Pattern Therapy

The details are progressing nicely.  The alterations determined from the test garment seem to be successful.  I'm preparing to cut the lining and attach it this weekend.  After many "do overs" of other garments, I've opted to save the cutting of the lining and the skirt/pant until after I've made sufficient progress on the jacket.  These are the angle details on the back of the jacket.  The front looks great as well, but didn't photograph well. More later....

I thought it best to make a test garment for the jacket.  The Palmer/Pletsch DVDs teach the pin-fitting method, but I opted for the muslin this time.  That was a good idea because I've dropped a dress size since my last jacket.  It was quite a bit too big, but the FBA turned out well.  I hope it translates well to the fashion fabric.

I love this pattern!  It has been in my stash for a few years now....  I continued to put it on the back burner because I wasn't sure how the details in the jacket would translate after the FBA.  Thanks to Palmer/Pletsch DVDs, I continue to grow in my confidence in making the alteration.


The fabric suggestion is for a shantung; however, I selected a "blue red" gabardine-like polyester twill weave(???...I may be making this up--I don't know what it is ;-).  Anyway, I love the fabric.  It's darker than the pic indicates...almost a rich crimson or burgundy--great for the fall season.  

So the dress is complete, but I don't love it....  It is, however, a great pattern. I'm just not sure I selected the right fabric for the dress.  I loved the floral print on the bolt, but it reads differently in the dress.  My husband saw so many flowers coming at him that he suggested I accent it with green shoes to complete the whole "floral bouquet look."  LOL!!! (trust me, it was hilarious in the moment as I asked for real feedback on the right shoe to wear...:-).  I actually wore it to a friend's wedding and it seemed appropriate for the occasion.  My formal review is below.  Again, great pattern..., but...er...uh...I'm not sure I'll pass this way again....


Pattern Description: 
Simplicity's Amazing Fit Collection--one piece dress with waistline seam. Has optional sleeves and necklines, too.

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?
For the most part, yes. I'm not sure the cut of the dress is…

Thanks to Robin over at A Little Sewing for the cool article about September as National Sewing Month.