I really liked the first Simplicity 8871 BUT there were a few things that I thought I could do better. Which meant I had to make it again...
I used another linen/cotton print from the batch I purchased from Fabric Mart. So a few details about this version.
I changed the following:
1. In the first one I used a 14" invisible zipper. For this one I used a full 22" zipper so I can step into the dress.
2. I added 1/2" from the bustline down to the hemline. I like the closer fit through the shoulders and bustline but wanted just a little more room in the rest of the body.
3. Originally I was going to close the slit up. I got an idea when I was cutting the dress out to add a small gathered ruffle to the bottom of the dress but towards the end of making the dress, I ditched the ruffle idea and left the slit in place.
4. While I added piping to the neckline of the first one, I used purchased piping. I really loved the piping at the neckline but there wasn't any purple or lilac piping in my notions stash.
5. So I made my own from the leftover fabric. The self fabric piping doesn't stand out like the piping does on the original dress. It does, however, finish the neckline and the armholes which is what I wanted.
6. I omitted the side seam pockets and did not add any to the front of the dress. This version is pocketless and I'm good with that.
Supply List ~
22" beige invisible zipper
4 yards of piping I made several years ago
Interfacing from Steinlauf & Stoeller
Making the Piping ~
In my trying to "Make Do" I decided to make my own piping for this dress. I rambled through the collection and found some remaining piping I'd made & used on another project.
I cut bias binding from the fabric scraps to cover the premade piping.
Sewed the bias binding onto the piping.
Finished the neckline and armholes off with the piping.
Since I only sewed the bias binding onto the piping it was an easy make.
A Few Pictures ~
I know I seem to have piping and border print fever since both techniques have appeared quite a bit in my summer sewing. I really like both of these techniques. I like manipulating the border prints and I like how piping adds a finishing touch to my garments. So I'm sure they will appear again on future garments.
So I learned a few things from making the alterations to this version. One the 1/2" on each side gave me 2" of ease making the dress a lot looser fitting throught the body than I thought it would be. I almost went back in and took some of the extra ease out but realized I needed a loose-fitting woven maxidress for the next humid and hot summer day...so I left it alone. Of course the next 90+ degree days are on the horizon so I'm glad I have this one ready to wear!
Next up is another Myosotis dress. I kinda went nuts cutting out versions of this pattern. This is the second to last version and most hacked one I've made.
...as always more later!
In my continuing quest to add more maxi dresses to my summer wardrobe, I made up a version of Simplicity 8871.
This is a simple v-neck or u-neckline shift dress with side darts and with or without short sleeves. The pattern envelope adds a sash to give it some waist definition. Since my waist left the building years ago, I omitted that. No need to emphasize a feature that doesn't exist, if you know what I mean!
This is a simple sew. What I was most concerned about was getting a good fit through my belly and butt since those are the areas I carry the most weight in. It's a simple A-line shaped dress with a little waistline shaping so I thought it would work for me. BUT let me stress that this is NOT a plus size pattern. The largest size is a 20. I bought it knowing that I would use my TNT dress pattern as a base to enlarge it.
Supply List ~
3 yards of linen/cotton print from Fabric Mart
(This was purchased in the last six months & there are still prints like this online)
1 yard of blue piping - from the collection
2 7/8" buttons - from the collection
1 white 14" invisible zipper
Pattern Alterations ~
- I did my typical sandwich of my TNT pattern, the new pattern and a piece of tracing paper to make a new front and back pattern piece. If you've read my blog for any length of time, you've seen that process here several times.
- I added 4" to the cut-off line between the short and longer sizes. Then added 2" more inches to the hemline for a total of 6" inches to maximize the dress.
Design Changes & Sewing Info.~
This is a simple style and a I knew it would need an amazing piece of fabric to make it work for me.
I added pockets to the dress front instead of using the side seam pockets from the pattern. Because I matched the pocket fabric to the dress front, they aren't obvious unless I put my hands in them. That's why I added buttons to the front but I'm not sure that makes much difference either.
An invisible zipper was added to the back of the dress. While the pattern doesn't give instructions for a closure, I knew I'd never get the maxi dress on my body without a closure.
I added piping to the neckline to give it some distinction dithering over whether or not to add it to the armholes, ultimately ended up not adding it there.
Making the dress sleeveless, I omitted the facings, just turned under a 5/8" seam allowance, pressed and stitched. The hem was turned under 5/8", pressed and stitched leaving a slit on one side...and the dress was done.
A few photos ~
Honestly I was worried the dress wouldn't fit. That I hadn't added enough space to make the dress wearable for me. I wanted a semi-close fit ~ not tight and not loose ~ for this dress. I think I achieved that.
At first I thought this would be a one and done for this pattern. Then my hand touched another one of the linen/cotton prints, so there will be more. I wore it to work on one of those hot, humid days and it was THE BEST wearing dress. It was comfortable and cool to wear. I was well put together without being overdressed. It was perfect!
So I've made another one and there are two more cut out waiting their turn to be sewn up. THIS is the dress I've been wanting all summer!
...as always more later!
