Happy fathers day to all fathers out there. Hope you are all having a great day. And no, in case you are wondering, I am not just celebrating fathers day by making a new dress for myself 🙂 Phil also got a new shirt. Another version of McCalls 6613, this time in a grey cotton denim. And for me, I made Simplicity 2215.

Ok, and now back to me please! 🙂

We are supposed to be going on holiday in 2 weeks time. I say supposed because we have not actually booked anything. But we ARE going. Probably somewhere hot with a pool and lots of nice seafood. Yum. Anyway, this is a dress I made in a linen/ viscose mix which will hopefully be suitable for said holiday. The colour definitely puts you in the holiday mood. I think turquoise is one of those summer only colours.

I love how the dress feels. It feels – ahem – well made. I fully lined the dress with a very soft, open weave poly cotton. The linen viscose fabric, which I purchased from my local market, has a good weight to it, but still feels light.

Here’s a close up of the buttons and I also added a belt which I sewed in to the sides of the dress.

The hem is left unfinished. It’s like a double hem, with an additional border strip added to the lower portion of the dress which is then left unfinished. I quite like the effect. I don’t know how it’s going to wash though!

Pattern Review:

Pattern Description:

Misses’ & Miss petite dress, skirt and blouse by Cynthia Rowley.

Pattern Sizing:

14 – 22

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?

Yes, except I added a belt which was sewn in to the sides of the  bodice.

Were the instructions easy to follow?

Yes.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?

I like the overall shape of the dress and the raw finish at the hem. However, I prefer the look of the dress with the belt, otherwise I think it is quite loose at the waist.

Fabric Used:

Linen viscose mix.

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:

Based on the pattern measurements I cut a size larger than usual for the bodice and graded out a size at the waist. The bodice fits fine, but there was some gaping at the armholes. I don’t know if I should actually be cutting a size smaller and then doing a FBA. I am hoping to go through a fitting course on Craftsy soon, so hope to be able to resolve this or at least discover how to rectify it.

I shortened the bodice by 1 3/8″.

I added a belt which I sewed in to the bodice sides. I don’t know if perhaps adding this belt had the effect of stretching the armholes out somewhat?

I raised the armholes slightly.

I fully lined the dress.

I omitted the pockets and the side zip.

I serged the lower band to the hem rather than sewing it and turning the raw edges in.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?

I do like it, but I don’t know if I would sew it again myself. I would recommend to others.

Conclusion:

This is a cute summer dress that I enjoyed sewing. It’s flattering, comfortable and perfect for a hot summer holiday!