Thursday, June 18, 2009

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!

11 comments:

KID, MD said...

Awesome!! I looks great.

dude said...

I like it! very fresh and summery.
get a BIG straw hat and work it, girl ;)

I jsut bought a PR pattern tuesday. I'm glad to hear it looks worse than it is.

Eclectic Chic Style said...

Looks great, intimidating for a novice like me, but it is an awesome dress, and I love the fabric!
♥ Teresa

Christy said...

this looks great! Congratulations!!

kelly said...

WOW!! I'm so impressed. I bought that pattern during a recent $1 sale, and now I feel inspired!

Elizabeth said...

Your dress looks fantastic - well done you.

KLS said...

That is really cute and it looks great on you.

Anonymous said...

Wow - that looks gorgeous - congratulations!!

--ginger. said...

Just one word for this dress: Darling.

Nicola said...

fabulous!
nicola
http://whichname.blogspot.com

Julie Zaccone Stiller said...

What a terrific looking dress, really just lovely. You did a fabulous job and I like your comments on the PR patterns, I'll give one a go.