Rowlen Rowlen Rowlen {Simplicity 2215}

Sizing: 14 petite

Fabric: 2 yds linen with 1/2 yd cotton lining
Cost: unknown
Assembly time: unknown
Instructions: easy to understand
Modification: shorten skirt, added top-stitching
Recommend: yes

This Cynthia Rowley dress was made last spring, but never received the spotlight until now.  Unfortunately, I forgot many of the details.  The dress was cut at a size 14 petite.  Petite sizing shrinks the length of the bodice.  I am not sure I would do this on my next try.  For my first go around, I wanted a short dress and doing it this way achieved the look.  As for sizing on the pattern, it seems a bit large and I would definitely recommend checking your chest/waist ratios before cutting.  In my opinion, the sizing is right-on for a ready to wear garment.  In other words, if you bought this dress at the store in a size 14 it would be the same as making a size 14. 

I do recall that I cut the skirt short, probably by 5 inches.  Again, I wanted a short dress that resembled the model on the front of Simplicity 2215.  This pattern has three separate pieces---dress, shirt, and skirt. It also gives directions for adding fringe to the edges.  I did not want the hassle and opted for version A.  Version A is the dress with no bodice or hem fringe. 

The skirt is by far the best part of this ensemble.  Most dresses, it seems, have gathers, but this one has pleats.  The pleats are not standardized; they go this way and that way, but lay perfectly when attached to the bodice. 

Another great feature is the large pockets that actually fit an entire hand!  They sit a bit low and could be raise, expect there is an invisible zipper in the way which complicates things.  The directions do give instructions on how to work around the zipper.  Oh yes, the pattern calls for an invisible zipper---which I never have understood why anyone would install anything else.  Honestly, invisible zippers are so much easier than regular ones. 

The bodice is lined.  I lined mine with white cotton muslin. Having a lined bodice makes the finished edge so much nicer.  In the end, I top-stitch around all the edges.  Top-stitching the bodice mimics the small hem stitch.

 

 

Rolled Hem {bonus entry}

Here is a little bonus vignette that I put together demonstrating how I do a machine stitched rolled hem.  I have found it so much easier to surge the edge first (1).  A straight stitch could also be used as a guide.  After I have the guide, I fold and iron, then fold and iron again (2).  When the second fold is complete, and the raw edge is encased, pin the seam in place (3).  The width of my serged edge is roughly 1/4 inch and once the folds are complete the seam is a fraction larger.  I can then use my presser foot which is 1/4 inch thick, from edge to center needle position, as my guide and stitch completely around (4).  The trick to finishing the seam nicely is ironing and ensuring the stitch to edge spacing is kept the same (5 and 6).