This Simplicity dress wound up taking longer than I thought it would, though it was overall easy to put together. Everything went smoothly until I got to the neckline facing. For some reason, whether it be the fabric, sewer (or sewist, if you preferr, though that’s an issue for another post) error, or some combination, I could not get that facing to stay put where it belongs on the inside of the dress. After messing with this facing for good hour, I flung the dress into a corner and moved on to other projects (hence, why there hasn’t been a follow-up post yet). I did go back later in the day to fold the dress so it wouldn’t wrinkle, but I basically ignored it until the day before I had to leave for the wedding I was planning to wear the dress to. Sounds familiar, I’m sure.
Following the strange logic of the universe, when I came back to the dress several days later, another session with a hot iron helped tame the argumentative facing. After that, all that was left to do was to hem the bottom. Although I kind of wanted an invisible hem, I went with a straight stitch and a double needle because it was easier and faster, and I had more stuff to do.
I started noticing the first little flaw with my dress planning when I got the six pieces that make up the front sewn together. When I cut the pieces, I failed to consider the variegated nature of my fabric and where each piece would end up respective to another. The result, what I’m calling my checkerboard dress. The checkerboard-ish lines don’t seem as noticeable with a thick belt, as seen in the pictures,so maybe the belt will live with the dress now.
Other than the checkerboard lines, I really like the way the dress turned out. I cut and sewed a straight size 10, with the suggested petite modifications. Though I did eliminate the back zipper, since I used a stretchy knit. I think the skirt could maybe go down a size, but the top fits well, so I’m calling this a success. I may wind up making the dress again, in a dark, solid color. I’m thinking navy. But that won’t happen for several weeks as I have a whole list of projects to get done in the next week.
It looks lovely, well done
I share your frustration with neck facings, the majority of the time I use bias tape instead.
Thanks for the tip about the bias tape. I may use that instead on the next version.
Cute dress!!! I love the “checkerboard effect”. It actually looks intentional! I’m debating making this dress myself. BTW, welcome to the blogosphere!!!
~Victoria
tenthousandsewinghours.blogspot.com
Thanks. I’ve worn the dress a few times now (with the belt) and don’t notice the checkerboard look anymore. Possibly because the dress is just so comfortable that I just don’t care. I recommend the pattern if you are looking for a new dress pattern.