I Heart Dress {Simplicity 1699}

Pattern: Simplicity 1699

Version: view A
Sizing: 12
Fabric: 1.5 yrds @ 60” peachskin with polyester crepe collar
Notions: 22” invisible zipper, fusible interfacing
Cost: $24.00
Assembly time: 8 hrs
Instructions: fine
Modification: added collar from view B; made skirt front one piece; used invisible zipper
Recommend: yes, the pattern for the shirt and dress work well

A little bit ago, I posted an entry on the peplum top that is included in this same pattern. With the glowing review I gave the shirt, there was little concern over whether I would like a dress who shared the same characteristics (i.e. the same pattern pieces). I say "little", because I did have one reservation…the fabric. I really wanted to use a piece of peachskin fabric, which is basically a heavy weight rayon, and was worried that the drape would not be flattering and the fit would be off since my first go-around was with a wool. Well, I am happy to say that my worries were misplaced. The fit of the dress top is very similar to the shirt and the drape is fine.  

One of the main differences between the two pieces I have made so far is, of course, the knee length skirt and the unexpected detail on the sleeve, which I dear say is not exactly highlighted on the pattern drawings. A scalloped edge is created at the top seam, which is cute. But, I am not sure the scallop and the conservative collar are a good design fit. My opinion may be a bit harsh because I met with a bad experience while finishing the edges as directed by the instructions. Peachskin is a very wrinkle friendly fabric---or rather wrinkle unfriendly as it does not hold a crease very well. This makes it difficult to set a seam. The instructions say to stitch the sleeve seam to a point and then finish the edging using the seam allowance, supposedly meeting the curved edge sharply at the seam. It was difficult and 100 percent satisfaction was not achieved. I had to take out the old hands and threaded needle technique to make me happy. If I was to reverse time, I would like to take the scallop out of the sleeve for this dress and make it a straight edge. I may have been more successful if I had lined the dress, which is something to consider next time.  

 

One thing I would highly recommend is to cut the front skirt portion as a single piece of fabric as I did. Originally, the skirt would have a center seam. With the smooth bodice, thanks to the princess seams, the center seam takes away from the sleekness, especially if you are using a print since it breaks the pattern. If you search hard, you can make out this detail from the envelope picture, though on first notice it is camouflaged. To delete the seam, reduce the center (marked on the pattern) by 5/8 of an inch to rid yourself of the seam allowance. With this reduction, the pattern can be placed on the fabric fold and cut from there.

Just as the print on the fabric for this dress, I do "heart" (aka love)this dress. Will I sew it again? More than likely. It is quick and cute and now that I know a summer weight fabric will work, I see nothing holding me back. So, I give me stamp of approval for you to make one for yourself, as I think you will be satisfied.