Possibilities: Yes, no, maybe so June 14, 2008 18:56 6 Comments
Simplicity 5014, Copyright 1972
I admit it: I am smitten with this dress. It’s sexy. It’s simple. It has that Julie Christie vibe. And it’s not only a Jiffy, it’s a Super Jiffy! That means it will be easy for a fledgling seamstress to make, right?
This is one of the patterns under consideration for my I-Will-Learn-to-Sew-I-Will-I-Will-I-Will Project. It’s important, vitally so to my wounded self esteem, that the winning pattern makes up beautifully. So beautifully that awed strangers on the street will stop me, asking “where did you get that gorgeous dress," to which I will coolly respond “this old thing? I made it myself.”
So, what d’ya think? Good choice?
Comments
jdk on May 20, 2015 12:08
If the goal is to learn to sew patterns as written, best follow the instructions exactly with all the facings etc. no matter how it turns out.
But if the goal is to make it with instant gratification without taking pot luck with the fit, for a pattern designed like this one of the most efficient ways to make a sample is to cut one out of fabric that will become a lining and baste up enough to try it on (here probably only the back and side seams). If the fit is acceptable then just omit all the facings, cut another one exactly like it in the main fabric, sew dress and lining together right sides facing each other around the outside of the straps and neck and armholes leaving the strap ends and hem areas open for turning, turn the whole thing inside out and add any fasteners etc.
If the fit is close but not exact, consider making it out of swimwear or other stretch fabric and save the first lining for later when you have enough sewing experience to know how to adjust the fit.
For now, if you measure the finished pattern length from the waist, measure the width underarm to underarm and hip to hip on the pattern from inner seamline to seamline (not outer cutting lines) and compare the finished measurements to your measurements, you should be able to guess if the fit will be anywhere close without having to make up a totally throw-away muslin or sample version first.
For this pattern, pick the fit for the bust size, then add or subtract from the hip girth and adjust the length by tapering a new line from the underarm or waist down to the hem for 1/4 of the girth adjustment per quarter pattern width. Remember you will need to have a couple of inches of wiggle room larger than your measurements to be able to walk and sit it (called “wearing ease”).
Sue Lamphere on May 20, 2015 12:08
Good idea to make a sample if you are not sure. It looks complicated, but since it’s a super jiffy it is probably cut very cleverly to minimize sewing trauma.
jill trear on May 20, 2015 12:08
I think its a good choice. Start simple, make a sample out of muslin. Its very cute!! Good luck.
Sue Lamphere on May 20, 2015 12:08
swimsuit material? Get real.
Sue Lamphere on May 20, 2015 12:08
swimsuit material? Get real.
Denise Calhoun on May 20, 2015 12:08
JDK,
You sound so learned! I really appreciate your post. Do check back and let me know what you think. I have a few more patterns to show before I choose. And then the real fun begins!
By the way, I do post nearly every day.
Denise