I made another version of Sew Simple 1636, the two dollar pattern I bought at Wal Mart. This one is in a pretty silk print from The Fabric Store. This version I thinned down a couple inches from my last version, made in an Indian printed cotton voile.
I also finished the armholes in bias binding and created a casing for the bias binding drawstring I made. But I didn’t like how the drawstring behaved so I ended up adding elastic to the casing and then making a matching small belt like the original version has. And I omitted the pockets, which I regret doing now.
This print is so happy! I have about two yards left and would love some advice about what type of garment you think it would look nice as. It’s a woven silk crepe. The Fabric Store has my favorite fabrics of any store. They are having their annual sale right now. It took all my will power not to go there today. But I’m on a fabric buying diet.
I think the bias binding at the neck looks a little off. Maybe it’s too wide? So no, this dress isn’t perfect, the hem is a little too wavy, but I like it anyway.
I misplaced the pattern, so I had to copy and paste this tiny photo from the internet of Sew Simple 1638, a line of budget patterns by Simplicity..
This pattern kind of reminds me of a simplified version of the True Bias Southport pattern. Except with gathers at the neckline, instead of a button placket. I love this shape. .
I broke my printer and I already have so many unsewn patterns that I’ve decided not to buy a new one for awhile to keep me from buying or testing any new PDF patterns for a little while, probably until school starts. We’ll need a new printer by then. I seriously have enough paper patterns to last the rest of my lifetime. And then I was supposed to be taking those Suzy Ferrer classes to refresh my pattern making skills to make my own designs , but I’ve just been too busy trying to sew through my stash this summer to sit through them all.
Plus, the weather is gorgeous and who wants to sit inside and sew and pattern make all day in the summer? Well, actually, I would, but my daughters won’t have any of that. So it’s off to the beach and to friends’ pools.
I think I need to lower the bodice about an inch in the front. It tends to ride up on me, a problem I always have in ready to wear dresses with elastic waists. I’m also going to add about two inches to the hem if I make it again. But the length looks fine with flat sandals.
I’ve had these yellow sandals for four years now. I think they are among my favorite summer shoes, and I’ll be sad when they fall apart. Probably soon!
Happy sewing!
love the dress, love the fabric!
Greetings from Belgium;)
This fabric is one of my favorites. Thanks!
I love this dress! I think I’d probably go with a different bias tape for the binding on none arms and neck. Maybe another less dark color? I’d probably also make it a lot longer. I like dresses down to my ankles. I have really thin legs. Either a longer dress or maybe leggings? I love the simple lines of the dress, too.
I did think about turning this into a maxi dress but I hardly wear the ones I have.
what type of bias binding did you use? i am new to sewing and i have this pattern. yours looks more “finished” that the pattern cover. i love the material also
Thanks Jen.I actually used some red single fold cotton bias tape from Joann
I have the same issue with RTW dresses on the waistline. This dress looks so summery Justine I can’t wait till summers come back to my corner of the world! I bet that silk feels oh so nice to wear!
I have those craftsy pattern making classes. I haven’t been able to get in the groove of focusing so heavily on the task. Understanding the principles of pattern design makes easy use of commercial patterns. I am able to get great fit so much more readily since I understand the principles I learned in design school. I consider my pattern inventory as my “block” library.
I altered this pattern for my mom and she loves it. She has already made three version. It does run short at the waist and at the hem. I’ll need to teach her to do that bias binding. It is a really nice touch.
Oh, I like this simple and casual style, Justine! This dress looked good on you. You cracked me up with “fabric buying diet” statement! Haha… me too! 🙂
This is a very nice dress. Love the print and the summery vibe. Your summer dresses are so inspiring. I feel like I just may be over my sewing slump after looking at your recent makes.
That is nice to hear!