Simplicity: 7520 OOP (Tie-On Dress) - Type:Out of Print Classics  | | Viewed 161 times
| 1 more reviews | Review rated Very Helpful by 6 people | | Reviewed by: | FreyaStark | 
 | About FreyaStark | | AUSTRALIA | | Member since: 6/12/08 | | Reviews written: 141 | | Sewing skills:Intermediate | | Favored by: 40 people | | patterns reviewed: 102 | | Bio: more... |
| | Posted on: | 2/4/13 10:50 PM | | Last Updated: | 2/5/13 1:21 AM | | Pattern Size: | Plus-Sized Regular Petite | | Project Photo: |  | | Pattern Photo: | Simplicity Pattern Info More Info provided by FreyaStark | | Pattern Rating: | Highly Recommend | | | | Fabric: | Poplin [See other projects in this fabric] | | Related Links | Click on  to add a link |
| This pattern dates from 1976 and has been in my pattern library for a few years. Finding a review and photos of Cocosloft's brilliant version of this dress (click here) finally motivated me to make it my next project.
Pattern description:
"Misses Jiffy dress in two lengths and bag. Top-stitched tie-on dress gathered to inset [a square, centre front panel] has tie belt [optional] and pockets in side seams."
Pattern sizing:
Sizes Petite (6), Small (8-10), Medium (12-14) and Large (16-18); one size per tissue. My copy is a Large but I needed a half size larger -- or so I thought.
Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?
Yes, pretty much.
Were the instructions easy to follow?
Yes, generally.
What did you particularly like about the pattern?
The gracious, flowing lines of the classic muumuu combined with the unusual touch of the tied shoulders, although I was worried that they might look like rabbits' ears.
What did you particularly dislike about the pattern?
No yardage for one-way patterns is specified. I had enough fabric only because I cut the back upside down. The design is one-way but fortunately it is so busy that it is hard to tell which way should be up. If your fabric is a definite one-way design, check the yardage required carefully before cutting out.
No diagram is provided to show what the front panel is meant to look like on the inside.
Seams around the front panel are unfinished on the inside -- the panel does not function as a yoke despite being double thickness -- but this is easy to change.
The instructions have you stitch the upper-edge facings down before stitching the side seams, yet a neater finish would be achieved by stitching the side seams first, then turning the facing down over them.
The natural shoulder line is not indicated on the tissue. If you wanted to turn the ties into conventional shoulder straps, or if you wanted to know the optimum position for those ties to be tied, you would have to work it out for yourself.
Cocosloft says she has no problem with bra straps showing when she wears this dress, but what if they slip? Slipping straps are the bane of my life -- especially when riding a camel -- so I have acquired a strapless bra, which is the ideal solution.
Fabric used:
Black poplin with purple flowers and green leaves; purchased online from Got Fabric.
Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:
According to my measurements, I needed a half size larger than the size I had, so I added 4cm width all around -- 1cm at centre front and centre back, left and right. I also made the front panel 2cm wider -- only a slight difference -- to compensate.
As it turned out, this extra ease is almost redundant. The finished dress is slightly loose in the upper bust, so I might even take it in slightly at the side seams.
If need be, extra ease could be added at the centre front by widening the front panel and having looser gathering.
I turned the panel into a yoke by attaching it on the wrong side, then turning it over to the front and top-stitching it (click here).
Next time I would add less ease and might also shorten the dress slightly to avoid sweeping the floor. It is plenty long enough to be worn with platforms or high heels.
The hem allowance is also deep, at 5cm. Both length and hem allowance could be reduced if you need to save fabric or are petite.
No design changes.
Would you sew it again?
Maybe. I like it, but there are other patterns that I also want to try.
Would you recommend it to others?
Yes. A few copies can be found on the net.
Conclusion:
Do not pooh-pooh the muumuu until you have tried it. This pattern is an easy and fun exercise in vintage sewing and results in a comfortable, wearable garment.
Click here for the photo gallery. |
|
 Pattern with more than 5 reviews!
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9 Comments
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Gorgeous fabric. I'm with you on the muu muu, comfortable and wearable. I remember them well from their last incarnation - guess it must have been the 70s.
2/5/13 1:03 AM
Great dress! I absolutely *love* the gorgeous hawaiian print fabric! :)
2/5/13 6:23 AM
Very pretty dress and would you know I am off the blouse route now and making these kind of dresses due to upcoming knee surgery - I figure these will be easy to slip on and make me look brighter than I may be feeling. So no pooh poohing of the muumuu from me
2/5/13 9:05 AM
No pooh-poohing here ... you look great! Very nice choice of fabric.
2/5/13 9:17 AM
You get the most fabulous fabric! That is lovely! Looks so comfy as well. :)
2/5/13 9:59 AM
Gorgeous fabric and the muumuu looks so cool and comfortable.
2/5/13 10:53 AM
Pooh-pooh the muumuu? NEVER! I love yours!
2/6/13 7:04 AM
Lovely dress, very pretty fabric, and nice that it has pockets!
2/6/13 11:14 AM
Gorgeous.
2/6/13 12:29 PM