Its been awhile since I made by DD a dress. Lately she has been more interested in casual pieces. So it was a surprise to me when she asked me to make her what we call a "princess dress". So,I paired Simplicity Project Runway pattern S8015 with Mood's exclusive "The Snail's Bounty Stretch Cotton #MD0107". The fabric is something a little different from the usual brocade or silk fabrication.
This is a simple dress with princess seams, full skirt, and 3/4 length sleeves, with front and back facings to finished the bodice of the dress. My preference is to completely line it. So I did by adding lining to the facings and cutting the skirt lining the same as the skirt.
The pattern comes in sizes 4 to 20. I used size 12 with modifications. My dress did look similar to view D without the contrast.
My fit changes included a small FBA. DD has a pigeon chest that is slightly rounded just above the bust area. I also made square shoulder and swayback adjustments. Finally, I lengthen the skirt of the dress about two inches.
The construction of the dress was easy and the instructions typical. Of course, I changed a few things to suit my own taste. The dress is completely lined except for the sleeves. I hand picked the zipper and added seed beads. I thought about adding a few beads to the eye for the snails on the bodice. But by the time I finished hand stitching the lining to the zipper, waist and hemming the full skirt, I decided to press it and hand it over to the little lady. It was Easter Eve and she wore this dress to church the very next day.
There are no real dislike about the style or construction of the dress. No over the top likes either. What I like is princess seams, which makes fitting a lot easier and a full skirt. This is a good look for DD.
The snail fabric has a slight sheen to it. The name includes stretch, but it really didn't have stretch in it, to me. Not like a typical stretch woven. To finish the dress, I used ivory pongee non-static lining from Vogue Fabrics in Evanston. Both were easy to sew and press.
This is a easy dress to sew. The seaming makes it easy to fit as well. The style is basic and you can mix and match the bodice, skirt and sleeve with other patterns. I could make it again to get some mileage out of the fit adjustments made. Will I use it again? Maybe. Do I recommend it to others? Yes.
In conclusion, the little lady is happy. I was happy to make it for her. It looks great on her. That's it, that's all.
Happy Sewing!
C
I love the dress and the fabric.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Patsijean.
DeleteThat unique print makes me smile. Who knew snails could look so good. Your DD looks so pretty and ready for spring in her beautifully fitted dress.
ReplyDeleteLovely! Great details that really elevate this dress to something unique.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful dress and great tutorial! Your hairstyle is so pretty - tutorial, please?
ReplyDeleteThanks. I think you're asking for a hair tutorial? My daughter did her own hair. At best, I can tell you she washed it, applied a curl lotion, twisted it, let dry. Then untrusted it to style. Thanks again.
ReplyDelete