misses' easy to sew skirt in two lengths feature a shirt tail hem or loose fit pockets. Pants with wide waistband have optional pockets. Shorts fit below the waist with back center zip.

Pattern Sizing: 4-20; I used 14 with my usual modifications.


Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?
Pretty much.  I sewed the external pocket pouch to the pant leg.

Were the instructions easy to follow?  Typical and nothing difficult about them.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? I was drawn to the pocket style.  As it turns out, I did not like it on me.  That's my only dislike, just a style preference.  Other than that, the pants are okay; a common style seen in many Simplicity patterns minus the pocket.

Fabric Used: Floral cotton print from Vogue, when Vogue was on Roosevelt Rd.  It is a medium cotton perfect for summer pants and full skirts.

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:  I adjusted the curve a bit in the back waist band; added a few inches to the length; changed the curve of crotch a bit; and I sewed the pocket pouch to the pant leg.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?  Probably not.  I have hundreds of pants pattern to try.  This one is a common style with the exception of the pocket design.  After making them as instructed, I wasn't as interested in this design feature.  I could see myself making the skirt though.  It's cute.  If this is your style, it's worth a try.


Conclusion: This is a very simple pant pattern that can be made by all level sewists.  The only caution is the design of the pocket. It's not difficult to sew, but the pleat does add a little bulk.

Happy Sewing!
C