Simplicity 2588

OMG... I think this is my new favorite dress!! I used Simplicity 2588, a "Project Runway" inspired pattern to make the slim fitting dress with high yoke collar and decorative button tabs.

The fabric is a floral print sateen from Denver Fabrics. I love the print of this fabric... it almost has a vintage vibe which I'm loving right now. I had to purchase a zipper and two 1" buttons. The project cost me about $20 and 4-5 hours of time to make.

As far as sizing and alterations, I made a size 16 all away around. I made the petite adjustments that the pattern already came with which took off about 1" in both the top and the bottom. I made no other alterations or design changes. Well, I did hand sew my facings down and hand sew the hem instead of top stitch.

As far as the instructions go... from what I read, they were easy to follow. To be honest, I mostly looked at the pictures to determine how to put the dress together. Despite the details of the dress it is actually very simple to make.

This is probably one of the best fitting dresses I have made in a while. It seems that lately they come out just a bit too big in places. My husband said it was "stunning". He always compliments my garments but I don't think I've ever gotten "stunning"!

I have to make this dress again. I think I will make one with the cap sleeves next time and maybe the full skirt.







~Byrdie

Simplicity 2685... Take 2

This is a purse I have made before. Check out my previous post. I whipped this one up today. It's a late Mother's Day present (sorry Mom!). She loves purple.



I have no idea what I am getting my Dad for Father's Day. Are the men in your life hard to shop for too? My guys never give me any ideas.

Next up in the sewing room is Simplicity 2588. I am making the sleeveless style with the slim skirt- basically the one shown in fuchsia on the envelope. However, I am making mine in a floral print. I hope it is as pretty in real life as it is in my mind. I can't wait until it's done and I can wear it!!



~Byrdie

Butterick 5869... Vintage

Previously, I had said that I have been inspired by vintage patterns. I love the look of vintage clothing. Check out Jessica and Erin on their blogs. They are always so cute and stylish and give me lots of ideas. I'm not really into shopping for actual vintage clothing but making vintage inspired garments is very appealing to me. I don't want to make anything that looks like a costume. Rather, I want to make vintage styles that are still wearable today. I've got quite a little collection of vintage patterns started... mostly purchased from Ebay and Etsy.

This is my first creation. It is a simple sun dress. I love the style for casual summer days!

I was a little intimidated by the idea of vintage patterns. I thought that the instructions might be in a different language or something. However, not much has changed from when this pattern was made until now. This one does not have a date on it but I believe it to be from the 70's or early 80's. One thing that is different with vintage patterns is that they are single sized only. This one is a size 14. I did not make any alterations to the pattern and it fits just fine.

I really like the simplicity of this dress. I love the back detail which has a button closure on the back band. I omitted the pockets. And I added a fabric belt of the same material to draw in the waist. Otherwise it could get very potato sack looking.

I used a cotton lawn from Denver Fabrics. This garment cost my less than $10 to make... not bad at all!

The instructions were easy to follow. I whipped the dress up in about three hours, not including cutting time.






~Byrdie

McCall's 5590 and Vogue 8536

So here is my latest outfit. A high waisted skirt and a basic t-shirt to go with it. I used Vogue 8536 for the top and McCall's 5590 for the skirt.






I also had an inspiration outfit:

For the top, I used a silk jersey in a dark heather gray from Denver Fabrics. It only needed a little over a yard of fabric. I really like how it turned out. It fits well. I think I will need to make several in different colors to go with different outfits.

For the skirt, I used denim from Joann Fabrics. I'm not sold on the buttons I chose. What do you think? I almost think they look a little too home sewn to me. Maybe covered buttons with the same denim would be better? I like the overall look of the skirt. I think it could be nipped in just a tad in the waist. (I've lost 2 1/2 inches off from my waist since I started working out hard- one more inch to go and I'm in the next size down!) I like the fact that the skirt can be dressed up or down and can be worn in different seasons. Because of the high waist, I used boning in the waistband as suggested by Ann in her blog.

Here are the finished looks. Check out Pattern Review in my gadget on the side.




This last week I was in the cutting mood. I cut out several projects and they are ready to sew up. So more to come soon...

~Byrdie