Simplicity 2497

Can I just say, I love this dress; not only do I love it because it looks good, feels good and was easy to sew. I love it most because I feel good in it. This was the first Christmas in a long time that I felt that what I had on really represented what was in my spirit. I usually end up putting on whatever I can find that fits and that looks festive. I realized that the last time I felt this good about my Christmas fit, I made that one too. My plan for 2010 is to make at least 90% of my clothes and only have things in my closet that I absolutely love. I don't believe that clothes alone make the woman but I do believe that when you feel good and feel that you look good, you walk a little taller and exude that much more confidence.

Pattern Description: Cynthia Rowley - sewing patterns dresses. Misses' dress in three lengths with neckline variations.

Pattern Sizing: (12-14-16-18-20)

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it? YES, YES, YES!!!!

Were the instructions easy to follow? The instructions were pretty well written EXCEPT for the knarly zipper insertion/left pocket instructions. I still don't know exactly what they wanted me to do I just made it work. When fitting the dress, it is most important to make sure that the band at the waist fits the bodice and the skirt are very forgiving since both are gathered at the waist.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? I love the lovely ruffle and the simple lines of the dress. I also liked the novelty of the invisble side zipper instead of a back zipper. This really is a quick dress to put together and in fact, my muslin went together in just a few hours. My only dislike was the confusion caused by the zipper insertion instructions.

Fabric Used: Deluxe Stretch Cotton Sateen Pattern alterations or any design changes you made: Because I had to make room for my extremely ample bust, I added two inches to the length of the bodice and did a two inch FBA.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others? I would recommend this dress. I know I should say no because the style is so distinct, but I definitely plan to make this dress again and already have the fabric picked out for Spring.

Conclusion: This is a great dress. I loved my fabric choice which was great because of the stiffness of the fabric to make the ruffle stand up and the stretch was good because it allows the dress slightly more fittted which I will take into account the next time I make it.

Just because I like them so much, one more shot of my fabulous shoes!