Quick Review: Simplicity 3503

Just a quick review of this pattern since I have made it before.

Pattern Description: Misses Day or Evening Dress in two lengths with bodice variations. I made view C which is full length with a halter neck

Pattern Sizing: Available in 6-22.  I cut a 12 based on previous experiences with this pattern running large.

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it? Yes. I personally think the fabirc really makes the dress in this case, but I'm biased, lol.

Were the instructions easy to follow? Very. I have used this pattern once before and found this dress to be fairly simple to construct. I actually think this version was easier than view E which I made last time. (Previous review of E) The instructions seemed to be grouped in sets by bodice, midriff, then skirt so just follow the set that corresponds to y our view and you will be fine.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? As most reviews had indicated this pattern runs a little on the large size. I remembered having to take my last version in a few inches and so I kept that in mind this go round. That's not really a dislike but I thought it should be noted (again). I really liked how fast this went together-maybe 2 hours from start to finish.

P.S. I love my serger and rotary cutter!

Fabric Used: White Floral Print on Red "ITY" Stretch Jersey Knit purchased from Denver Fabrics.

Pattern Alterations or any design changes you made:  I omitted the pockets and took about 3 inches off the hem.

It should also be noted I was able to make this dress with less than 2 1/2 of fabric. The envelope would lead you to buy 3 yards for the dress and lining. True I took off a few inches from the hem but I still had close to 1/2 yard left. Nothing I can really do with that little fabric but still.


Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others? I plan to sew this ONE more time in view B for myself and that will be it. I've had success with this pattern and really really like it and would certainly recommend it to others.

Conclusion: A Best Pattern of 2009 so that says it all.

Bottom Line:

Fabric: 2.5 yds @ $2.35=$5.88

Notions: thread and elastic from my stash

Total: $5.88

Butterick 5454

It's about a week late but here is the review I promised of the dress I wore to graduation.

Pattern Description: Close-fitting dresses A, B, C have wrap fronts, front tucks, front and back pleats, self-ties, A-line skirt and sleeve variations. A: short flounce sleeves. B: three-quarter length sleeves. C: long flared sleeves and border print. Lengths are 2" above mid-knee.

I made view A

Pattern Sizing:  Available in 8-24.  I cut a generous 14 but ended up taking the skirt in several inches.

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?  Absolutely.  I realized that while I made view A, my fabric matched that from view B

Were the instructions easy to follow?  Very!  An absolute beginner could sew this garment with little no issues.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?  I loved everything about this pattern and had no dislikes.

Fabric Used:  A magenta colored ITY purchased from Denver Fabrics online.

Pattern Alterations or any design changes you made:  I had to bring the skirt sides in an inch and half or so.  As a result my front skirt pleats were no longer to the side but rather centered.  Instead of ripping out the seams I decided to leave it as is.  I also finished off the sleeves, skirt hem, and bodice with a rolled edge.  The material was thin and I liked the breezy look and feel of it and thought that a more standard finish would take away from that.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?  I do plan on sewing this again...several times in fact!  I think I can now officially retire vogue 8379, lol.

Conclusion:  A solid well drafted pattern that went together in no time.  The instructions were great and the result was a great dress to wear to my baby sister's graduation.

Bottom Line:

Pattern:  .99

Fabric: 2 ydss @ $2.35/yd
Notions: thread from my stash

Total:  $5.69

Graduation

I feel like I've been running non-stop since early May and it finally seems like things will slow down a bit-at least long enough for me to catch my breath.  One thing that I worked on a few weeks ago was graduation announcements for Baby Sister.  My camera has been temperamental as of late so I've been relying on my camera phone in the meantime.  Here are a couple of pics of the mockup grad announcement that I ended up doing for her.  I wanted them to different from the stock announcement they sell through the school. Also since I made Baby Sister help assemble them I wanted them to be fairly simple to crank out.

I went and raided all the navy cardstock at a local Joann's. I happened to have some gold cardstock at home as well as some heavier weight white paper. I printed the annoucements 2 x 2 on the heavier white paper and used the gold for a a backing.

I originally was going to leave it at that but decided last minute to add an additional piece of white paper behind the gold for an extra pop.  That just meant trimming down the gold.  Thankfully we have an awesome papercutter at work that I used (after hours of course).   Once everything was cut I made a road trip to my Mom's and we set up an assembly line to fold, glue, and stuff.  We were done in about 2 hours and Baby Sister was very pleased.  I forgot to get a picture of a finished announcement but you get the idea.

Baby Sister officially graduates on Saturday and since I couldn't decide what to wear, I made two dresses and hopefully I can get around to posting the reviews soon.