Simplicity 2648 Goes Casual

I wore this dress last Friday and loved it.

 

I was tired when I got home and too lazy to buckle my shoes.  But I got pictures.

 

This dress is comfortable and easy to wear.

When I was making it - Carolyn asked what I was going to do at the waist.

I thought about adding ribbon, but the belt is a good choice.

 

Look - better side arms.  You can actually see the sides!

This time - I left the walking pleat out - I didn't need it.

I got a TON of compliments on this dress.

And - believe it or not - it's not too casual for everyday work wear.

 

Are you as shocked to hear that as I was?

First Wool Dress

This is what I wore my first day in the new office.   I'm not positive the cardigan works with it and I probably should have grabbed a belt to emphasize my waist - because I do actually have one. 

I felt much butter wearing this than I feel looking at these pictures.  But enough about that.   Not sure if you can tell, but I did actually fix my hair and put make up on and JB took these pictures before I went to work because I didn't have to be there until 10.

Enough about that.  You wanna hear about the dress, right?  Well this was a piece of red wool that I bought at the Pendelton booth during Expo 2011.  It was very lightweight and there was only 2 yards.  I paid $20 for the length of wool. 

The pattern is Simplicity 2648 - the same pattern I used for the interview Suit Dress.

I worked with a friend to get the fit down.  So this time, I just cut and sewed and held my breath a bit because - well it's wool and I have slobbery dogs. 

I can see some drag lines in the photos that I don't notice in real life, so I'm not sure what's up there.  I need to find some more wool in spring colors and make up a few more dresses with different necklines and short sleeves. 


I fully lined the dress and included the walking pleat, although I don't need it to walk in this dress. 

I pressed while sewing and before wearing so I'm not sure what the puckers at the neckline are all about. 

That's about all I have to say about this dress.  If I look at these pictures too much more I will never wear it again. 

Happy Mid - Week everyone. 

Dress Suit?

 Totally and completely inspired by Carolyn as most of my sewing is.  Unfortunately - I don't have the stash of lovely fabrics like she does as mostly my sewing has been limited to quilting cottons.  I am trying to get over that - honest. 

In November, a sewing friend and I made plans to get together and work on fitting.  I have always wanted a 'straight' dress that fit me.  Ideally, I'd like a darted sheath dress, but thankfully we had been working on this Simplicity Amazing Fit Dress - Pattern 2648.  We had the fit all worked out and I have to say, in a single fabric - I didn't love it.  It looked boring and very blah on me.  It needed some interest - like the belt.  My friend and I both agreed.

When I saw Carolyn's dress for her Pleasant Purple Dress and Jacket - I knew that would work.  I felt comfortable and confident in the dress all day.  Although I will say - there are things I could have done differently - like lining the dress or at least the bodice.  I used bias to finish the neckline and armholes and fought with them while wearing.  Not good. 

After finishing the dress on Sunday, I was ready to start the jacket.  I have never made a jacket and this one is not perfect by any means.  Look closely the buttons and buttonholes are reversed! 

I was amazed how much I was able to get done in just a couple of hours each evening after work.  That time is usually reserved for knitting and mindless tv watching with JB.  Last week however, I went down to the studio and sewed until 10 Monday and Tuesday.  Wednesday I put the buttonholes in and didn't have the chance to start sewing until after 10 - but I was on a deadline and couldn't leave it - see what happens when you sew tired?

The jacket is a total and complete rip off of Carolyn's.  Imitation being the highest form of flattery and all that - I do hope she knows how much she inspires me to stretch myself and do better.  Next time I'll use 'good fabric.'

Also thanks to Carolyn - JB is taking more than one photo.  He's trying harder to make me comfortable and look good.  We are experimenting with new places in the house to take pictures.  The first 2 photos were taken in the arched doorway between our living spaces and kitchen.  The last photo was taken on the landing - mid floors.  JB was standing at the top trying to get all of me in the photo - he kept saying he could get my head or my shoes - but not both. 

This outfit really needed taupe shoes - but I didn't have any.  Nor do I own a pair of black pumps - can you believe that?  The grey were better than the brown - so that's what I went with.  I felt pretty and comfortable and confident in this outfit.