The Season of the Dress

I've really been digging into the stash lately and this is the latest creation- Simplicity 3588.

I used a pretty pink and lavender Asian inspired cotton print. I originally bought this with an original design in mind, but let's be honest. I can barely find time to sew from patterns, much less find time to design a whole dress myself. Besides, I can always buy more fabric later, right?

I made a straight size 8 and I found it to be pretty consistent with RTW sizing. I made view B with lavender piping and pearl buttons.

The pattern is relatively easy. I found it kind of tricky to get all the piping to come together neatly at the center front. The key is trimming the piping cord out of the seam allowances. The pattern calls for a neck facing to finish off the neckline seam, but I didn't think that was going to look very nice. I wanted to make sure the entire bodice seam (the piped asymmetrical seam) was covered, so I used the front bodice piece to cut a lining piece. I used the left side and put the center front line on a fold to cut it out. I cut two extra back bodice pieces and used these for the full bodice lining. It worked great. Not only did it hide the bodice seams, but it also made it easy to finish off the inside and hide the invisible zipper tape and the waist seam allowances.

That's Duffy peeking out from the edge of the Princess's skirt.

The only other change I made was to use bias tape to finish the hem. It's very curved and the thought of easing and pressing and pinning just didn't appeal to me, so I opted for purchased bias tape. It was quick, easy, and it turned out perfectly smooth. It also gives the hem just a tad of stiffness giving the dress just a touch of extra body. I totally recommend it if you make this pattern.

It's a cute little dress. It's rather plain, though. You could really dress it up and make it into a great party dress by using a fancy brocade like the pattern envelope. This one will do, though, for a light spring dress. I don't know that I will make it again, although I would like to make view D. It has a kind of "Duro" vibe to it.

In other news, I'm still working on the BWOF trench coat. I've kind of stalled out on it. I didn't have the perfect buttons in my stash and I haven't been able to find any during my recent fabric store excursions. I think I'm going to just go with something "acceptable" from my stash and then maybe replace them later. I feel like I really need to get this done or I won't have a chance to wear it until fall. Hopefully I'll have it done and be able to share pics later this week.