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Sew Simple 1636 in a silk print

07/19/2015

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.sew simple 1638 in silk

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.sew simple 1638 in silkI 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.

51orG4mtxWL._SY300_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. .

sew simple 1638 in silkI 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.

sew simple 1638 in silk

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.

sew simple 1638 in silk

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!sew simple 1638 in silkHappy sewing!

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Related posts:

Burdastyle 152: A silk feather print shift dress Simplicity 1165; rayon shorts , Simplicity 1589; a silk tank My new favorite woven tank Butterfly Silk Chiffon Kimono -Patterns Of Wal-Mart
-McKenzie

Filed Under: Commercial pattern, Sewing for myself

About Justine

You made it to the end of the post! Please stop by often for a variety of sewing projects, clothes making tips , and stylish handmade living. Feel free to email me at justine @ sewcountrychick.com if you have questions.

Comments

  1. Ellen Naait says

    07/20/2015 at 1:32 pm

    love the dress, love the fabric!
    Greetings from Belgium;)

    • Justine says

      07/20/2015 at 9:00 pm

      This fabric is one of my favorites. Thanks!

  2. Deborah says

    07/20/2015 at 4:07 pm

    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.

    • Justine says

      07/20/2015 at 8:59 pm

      I did think about turning this into a maxi dress but I hardly wear the ones I have.

  3. Jen says

    07/21/2015 at 2:58 pm

    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

    • Justine says

      07/21/2015 at 5:53 pm

      Thanks Jen.I actually used some red single fold cotton bias tape from Joann

  4. Jenya says

    07/22/2015 at 5:36 am

    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!

  5. Andrea says

    07/23/2015 at 3:45 am

    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.

  6. Yeka says

    07/26/2015 at 12:39 pm

    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! 🙂

  7. Erika says

    07/28/2015 at 6:07 am

    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.

    • Justine says

      07/29/2015 at 9:03 pm

      That is nice to hear!



I'm Justine! Welcome to my sewing blog! Here you'll find lots of handmade clothing for myself and other lucky folks! I'm a native Los Angeleno who moved to a small farm outside of LA with my family.

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