Sunday, June 13, 2010

FO: Simplicity 2886 - The Sundress

I made this dress to wear to my little brother's graduation. It's a nice cotton sundress that was perfect for the Texas heat. I think it looks like a little girl's (around the age of 5) dress due to my fabric choices. It's cute, but I'm not sure it suits me... it's growing on me and the husband likes it. I've already worn it out in public twice in less than 2 weeks so that's a good sign. This also the first completed item for my Summer Essentials Sewalong. :)

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Pattern: Simplicity 2886
Fabric: Amy Butler's Lotus Collection Lacework in brown (main) and pink cotton (contrasting) both of which were from my stash :)

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Modifications:
  1. No elastic in the back bodice... used 2 darts instead to remove gaping.IMG_0497.JPG
  2. Used bodice from view C and skirt from view A.
  3. Used a 2" hem allowance.
Recommendations:
  1. Sew the pintucks down... otherwise you'll it will look uneven and you'll have to iron it every time and it will still look like this:
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  3. Don't wait until the end to insert straps like it says in the instructions.
  4. Be careful with markings and the curves.
  5. Pins are your friends. :) I don't normally use very many of them, but they definitely helped on this one.
Please ignore my funny facial expression. I did have a picture where I was smiling, but it looks like I accidentally deleted it thinking that this was the correct one... boo! There's also some wrinkling due to wear. :)
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I love the pleating on the skirt, which isn't too noticeable with my busy print, and the pockets on this dress! I do recommend this pattern... it makes for a great sundress.

Currently in progress:
- Kwik Sew 2689... pieces cut out and partially sewn
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- Burda 02-2010-104... traced
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27 comments:

Sheila said...

Angela that is such a pretty dress and it looks great on you.

Aminat said...

It's so cute... and looks great on you....

Barbara said...

Love it!

petiterepublic said...

aww, that is so cute! i love it! i kind of know what you mean by a little girls dress due to the pink, but i think it makes it a little more light and happy!

Lori said...

Very cute dress, it looks great on you.

Eugenia said...

That's a beautiful dress for summer - you look lovely in it. The print is so pretty!

trinilove said...

I love this dress, I love the fabric and it looks great on you, fits great. Its probably the pink tie bow in the back that has a more "little girl" connotation but as for the dress, very nice indeed

KID, MD said...

Cute and pretty! I think it's a great grown-up sundress.

Opal said...

This is a pretty dress and it's a nice fit on you.

Antoinette said...

Gorgeous, Angela! The contrast pink is so delicate!

Tasia said...

So pretty! Perfect for summer. Just wear really high heeled sandals or cool wedges, or a bold necklace, something a little girl wouldn't wear :)

Marybeth said...

That doesn't look like a little girl's dress! The Amy Butler fabric is actually pretty sophisticated! You look really pretty in it! I can't wait to see your bathing suit - it looks like it's going to be really cute!

Marybeth said...

That doesn't look like a little girl's dress! The Amy Butler fabric is actually pretty sophisticated! You look really pretty in it! I can't wait to see your bathing suit - it looks like it's going to be really cute!

Trudy Callan said...

This dress is crazy gorgeous!

Trudy
www.sewingwithtrudy.blogspot.com

Monique said...

Oooohh Angela! I absolutely love this fabric! Your hubby has good taste. There are a lot of things I wish were socially acceptable for us to still wear as woman. LOL! Little girls can't have all the fun!
Also, thank you for the comment you left on my blog. Guess what...the modeled pics are now up! Please stop by again and have a look.

babalisme said...

I love all butler's fabric. And this one looks good for the dress!

Adrienne said...

LOVE your dress!!!

Dei said...

It's fab! Perfect for the weather and occasion. Through on some heels and you're fine.

Angela said...

Thanks so much, ladies!! High heels are a definite must and plus just love them!

Sarah said...

It's really beautiful! I like the sophisticated print (it's definitely not little girl).

Job well done! Love it!

raven said...

This is such a perfectly beautiful contender for the sweltering Texas heat!! The pattern + contrasting pink look great - you wear it so well! :)

xo,
raven

Wild Sparrow said...

I just love this dress and your Amy Butler fabric! I may have to try the Simplicity pattern, too! Thanks for sharing :)

Eliana said...

This is so awesome, Angela!!!! You make me want to do it, but I don't have your talent even more the skill for sewing!!! Love your gorgeous dress!!!

Heather said...

Gorgeous sundress!

Kristin said...

Summery and sophisticated, you look beautiful and age-appropriate. Keep on wearing it- your nice work deserves to be shown!

Anonymous said...

Such a cute sundress! Nice combi of fabric!

Cecili said...

What a pretty dress, it looks so good on you!