A Quick One - some bloggy goodness!

Angie, who authors the blog, Quality Time, wrote an interesting post today showing an amazing vintage find...surf on over and check it out!   Also check out Sheila's latest dresses...that woman is evil, just torturing me with argyle! *LOL*

I will be back later today with the another boring work dress...just need to add the sleeves and the hem. 

...as always, more later!

My Thanksgiving Weekend Project

Well to continue my "Marji Weekend", I haven't and probably won't be sewing at all this weekend.  I need to clean...yeah, I know I was suppose to do that yesterday but rested instead...because Marji will be here later this afternoon.

I have, however, been thinking about my Thanksgiving project.  Even though I'm not off the Friday after Thanksgiving, it's a light day at work and I will be home early.  And since my family lives locally I don't have to travel more than 15 minutes to get to my sister's for Thanksgiving Dinner, I will have most of the morning and afternoon to do a little pre-sewing.

Usually I pick one involved project so that I can take the time to work it out.  I was floundering around wondering what it should be, nothing really striking my fancy until the Simplicity 6461 vintage pattern arrived from Lisa.

I have an awesome steel gray Italian tropical wool that I bought from Metro Textiles several months ago that would make up nicely in this pattern. 

I haven't sewn a vintage pattern in a minute so this has really piqued my interest.  I am going to make the collarless jacket with the three-quarter sleeves and the coordinating dress.   Interestingly, the dress has no lining.  I guess full slips were the thing in the 60s.  However, I will be adding a lining to the dress and I need to find a trim to add to the jacket front.  If there is enough time, I will make a coordinating lined straight skirt from my TNT skirt pattern and a silk tank top from this pattern:

to make a little wardrobe unit.  This of course will give me some flexibility when wearing the pieces to work.

The skirt and tank top are the easy sews...I hope to concentrate all of my energy on the jacket and dress...so now that a project has been decided upon...I live for the weekend! *LOL*

Marji will be here later this evening so I will have more to share tomorrow!  And I have one quick question, has anyone seen this pattern (Advance 3073) in a larger size (40-44)?

If so, would you kindly point me to the internet spot or would you be willing to sell it to me?  I really want to make this outfit up!

Hope everyone has a great sewing weekend!!!
 

Vintage patterns and an upcoming project

I fell in love with vintage patterns this year and have spent the year collecting them. I've used most of my morning photographing, compiling and organizing the last of the recent purchases! I did not realize that I had managed to obtain 75 patterns!!! If you want to see the patterns in all of their glory, check out the "Vintage Patterns" folder on Flickr.

Now I don't randomly collect. I am really intrigued by 60's modern and Jackie Kennedy era patterns. There are a few early 70's patterns I like but it is a very narrow range of designs that I'm looking for and all of these must be able to work in corporate work wardrobe. This cuts down the field even more...

Since I'm STILL not sewing, *LOL*, I want to share a few special vintage patterns I've recently acquired:

Simplicity 4405:

Pattern Description:
Dress has slightly lowered neckline, 6 gore skirt and left side zipper. Right bodice front laps over left giving double breasted effect. Waistline of bodice front and back is gathered. Belt is self or purchased. V1 has short sleeves. V2 features braid trim/button detail, sleeveless. Misses size 20.

Simplicity 4987:


Pattern Description:
Dress has round neckline with a fitted neckband, and button trimmed front tabs. Back neckline is lower than front. Belt is self fabric or purchased. V1 has slim skirt and a back kick pleat. V2 is slightly flared with 6 gores. Front edges of jacket do not overlap. Misses size 20.

These were given to me by a friend, a new friend, who knew exactly what I liked and shared these with me! I am sooooo appreciative!!!

These two I purchased from Out of the Ashes:

Advance 8920:


This pattern reminds me of this outfit from the Jacqueline Kennedy Exhibit:

photo courtesy of The Metropolitian Museum

The original suit pictured above is a Coco Chanel purchased by Jackie from the 1956 fall winter collection ~ model number 04637. This suit was made from a black ribbed wool by Garrigue, with a blouse in ivory dot-embroidered silk satin. This information is from, "Jacqueline Kennedy: The White House Years" book published in 2001.

This pattern will be the basis of my next Jackie Kennedy suit/project! I have about two more outfits that I want to "interpret" from the book...but now that I've found a pattern and of course, since I already own the fabric...this one is in the planning stages!

and Simplicity 2425:


Marji says that I really like the 60's Magazine Editor look and I guess this pattern would epitomize that look!

My last new pattern comes from Lanetz Living. Even though I already purchased a pattern to emulate another Michael Kors look (the dress from my Fall 2008 Top Ten List)...I really liked this one, so I added it to the collection:

Simplicity 6682
Pattern Description:

Misses coat in 2 lengths with slacks; the long or short double breasted, lined coat has patch pockets with flaps, pleat in center back seam, convertible notched collar, long set in sleeves with buttoned trim and optional front button closing and tie belt. Slacks without waistband have size zipper. Misses size 20 - circa 1968.

I will discuss more about my vintage pattern acquisition and sewing in my 2008 Look Back post which will appear here in the next few days!

Houston, we have a problem!

I'm gonna be frank here...if you can't stand frankness...it's time to flip out and go look at someone else's pretty pictures...

'Cause I have to admit the truth...share it with my online friends as such...*sigh* I think I'm becoming a vintage pattern junkie...no, no it's true...*hanging head in shame* because see today at work, I had my Flickr album open to my vintage pattern folder as I was surfing websites looking for more treasures...

And then tonight when I got home...these were in the mail:

Mail order pattern # 9020 - Size 20 1/2

From 1970's

Pattern Description:

One piece dress with two collars - semi-fitted dress with deep v-neckline with slightly rolled, notched collar set into v-neck, 3/4 length sleeves. Self dicket and belt. Or bias shawl collar tied in a bow knot. Above elbow length sleeves. Size 20, no copyright date - pattern is uncut and in factory folds.

Pattern Description:

Single breasted jacket and slim four-gore skirt. Curved seaming in jacket with vents in front seams. Notch collar, cut in one with jacket fronts, is faced and interfaced. Lined jacket has long set-in sleeves. Skirt has darts in front and three piece back; left size zipper closing. Size 22 1/2, copyright 1962 - pattern is uncut and in factory folds

Pattern Description:

Misses and Womens one piece dress - shift dress has lowered round neckline, fly front zipper closing, self fabric or purchased belt and topstitching trim...also collarless version with long set-in sleeves gathered into buttoned cuffs. Size 42, copyright 1965. Pattern is uncut and in factory folds

Pattern Description:

Shirtdress in Half Sizes - The pleated shirtdress with princess seaming has front button closing, notched collar, short set-in sleeves and optional purchased belt. Size 20 1/2 - pattern is uncut and in factory folds. Copyright 1973

Now I know there must be a 12-step program out there on some sewing board to free me from my addiction...or at least give me guidance on how to manage it...*sigh* but I have yet to find it! Instead I find like-minded souls like these on PR on the Vintage Pattern Board...people pointing me to more and more vintage pattern sites...encouraging me to sew these patterns...telling me how to look other places for vintage patterns and even pointing me to vintage sewing books...

What is a girl to do? How can I help but be encouraged in this new pursuit? Especially since I have had some success with transforming these vintage patterns into actual garments or using techniques from pattern instruction sheets to make new garments from my TNT patterns...

And all this has really done is make me want to call in sick tomorrow and sew up the mail order pattern lovely that came today...

So hello my name is Carolyn and I am a fabricaholic and vintage patternaholic...

Can I give a shout out?

About two weeks ago, I received this message:

Carolyn, I am giving away some of my boxes and boxes of vintage patterns. I really don't have any use for them and I've been hauling them from house to house for years. I have several plus and half size patterns for dresses and suits from the 50's and 60's and was wondering if you would like them? If you can give me an address to send them to, they are yours.

Debbie

So...being the vintage pattern hog that I am...of course I said yes and sent her my address. Then leading this very busy life that I have been leading lately, I promptly forgot about the offer.

A couple of days ago, this message arrived:

Carolyn, your patterns went out today, priority mail. I'm sorry it took so long, I've been packing and working and trying to sort through a huge stash of fabrics and patterns! There are eight patterns, all with wonderful details I am sure you can incorporate into your TNT patterns. The guide sheets are wonderful, so much more detailed than what you would find today! I hope you can use these ideas.

Debbie

And this is what arrived today:

Seven amazing 60's vintage patterns in HALF-SIZES (20 1/2 - 22 1/2)!!!! Ummm, to say that I am happy is an UNDERSTATEMENT!!! Okay, okay, I have to share what arrived:

Butterick 7690 - Size 42 - Bust 42

Pattern Description:

Sleeveless dress features a scooped, tab trimmed neckline and buttoned bodice. Over it goes a shoulder covering capelet. (A) slim dress with contrast capelet. (B) Full-skirted view with matching capelet.

Advance 8865 - Size 20 1/2

Pattern Description:

Box-Jacket, body and sleeves in one, underarm gusset gore. Topstitched side front darts, simulated pockets. Centerback seam. Notched collar. Slim skirt ...soft folds at side front, darted back, low walking pleat.

Butterick 8181 - Size 22 1/2

Pattern Description:

"Magic to Make Dress in Half Sizes" Button front style with a modestly scooped neckline, an easy skirt (A) constrast inset on neckline and cuffed below elbow sleeves. (B) No contrast; short sleeves. (C) No banding. "Perfect for embroidered eyelet"

Simplicity 2387 - Size 20 1/2

Pattern Description:

Half Size Slenderette - Misses and Women's one-piece dress with detachable neck trim and jacket. Sheath features neckline with slit openings; kimono sleeves; pleats at lower edges of back panel. Jacket has small collar; kimono sleeves; flap trim. V1 neck edge has contrast trim.

Vogue 5093 - Size 20 1/2

Pattern Description:

Slim skirt with released side front darts joins bodice at waistline. Buttoned front bodice closing below oval neckline with or without shaped yoke. Applied band trimming. Below elbow length sleeves and short sleeves...copyright 1960.

Simplicity 2640 - Size 20

Pattern Description:

Misses Dress and Jacket: Semi-fitted sack dress has a high round neckline, kimono sleeves,, and openings at lower edge of side seams. Jacket is fashioned with a notched collar, button front closing, rounded front edges and kimono sleeves.

McCalls 5821 - Size 40, Bust 42

Pattern Description:

Slim sleeveless dress with three-gore skirt; collarless jacket with fronts snapped together at lower edge. Dress has scoop neck with notch detail at front. Skirt has soft folds at front, darts and low pleat at back. Left side zipper placket. Lined jacket has short set-in sleeves, bands on sleeves and front edges...copyright 1961.

McCalls 4523 - Size 40, Bust 42

There is no pattern description on this pattern but it is copyright 1958.

First can I just give Deb Fox the biggest thank you! I was blown
away at what was in the envelope and how thoughtful you were to send me such amazing patterns! Most of these will be able to be used out of the envelope with minimal alterations. I am so thrilled and overjoyed I don't know what to do! You have totally made up for the fact that I lost each and every Sybil Connolly pattern that I bid on this week!

So thank you, thank you, thank you for thinking of me!!!!

Debbie - please know that I will be using this most wonderful gift! And that you have so inspired me!!!

The other thing that was in my mail tonight was the Fall 2008 copy of Sewing Today...the Butterick & McCall's Magazine. I think they have been reading my blog because quite a few of the new dresses had some interesting details...the shapes are still a little sack-like but plenty of neckline details. If you don't get the magazine, the patterns are up on Butterick's site.

Okay, I'm off to read my new pattern instructions and drool...not much sewing will happen at Chez Carolyn tomorrow because I'm off for a day of fun with my friend, Lisa. If I remember to bring my camera, I will have pics...if I remember! *LOL*

Have a great weekend and more later...

Sybil Connolly - I'm a Fan

Several months ago, I really got into this vintage pattern state of mind because I was looking for distinctive details for my garments that modern RTW is just not offering. I started out innocently enough on Ebay and have progressed to quite a few vintage online pattern sites.

I was originally attracted to 60's styles and Jackie Kennedy's White House years look because these looks translate so well into my corporate lifestyle. Being a young girl in the 60's, I wasn't yet sewing...learned when I was 11...and I didn't have a mother who sewed. So, this has been a hunt and a learning process for me.

One of the designers that I have become enamored of is Sybil Connolly.

I like clean cut minimalist clothing with detailing that enhances the garment...that's not just there for show or to bring attention. The patterns she designed for Vogue Patterns during the 60's and early 70's fit the look I'm trying to achieve...so now I'm stalking the internet's pattern sites and auctions trying to purchase all of the patterns that I like!

But more on Sybil Connolly...she was born Sybil Veronica Connolly in Swansea, Ireland, on January 1921. She was educated at the Sisters of Mercy Convent. Her career spanned many decades and she began as an apprentice dress designer, Bradley's, London, 1938-40, an apprentice to Jack Clarke at Richard Alan, 1940-43, a director, Richard Alan, 1943-57. In 1957 she opened her own Dublin Fashion House where she continued to design until her death in 1998. She was also a consultant and designer for Tiffany's, New York, 1984-98, and an author and editor, 1986-98.

Her book, Irish Hands: The Tradition of Beautiful Crafts, New York, 1994, is winging its way to me now. And I presently own these patterns:

From BestVintagePatterns.com

Vogue 2183

From LanetzLiving.com

Vogue 2533

From Silversnow Antiques and More: Vogue 2919.

I currently have bids out on several more...so please don't bid against me! *LOL* And a listing of some of her patterns can be found here on Wikia. This listing is not complete but it was a good starting point for me.

I found this quote of hers and believe it is so apropo of today's fashion scene:

There comes a moment in everyone's life as a designer when you have to decide whether you want to create the beautiful or the merely fashionable. Sadly, there can be a conflict between the two.

Sybil Connolly

Of course you will see some of her design elements featured in my upcoming fall wardrobe. I am a fan and I hope that you will be too!

When Vintage Ain't Vintage - Part 2

So you know I was soooo excited when I found out that Simplicity had re-issued one of their 60's mod shift dresses...and you know that I bought it with a quickness. You also know that when it arrived and I read the instructions for the newly reissued pattern, I was disappointed. Boy has this been one up and down roller coaster ride for a pattern!

Well last week, the original Simplicity pattern landed in my mailbox thanks to Lanetz Living!

I am now the proud owner of Simplicity 7250, the original version of Simplicity 3559. And I was right, the double-sided one page instruction sheet has a different construction sequence than the re-issue.

Original instruction sheet

Re-issue instruction sheet

I'm going to make my version using the re-issued pattern but working from the original instruction sheet! Yes!!!

60's Mod Border Print Dress

Ohmygosh I've taken to naming my dresses...but I've made quite a few this summer and have several more to make so this is the only way I can keep them straight!!!

You know that I've been on a real vintage kick lately...purchasing vintage "60's mod" and "Jackie Kennedy look" patterns. Mostly I have been using the details or sewing techniques from the patterns on my TNT patterns but this dress is the first made from an actual vintage pattern. The fact that it could be worn today is very kewl and that I got a wonderful garment that works so well in my professional wardrobe is just astounding!

Pattern:

Simplicity 8160 - copyright 1969

Dress with three necklines in half sizes. The princess seamed dress with back zipper may be worn with a purchased belt (why???). Since this is a single size pattern, I purchased the 22.5.

Fabric:

Linen blend border print from Fashions Fabrics Club

Notions:

22" zipper, 1/4 yd fusible interfacing, 3 yards of white piping

Construction Details:

~ I used a cross-wise layout of the pattern pieces (instead of the straight grain/lengthwise layout) to get the perfect match for the border print.

~ I made my standard bicep alteration to the sleeve.

~ I also used smaller seam allowances (3/8") through the abdomen/hip and hem areas when stitching the dress. The 5/8" seam allowance was used for the bust area.

~ White piping was added to the neckline and sleeve hems to bring a pop of color to the top of the dress.

This pattern was very straight forward and easy to construct. There were no surprises or special techniques included in the instruction sheet. I just like the fact that the dress had three neckline variations, sleeveless or short sleeves and a slight flare to the dress hem. The border print fabric I used for this dress is what sets it apart and makes it different from the other dresses I've made this summer. Yet it is that very detail that makes it work in my "Summer of Sophisticated Dressing" theme.

I love this pattern and will use it again. I actually had to stop myself from finding a second piece of linen and making up the v-neck version this afternoon. However, another edition of this dress will find its way into my fall wardrobe. It will make a wonderful addition to my TNT pattern collection as well as become a workhorse in my professional wardrobe.

It's almost the weekend...

It's a funny thing, when I have time to sew and concentrate on sewing, it's all I think about...but when I have to go back to "the real world" lately sewing thoughts have seriously taken a back seat...see I had so much that I wanted to share with you...thinking that I would write a post here and there during the week...but as usual my dayjob is so overwhelming that after arriving home late a few nights...there went those sewing posts!

However I have started to work on my 60's mod dress:

And here is a sneak peek at it so far:

Okay it wasn't much of a peek but I'm loving it and I'm loving working with the pattern. I will definitely make this again in the fall in a lovely bold colored wool crepe. I can tell that this pattern will probably move into TNT land with a quickness.

I do have to tell you that a "one size" pattern is fantastic when you flat measure...the seam lines are defined so it is easy to overlap and get a correct measurement. I'm loving that about the pattern too.

The instruction sheet wasn't as chock full of information as some have been in the past but I think its because the pattern companies had already started to move towards the "fast, faster, fastest" sewing method.

I will definitely finish this dress this weekend especially since I'm not adding a lining...it has gotten sticky hot here lately and the fabric has enough heft to it that I don't think it needs a lining. I do, however, want a little white jacket to go with it and the Vintage Pleated Dress...so after diving back into the fabric closet I've found a white jacquard that I think will work up well in Butterick 5147...

And Marji - don't yell at me, but I bought 6 yards of a black cotton pique from Fabric Mart

I would love to make the dress from this pattern from the black pique to also wear with the white jacket! Wow, that's a lot of dresses under that one jacket! *LOL* I still haven't made the dress yet since I've been sewing by the whatever moves me method...

Last but not least some more vintage patterns showed up in the mailbox - all of these are plus sizes...so I'm thinking I'm gonna use them right out of the envelope!

My weekend plans are to sew, sew, and sew some more! I have to squeeze as much sewing as I can in this month because next month will be really busy at work and I have quite a few weekend plans, too...so sewing time will be limited! Then it will be September and my mind will be turning to fall sewing...but right now...I'm still thinking and dreaming, hoping and wishing about summer dresses and skirts!

What's Next

Last week Lanetz Living had a bunch of 60's mod patterns in plus sizes...so you know a few of them followed me home! *smile* I have got to put in a plug here for Lanetz Living...as you know I've been trolling a lot of sites on Ebay and websites looking at vintage 60's patterns and I have to say that I have had the best experience with them! I am so thrilled with the prompt service, the variety of style and size available and the returning discount that whenever I am looking for vintage I head there first! Okay testimonial over...

This is what I'm working on now...

Yeah, straight from the vintage pattern! And I'm using the gray border print for the dress.

I have an idea for a couple of garments from this fabric combination...but as you can clearly see I'm on a dress kick! If I could, I probably would wear a dress or skirt all the time but the seasonal changes here on the East Coast doesn't always permit that...so that's why I love spring/summer sewing so much. I can indulge my love of dresses and make as many as I want.

Speaking of dresses...here is a finished photo of the Vintage Pleated Dress, with and without a jacket...

Boy, that little white "muslin" jacket is coming in handy! But I think I want to make another one from a different pattern so that I won't wear this jacket out! *smile*

Finally, the JCC pictures are up. You can see them here. There are some really talented and accomplished sewists featured here so surf on over and take a look!

I have to go back to work tomorrow...but I have several new pieces to wear for the next two weeks especially since this week is suppose to be sticky, hot and humid, with temps in the 90s!

Vogue 7433 - A Vintage Inspired Dress

Introduction:

In my quest to use more "new" patterns and not just TNT ones, as well as to incorporate vintage details into my garments, I have begun yet another adventure with a pattern. There have been so many twists and turns with this dress, that I have nicknamed it, "The Fumble Around Dress." If there was something that could have been done easily and straight to the point, I managed to avoid it and take the long way around...so without further ado...

"The Fumble Around Dress"

Inspiration:

During my vintage pattern forays I noticed this silhouette in several different pattern lines.

Continuing in my quest to add vintage details to my current patterns I knew this Vogue pattern could work as a base to achieve the look.

Fabric:

A cotton/linen blend purchased from Cloth World approximately 15 years ago (I am really digging deep into the collection lately!) and a 1/2 yard of cotton sateen purchased from Metro Textiles was used for the insert and sleeve trim.

Pattern:

Vogue 7433 - a very loose fitting pullover top, has a collar, slightly extended shoulders, front neck slit and above elbow or long sleeves. This is an OOP Very Easy Vogue Pattern circa 2001. I started with a size 24.

Notions:

22" zipper, 1/2" shoulder pads

Construction Changes:

1. The first and most important was to convert this from a tunic length top to a dress. I did this by adding 13" to the front and back pieces.

2. I also cut the front and back pieces from the waistline to the hemline and inserted 1 7/8 inches to the pattern. I did this because I thought that the finished measurements of the dress would make it too tight. Of course, I ended up taking almost all of it out of the seams after the first try on...can we say fumble number 1, 2 & 3 ~ since on subsequent fittings I continued to take almost every inch added into the dress out of it!

3. The most important change was to add a center back seam and a zipper to the dress. I didn't want to pull the dress over my head so it was necessary to add a closure that would allow me to step into the dress.

4. This addition meant that not only did I have to alter the collar piece but I also had to alter the facing piece. Both pattern pieces were split in half, seam allowances added and then added to the dress.

5. To correct the extended shoulders issue, I added and sewed down 2" wide darts in both the front and back pieces. Not only did this solve the too large shoulder concerns but it added a "vintage detail" to the dress.

6. I made my normal adjustment to the sleeves - enlarging the bicep area. Then I went onto to make the fugliest sleeve possible by adding a piping insert into the sleeve and a band beneath it:

Fugly, fugly, fugly when added to the dress...so the sleeve had to be ripped out and re-worked!

7. The most challenging change to the dress was adding the v-insert. The pattern originally had you make a tank top to wear under the dress. I didn't want that and initially was just going to make a v-insert and tack it to the dress. Then I saw the insert that Summerset made in her daughter's Hannah Montana dress and I was off and fumbling around!

I started by cutting out just the front half of the tank top that is included in the pattern...after working on a couple of options and tacking the insert down and ripping it out...I finally ended up with what is in the dress now and pictured above. However, it took a great deal of fumbling around to get it to lay flat in the dress.

8. There are alot of little construction details to this dress - all of the topstitching on the collar, the handwork on the inside to hold the insert to the dress and all of the finishing details that make the inside of the dress look as clean as possible.

Conclusion:

My finished dress does have a slight a-line flair to it...probably from all of the inches I inserted...but I do like the way the fabric falls and the dress moves so I won't complain. The silhouette is slimming yet a little different from my TNT dress pattern and all of its variations...also the dress is in a great, bright color which makes it new and trendy since color is "in" for summer. It also has some of the details that has attracted me to vintage patterns and it will work in my corporate workplace on a hot, humid day when a suit isn't necessary.

However, it took me two long days to complete a simple basic dress because I definitely fumbled my way through the construction process. So the next time you are looking at one of my creations and wondering how I did it? In this instance...I fumbled my way through!

Finally, I am borrowing Summerset's Parting Shot:

My new Bose iPod docking system...it was invaluable to me during the last two days as I fumbled around with my new dress! *smile*

When Vintage ain't Vintage...

If you've been reading my ramblings lately, you know that I've been on a real vintage kick...not so much sewing actual "vintage" patterns but incorporating the techniques and details from the patterns into my TNTs. I think I've been pretty successful and I am very happy with the garments that I've worked the vintage magic on so far...

So I'm on Simplicity's site the other day and I find this:

It's Simplicity 3559 and since I've been trolling almost every pattern site on ebay that sells vintage patterns and several other websites, too, for Jackie Kennedy looks and 60's mod patterns, I immediately recognized this silhouette from the line drawings. To say I was excited was an understatement...I could purchase a pattern in a size I could wear out of the envelope (well with a little manipulation) and I would get those wonderful instructions. I promptly ordered the pattern from the website...we won't go into why I won't wait for a 99 cent pattern sale at the only fabric chain around here and how I think it is like going into the pits of hell to shop there...

So the pattern arrived today! Now first I have to give Simplicity props, they are very quick with the pattern delivery! However, I was very disappointed after anxiously opening the envelope. Simplicity are you listening, cause this is important...don't skip onto the good parts...really HEAR what I'm saying! Us, vintage fanatics (notice how I included myself in there!) WANT, NEED, the original instructions...not some trumped up instructions that are taken from bits and pieces of computer generated instructions that are laying around.

Folks...I should have gone looking for the original pattern (which btw the number is conveniently NOT displayed on the new pattern)! See I love those old instruction sheets. Each one is a sewing lesson in itself - full of trusty tidbits that challenge me and increase my sewing knowledge. So basically I got a rip-off...dang Simplicity is ripping itself off and not doing a very good job of it! *LOL*

There are 2 pages and 4 sides of instruction...and the construction sequence is soooo off in this dress that I will end up not even using the instructions. Except for tying off the darts (really is that an older technique?!), there is nothing new and different in here...okay so maybe they are on the recyling kick...maybe they are being green...*shaking head* nah...I don't think so...

I will probably make the dress, cause it is a cute silhouette and will work well in my "Summer of Sophisticated Dressing" wardrobe...but *sigh* I am disappointed...