Simplicity 5097

 Sometimes you just need something easy to sew plus my serger is in the shop so I had to find a dress that could be sewn with french seams.

This isn't the most flattering dress (the maxi would probably have better proportion on me), but I will pack it for a vacation. It is super light-weight, crinkly and not see-through.

No warnings on this pattern, it is very straight forward.

Simplicity 6882

Another "vintage" pattern, circa 1975. I did change it up a bit. The front bodice originally had a
V-shape, just straightened that out and used a straight gathered skirt. I didn't want the cats cut in half or standing on their heads.

I'm wearing a cat print dress and how old? Couldn't resist it's so cute, black cats trying to get at the goldfish. The fabric was purchased online, maybe Fabric.com can't remember, sorry!

McCall's 9249

This pattern is from 1998. I bought it at a thrift store for twenty five cents. After all my sewing failures, I wanted something easy, fast and would probably fit. Fortunately it achieved all three, yeah! I cut the size 16 for the top and added about one inch to the back. For the skirt I graded out to a larger size.

It's kind of hard to tell but this dress has two layers, the top layer is a floral mesh and the bottom is cotton. No hems on the mesh, just the selvage.

A little easier to see here.

I made the straps smaller and longer, I hate ties in the back.

Vogue 2782

Another vintage patten sewn. In general, I've found the vintage patterns to be more fitted and less revealing than the newer patterns.

So, keeping that in mind I did cut out everything a little bit larger, but it's still a little tight for my tastes, but still comfortable to wear. Since this is a knit fabric I made sure my head fit through and omitted the zipper. I also used bias tape in the neckline instead of the facings.

Did you notice I have a thing for digital print trees? The fabric is from the new S.R. Harris outlet in Burnsville MM. This store has less fabric, but I came away with a lot more because it is a great selection and you can see everything because of the sun coming in the windows. Fantastic!

Another Vintage Pattern

This fabric came from Treadle Yard Goods in Saint Paul, MN. I saw someone carrying around the bolt and I was bummed because there wasn't much fabric left. So I did some more shopping and turned around and there it was! This is another nice fitting pattern. The instructions call for you to make a slip top that is attached, but I didn't bother because the fabric was not sheer, nor can you see into the sleeves.

How do you love that necklace? We were at an Asian street market/festival and I had to have it.
Feelin' groovy!

This is Simplicity 7332. I really like this pattern. Normally when I make this kind of bodice it is not deep enough. I did try this on while sewing and it seemed perfect, but when I went to wear it, and it was a little loose in the top. After adding a elastic it became a little too tight. At least it will stay up.

The fabric came from my favorite church rummage sale. It is very much like denim. At first I thought I skirt was in order and then this pattern showed up on the internet and was the perfect match.