Simplicity 8296 again in a dress

So I've made another Simplicity 8296 but in a dress. I made view E sleeves with length of B probably but I just used the length of 2 remnants from Spotlight. I think this is the first time in simply eons that I have made something in the current fashion, in current fashion fabric!

Here's the back... bad iPhone photo. I made a size 10 at the shoulders and armholes and then graded it out to the 18 at the hips. I could probably go to the 12 or 14 really... it's a bit swishy. I could also use a sway back adjustment too.

Bit of a daggy length though. I may take it up a smidge. I also like that this pattern has a bust dart but I make it a little shorter. I have the McCall's that's pretty much the same but no bust dart and no flat panel on the front. Plus it's a much narrower fit so this one is better for my shape. I probably wouldn't have bought this fabric if I'd seen it on a roll for $16 per metre, but as a cheap remnant I'm happier to test patterns. I don't mind this at all now it's made up. I was going to make this in a cut of rayon I did buy at Spotlight with a voucher my son gave me for Christmas last year, but then I loved it so much I wanted to test this dress first. I may make it up for Christmas day.

I wore this to our work Christmas celebration last night. My colleague neighbour kept stopping people telling them I made my dress! How embarrassment! Start to finish is probably 3 hours. Pretty quick dress. I also made the straps and instead of sewing them on, I'm going to make button holes on each end and then put buttons on the dress and voila, straps when I want them. The beauty with this dress also is I just wear my ordinary bra and pull the straps down. It was quite comfortable which surprised me but when you have larger breasts it's quite heavy on the shoulders so that is probably why. Also near impossible to get a strapless bra that gives you some support and comfort so I don't mind this.

I noticed this morning that the fabric is the same as the one on the back cover of the family Ottobre design magazine just out. Theirs is much more saturated colours and much more colourful (more colours) but it's the same print and their fabric is listed as viscose satin. That sounds nice.
If I can bear to part with some fabric, I'm going to make my sister one for Christmas and I just remembered I bought her some fabric years ago for a dress. (I have 4 sisters but I can't make tham all a dress... or maybe I can?)

Not sure what's next. Thanks for all the great comments too.

Trying a vintage togs pattern.

Hello, it's been a while again. Not as long as some bloggers who have recently returned to blogging...up to 7 years, but I'm glad people are coming back. I never joined Instagram as I'm not that fussed on 'social media' and more with people who write about their sewing. So back to sewing. I picked up this vintage McCalls togs pattern. It's quite a good value pattern as there are three very different and interesting swimsuits included. That's pretty rare. It's a size 16. I decided to make view B. All of the patterns have pieces for the bra cups too which is really great. Photographed with it is a Burda beach wrap. I can't find the magazine number right now, but it's at least 10 years old. Basically it's a large square of fabric with arm holes cut out. The fabric is genuine 70s towelling. I know because Mum bought it to cover our 'fantastic plastic' vinyl couch. Vinyl was preferred back then...

Kwik Sew

So recently Spotlight had Kwik Sew patterns - 3 for the price of 1. I don't really need any patterns as I have plenty but some took my fancy and I'm keen to sew some up. I have been really liking the waterfall jackets... I have a Butterick pattern (not mentioned yet but brought over from the US with a friend... that's another post though), a New Look cut out and I liked the length of this Kwik Sew one too. I was seduced by Kristy's beautiful version of the jacket on the right. Don't expect to see it fitting me so perfectly but it looks nice and easy and it's a bit different and a bit timeless too. I was thinking of sailor type pants but when I saw this shorts pattern, I thought I could make them up and see if they suit and I may be able to lengthen the legs and not have to trace out a Burda one. Not sure how KS patterns fit me as I've only made a dress a while ago now. I have these cut out from a leftover piece that was not enough for anyth...

Island night... PNG cruise

Well hello again. I've just come back from a cruise to Papua New Guinea and I made a dress for Island night. Island night or any theme night is just a suggestion... there is no organised event, meals, activities; just a dress code suggestion. As soon as I read that, I searched for this vintage surfie fabric I bought years ago at an op shop. I was thrilled to use it. I needed an easy pattern that I could make 2 days before the cruise departure and one that I would wear again. I used this Style 2911 pattern that I only bought online a few months ago. Style are my favourite patterns. I cut out a size 16 but had to reduce it to the 12. It's a great simple but elegant pattern and it went together perfectly. My machines liked it too... they cooperate when they like what I'm making and it was a breeze. I cannot believe that we didn't get one photo of it on. I was thrilled with it and even tho there is some ink staining you can't really see it as it's so busy. I had ...

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