I picked this garment for #smyly2018, the sewing makes you love yourself challenge. I love this dress you all. Ignore my pale legs though. When I actually wear this, it’ll need leggings. It’s slightly too short when I bend down for no leggings. I added 2″ though, so it would totally be a tunic if I made it without that adjustment. Anyways, sewing has allowed me to have dresses like this in my wardrobe that I would normally talk myself out of buying because it’s not something I need and it would be pricey in store. Anytime I get compliments on my wardrobe, I’m way more proud of creating it and makes the compliment so much more meaningful. Honestly, I don’t have body issues, I’m just not confident in myself. Sewing is, at least I hope, making me put more pride into my self worth.
For Christmas, my best friend got me a crushed velvet fabric from Joann’s. As soon as I saw it, I started mentally looking through my patterns for a good match. I was debating between s8383 and s8424. I went with s8383. I should note that I don’t think this fabric was stretch velvet, there is very little stretch and the pattern is meant for knits. Big 4 often has extra ease, although I don’t find that to be the case with a lot of Simplicity patterns, Mccall’s is a bigger offender. The only part that not having stretch was an issue is the underarm. It was too tight, but I just cut an extra 1/4″ out of it and it fit great. The turtleneck could maybe use a little more room but it’s not bad and I haven’t worn a turtleneck in years.
I sewed up a straight small, which I normally grade bigger in waist, but with the tent-like shape I figured it would be ok, and I was right.
One odd thing I thought about the pattern was it had you sew up the back seam and leave room for the zipper. I sewed the zipper in and then the rest of the seam. All the indie patterns I’ve done instruct that way, and I prefer it that way.
This sewed up really quickly. Let’s talk adjustments. I added 2″ in length which was much needed. If I make this again (and I plan to) I would add even more length. Maybe 2 more inches. I’m 5’7″ for reference. I took 1/4″ out of underarm. I added in seam pockets, which I tried the dress on with the just the shoulder seams sewn together, so I could pick a good spot for the pockets to land. And I also made a belt. I was nervous the tent like shape wouldn’t work well for me, especially with the added structure in the fabric, as I usually wear fit and flare. I actually love it with or without the belt. I made it as long as possible to wrap it, I’m guessing 2 or 3 yards. I don’t know how many yards of fabric it was.
Pattern: S8383 view D
Size: Small
Fabric: Crushed velvet from Joann’s
Adjustments: 2″ in length, 1/4″ out of underarm, inseam pockets, and belt.
Overall: Love the pattern. Totally would make again. It was a really easy sew. I would love to try the other views.
