Sunday, November 18, 2007

Simplicity 3539




I love this dress! I bought this pattern at the $1.99 sale at Hancock's last week. I've always liked this style of dress, but have never made one because all I could think of was "maternity" and once you've actually worn maternity dresses, you don't want to look like you're wearing one if you're not! Anyway, this style is so popular that I thought I would give it a try. If found this wool blend at Hancocks also, and I love the way it feels. It has the feel and drape of rayon challis, with just a little bit more body. It was perfect for this dress.


I didn't really follow the directions too much because I decided to line the whole thing. The pattern has you face the yoke, which in essence is a lining of that part. But then they want you to use bias tape to finish the armholes. I just made another skirt section out of lining fabric and put the two "dresses" together to line it following the guide line in Connie Long's book Easy Guide to Sewing Linings.

I have posted a tutorial on how to do the lining here. So, dear readers, if you get a chance, will you take a look at the tutorial and see if it makes sense and let me know? Of course, it makes perfect sense to me, but I know what I'm trying to say! LOL!

Again, I just love this dress, and even my daughter thought it was cute and wants me to make one for her with sleeves for her work. I can see a lot of summer dresses coming from this pattern as well.

14 comments:

Lisette M said...

I really like your dress!I must pick this one up during the next sale.

Anonymous said...

I haven't tried the lining yet, but will shortly. I have seen it in a magazine before, but your photos make it much easier to understand.
Thanks for taking the time to do the tutorial.

Shannon said...

Great dress! It is sophisticated, yet comfy looking - the best of both worlds.

Lori said...

Cute dress and love your shoes. Enjoyed your interview with Toya on Inspirational Wednesday

narcissaqtpie said...

I love the dress too! You are wearing it well.

Summerset said...

It is cute! I think I'd shy away from this pattern because of the maternity factor, like you. Your version has a lot of potential - belted or not or as a jumper or dress, too.

Maureen said...

I REALLY like this one Nancy, very classy and the shoes are perfect with it!

Chicago Sarah said...

I'm on the other side- people are just dying for me to be wearing maternity clothes and I'm NOT so, didn't want to try that dress for the same reason. But now I'm inspired. Love it. And thanks for the lining tips...

007gurl said...

I love the dress. I think that it could work as a great Spring dress for me. I like how you styled it also.

Carolyn (Diary of a Sewing Fanatic) said...

Nancy - that is a kewl dress and it looks so comfortable on you!

Anonymous said...

That is one gorgeous dress, Nancy!

Elaray said...

That's a lovely dress! I didn't think "maternity" at all!

Anonymous said...

That's a very flattering look on you.
Evidently the wool blend has a nice drape for this style to not make it look "maternityish"

toy said...

so cute, I love the color and it looks great on you, wow!