Friday, March 14, 2014

Let's Par-tay: Simplicity 1873

I mentioned in my second-last post that a little while ago I asked my Instagram friends to weigh in on whether I should sew Simplicity 1688 or Simplicity 1873 for my sister's first engagement party (a dinner at Seamstress Restaurant - how befitting!):



Overwhelmingly (apart from two people!) the answer was 1873. Well, you already know that I mashed up the two patterns to make a sheath, but I also did as I was told, and made 1873 for the engagement dinner!


This one is made from an amazing mid-weight Italian cotton with some stretch from Tessuti. I lined the bodice only in blue anti-static lining, also from Tessuti. 


Here are the changes I made :
  • I took 10cm out of the neckline - a standard adjustment for me, but I do wonder what is going on drafting wise. 
  • For the under arm seams only, I used a 2.5cm seam allowance tapering to the standard 1.5cm at the waist.
  • I took a 2cm horizontal dart out of the skirt the entire way around as I had some very odd pouching just above my hips. 
  • I extended the back darts by about 1.5cm as I had excess fabric there. 
  • I lengthened the skirt by 10cm so that I could keep it short with a 10cm hem. I like a really deep hem (5cm turned up twice) in a full skirt. 




This is actually really comfortable. The bodice has some ease in it so it is excellent for eating a huge meal in. Ruth's 30th Birthday dinner was last night - we went to Meat & Wine Co. in Hawthorn. I've been to the one at Southbank a couple of times for business lunches, but the one in Hawthorn is a bit nicer in my opinion. The decor is a bit fancier. I had a very good steak. And a creme brûlée. Then we went back to Ruth's house and played cards for a while. Little M was at a sleepover at her mate's house - although she's had a few sleepovers before, I still feel weird coming back to the house without her there. And my stupid body clock woke me at 7am. Grrr. 

So this is my par-tay dress! I haven't really been sewing for myself of late. I have had lots of birthday presents for kids, and Little M's birthday dress and leggings. I have toiled the Sigma Dress by Papercut Patterns and am really hoping to start that this weekend. Wish me luck!


25 comments:

  1. Awesome dress Rachel. So flattering, floaty/spinny and fun. A perfect party dress.

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  2. This is absolutely mashing, lady! Those alterations have really paid off (I was wondering if it was only me who found the front neckline waaaay too long!) This is a frock that needs some dancing!

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  3. fabulous fabric! Really meshes well with this pattern, love the pleats of the skirt!

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  4. I love this fabric. I almost bought it myself and now I'm kicking myself for not! You look great. Great dress, great pattern choices. I understand with the kid thing, but I feel worse in the morning when they are not here. I must go to mum's and collect them soon :)

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  5. This looks lovely!!! Yay to listening to instagram friends x

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  6. Perfect party dress! I was just looking at this pattern today. I need a party dress for a wedding in May. Love it!

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  7. Thanks Liza Jane - this is the perfect party dress! You would look great in it.

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  8. Thanks Kirsty. I love instagram - am becoming totally addicted to it.

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  9. Thanks Christy. I saw the fabric in Tessuti's flickr page and made a mad phone call to get it. It sat in my stash for a while. I feel weird in the mornings too - M usually comes in for a cuddle and then announces 'it is time to get up!' - weird when it doesn't happen.

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  10. Thanks Rebecca! The pleats are much more flattering than gathers I think.

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  11. Thanks Amanda! The neckline is totally weird isn't it?!

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  12. Thanks FF. I do really like it!

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  13. Thanks Anna! I do want to twirl whenever I put it on.

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  14. Thanks! I think I am a bit obsessed with fit.

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  15. It's gorgeous Rachel - I especially love how the pleats at the back look on you - I've got such a soft spot for gathered/pleated skirts - they're so much fun to wear!

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  16. wow! amazing dress and fit. love it so much.

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  17. You look amazing in this dress - great pics!

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  18. Thanks Mel. I prefer a pleated skirt now -- after having a baby I think the pleats sit in a more flattering way against my not-as-flat tummy. And they still have the twirl-a-bility factor!

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  19. Thanks Emma - they were fun to take! Having them indoors made me a bit less self-conscious than in our front yard!

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  20. You look gorgeous in this dress! Love it.

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  21. Oh Rachel, I adore your par-tay dress - especially the whirling shot! Fantastic fit, and great to see those legs too.

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  22. Awesome dress, love the twirl factor - and a great fit too!

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