The Dress, It is Done

The buttonholes are done; the hem is sewn; and the belt is made. Simplicity 2923 is officially finished!




















As I mentioned before, this project was a little intimidating! There were more choices than I'm used to, more pattern pieces, and more steps to complete. I'm used to popping out a skirt in an afternoon, so this forced me to be patient with the process.

Aside from the buttonholes (I had a problem with my machine), this went together very smoothly. Everything matched up the way it said it would and the instructions were clear. The nature of the pattern, with its collar, sleeve, and skirt choices, makes for a little hide and seek on the direction sheets, but that's easy to remedy by marking the relevant directions ahead of time. I only made one small change to the dress, and that was to add two inches to the length of the bodice.

A few of the reviewers on Pattern Review mention the way the pattern gives a separate yardage for each design element. Instead of giving a yardage for an overall look, the pattern breaks it down into sections such as "Bodice with Stand Collar" and "Slim Skirt." In my case, the envelope said I should have had four yards to complete this project. I was using stash fabric and had three and a half yards, but I ignored their cutting layouts and had no trouble working with less fabric.

Overall, I am pleased with how this turned out! If you're hesitant to try a Project Runway pattern, or any pattern that is a little more involved than you're used to, GO FOR IT!