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Wednesday, July 01, 2009

Simplicity 4014 Redux


This pattern was not the first choice for this fabric. I originally started with Butterick 5194 but I wanted all of the dresses to work with the jackets and the Butterick dress just did not work! So after searching through the previously sewn patterns for a dress with some seaming detail, I stumbled upon S4014. The first time I used this pattern was for my "reversible garment" in the last Timmel Swap.

I've made a few changes to the dress this go round...

Stats:

Fabric:
100% cotton twill floral print from Fabric Mart

Notions:
3 yards of green bias binding

Construction Changes:
*My first version has some small seam allowances. To avoid that in this version, I cut the center front piece with an additional 2" on the fold ~ adding an extra 4" to the dress front.

*To reduce the extra fabric in the neckline, I ran two rows of gathering stitches and pulled them tight. Not only did this shorten the neckline but it gave the neckline an updated look.


*I also took two tucks in the corner of the neckline so that it would lay flat and closer to my skin. It removed some of the "bareness" of the neckline.

*Since I didn't line the dress, I added bias binding to the neckline and armholes to finish them off.


After trying the dress on, I cut 1" off the shoulder seams. This also raised the neckline to an acceptable work level as well as giving me a better fit through the bustline and back of the dress.

A machine stitched hem and I was finished. It will be the perfect summer work dress for those hot and humid days, if it ever stops raining here on the East Coast!!! And here is a pic of it with the Butterick 4980 jacket...


More about the jackets made from Butterick 4980 later!



And a shot of all the pieces completed so far...5 down and 5 more to go.

44 comments:

  1. Love it Carolyn. Beautiful colour, and perfect fit! Thanks for explaining the changes you made to the pattern - you give me the courage to experiment more when I'm sewing in order to improve the fit of garments. Love the jacket with it, too.

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  2. Look at you, all pretty and summery in that beautiful dress! Your coworkers must be in awe of all your lovely clothes.

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  3. I love what you did at the neckline - I never thought of that - great tip. The color and pieces are all so lovely.
    Blessings,
    Patti

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  4. I never thought to make a whole wardrobe of matching/interchangeable pieces. I love all your items so far and your colors are beautiful!

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  5. Great job, the pieces will coordinate beautifully. You look very professional!

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  6. You know how I love dresses! Gorgeous fabric and perfect for the pattern. I might have to check it out!

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  7. Gorgeous dress. All of your items lined up together look like an assortment of gelato colors. Great fabrics!

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  8. Lovely dress and it looks great paired the jacket also.

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  9. Very modern and flowy and you look great in it. Nice neckline too.

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  10. You are just so stylish! And I really admire the adjustments you make to the patterns, so that they truly work for you and look very original! I also admire your choice in carpets . . . I think I have the same one in my house!

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  11. Your wardrobe looks wonderful. Such pretty colors. You must love getting dressed in the morning!

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  12. Very summery. I love the square neckline. I also like to see you slowing down a bit with your sewing.

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  13. You must be the best dressed person in your office!! That dress is amazing and the fit is perfect. And I loved the reversible dress. Great prints!

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  14. That fabric is great. I love how you coordinate everything. The neckline is perfect with all that work you did to make it so.

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  15. Wow! this a beautiful wardrobe you are putting together.. I love the colors and the fabrics.... Great job.

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  16. Lovely dress - all the pieces are starting to add up now!

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  17. Talk about sewing with a plan. This wardrobe is a perfect example. Love the floral dress, pretty & femine. Also the fit is greattttttttttt!

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  18. Love that dress! I thank you for the information. I love how you updated the neckline and can't wait to see the full "reveal." You are totally rocking the spring outfits. g

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  19. Fantastic! I love what you did with the neckline, that looks great!

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  20. Wow, that dress is so flattering! I really like how the jacket works with everything but each outfit looks completely different.

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  21. Carolyn,
    You look fantastic in that green dress and jacket. It's one of the most flattering outfits you've made. Just love it. The color is so pretty. I love the way you made the neckline fit your small frame.

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  22. Oooooo that's absolutely gorgous! I'm impressed and jealous at the same time:). Congrats on the wardrobe so far, it looks fab and very co-ordinated. Looking forward to seeing the rest!!!

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  23. That came out really nice. Very beautiful work indeed.

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  24. I like that neckline on you :)

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  25. I love the color combinations--what a gorgeous wardrobe you have made for yourself! This dress is lovely--the neckline treatment MAKES the dress! Just lovely.

    Lynda

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  26. That fabric is perfect for that dress! Love the idea of putting gathers in the neckline, as well as using bias tape inside the neck and armholes. I usually serge, then turn over twice, which is a lot of work. Your wardrobe is coming together nicely.

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  27. This dress is beautiful and so flattering on you!

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  28. I love the colors in that collection!

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  29. That's a "Wow Dress" in your "Wow Wardrobe". I am enjoying "Show and Tell Week".

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  30. Your Dress is fabulous on you, and your Spring wardrobe so far is so co-ordinated and bright. I love it.

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  31. You never cease to amaze me!

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  32. Wowza! Great colors and neckline on the dress.

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  33. You look great in the dress. All of the pieces are lovely.

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  34. Lovely, just lovely!

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  35. beautiful dress, that neckline is so flattering on you and it's perfect for showing off your lovely necklace whilst still being professional for your office. Does your boss think you get paid too much when you come to work in these fantastic clothes?

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  36. Your mini wardrobe is shaping up so well! I love the print of this dress. I'm loving yellow a lot this summer . I'm trying to persuade my daughter to like yellow so she can be in style.She's so conservative! I just don't know where she comes from.LOL

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  37. I love this dress & jacket, especially the shade of green!

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  38. What a fantastic fix for a neckline that is! The jacket and dress is so good looking on as well. Necklines can be a problem for me so I will remember this one for sure. mssewcrazy

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  39. Wow, look at you sew!! This dress is fun - lots of flowers. Perfect with the jacket

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  40. What a fantastic wardrobe! You look great in that great looking dress! I love the neckline, well done!

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  41. This is such a wonderful summer look! Very inspiring.

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  42. What cool, crisp looking pieces. They coordinate perfectly and I love your color choices.

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  43. Your color schemes are beautiful and your a "champ" at adjustments. Does everyone at work admire your wardrobe?

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