Simplicity: 2648 (Misses & Miss Petite Dress: Amazing Fit Collection)  - Type:Dresses  | | Viewed 289 times
| 57 more reviews | Review rated Helpful by 1 people Very Helpful by 1 people | | Reviewed by: | AST | 
 | | About AST | | MD USA | | Member since: 6/20/07 | | Reviews written: 11 | | Sewing skills:Advanced | | Favored by: 1 people | | patterns reviewed: 11 | | Bio: more... |
 | | Posted on: | 2/28/13 3:26 PM | | Project Photo: |  | | Pattern Photo: | 
Simplicity Pattern Info | | Pattern Rating: | Highly Recommend | | See other patterns in this category: Dresses | Available for sale on PR: $16.95 (See envelope)  | | | | Related Links | Click on  to add a link |
| Pattern Description: Women's and Miss Petite dress from Simplicity's Amazing Fit Collection. Features princess seams in front, seams in front skirt and darts in bodice back and back skirt. Sleeve variations include a pleated short sleeve and a sleeve flange.
I made View B, with a variation on the pleated sleeve.
Pattern Sizing: 6-14 and 16-24; I made a 12.
Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it? Yes, it did.
Were the instructions easy to follow? I think so. These directions are more detailed than average pattern directions, with lots of helpful tips about the construction process that beginners could apply to future projects.
What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? The fit was great. What they claim on the pattern envelope about the "amazing fit" (fits smoothly over the body, neckline lays flat, waist seam sits at the natural waist) were all true in my experience. I needed to take the dress in just a small amount from waistline up through the bodice. What they want you to do is baste most of the dress together to check the fit, make adjustments, then take the bodice and skirt apart and resew everything. This seemed unnecessary to me, because they also include 1" seam allowances at the side seams. I felt like this extra allowance would be enough leeway to make adjustments, so the side seams were the only seams I basted.
I did appreciate that 1" seam allowance even though I didn't use it - don't forget it's there! If you sew only a 5/8" seam allowance at the sides you'll have a lot of extra ease.
Dislikes: As PR member Vellela mentioned in her review, the back neckline gaped. I did notice this the first time but assumed I had done something to stretch it. But, it happened again with this one and so I included back neck darts just as she had. The rest of the fit is so nice, it seemed a shame to leave the back neckline the way it was. Here's a picture of the back neckline after adding the darts.
If you are doing a sleeveless version, I think the armholes are drafted very nicely, but I wish they had included separate bodice pieces for the sleeve version, as the armhole shape could be extended a bit and lowered under the arm for comfort. If I make it again with sleeves I will be adjusting the shape of the armhole.
Fabric Used: Red wool purchased from fabric.com a few years ago, and Bemberg Rayon lining from Joann Fabrics
Pattern alterations or any design changes you made: I modified the given sleeve to have more of a cap sleeve. Thankfully I have a small amount of fabric left over, because I am still working on getting that sleeve to look "just right"! I plan to write up more about that on my blog, and when I do I'll update here with a link.
Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others? I would definitely recommend the pattern. It may be worth making a muslin of the bodice to see if the back neckline will be a problem, and if the armholes are comfortable for you before cutting your final version.
Conclusion: I'm really happy with this dress! I had been saving this fabric for a while and I think it was put to good use here. More project notes and photos are on my blog. The only problem now is: what colors should I wear with it? It's a winter dress so I need tights and shoes...any suggestions?
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3 Comments
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I think your dress is a knock out! I would love to see a narrow black belt at the waist seam. I love red and black so I would suggest thise go together nicely.
2/28/13 4:31 PM
This turned out great. Lovely on you.
2/28/13 9:14 PM
This is a beautifully fitted, timeless dress that will never look dated. It fits and flatters you so nicely. Great hemming tip on your blog, too! Thanks for reviewing a pattern I've been wanting to try.
3/2/13 7:44 AM