I've been wanting to move my blog away from Blogspot for a while but could never be bothered to actually do it. This week was the tipping point though, and I've now fully migrated over to https://patsypoomakes.wordpress.com/ . The blogspot address will remain here but all new posts will only appear at https://patsypoomakes.wordpress.com/ . There are lots of reasons for the move but my biggest one is how hard Blogger has made it for people to subscribe to receive new posts via email. It's such a basic requirement but apparently, they think it's too much to offer. I'm basing this purely on how I myself prefer to consume this stuff. I can't be arsed with feed readers anymore and emails are easy and convenient. When I receive one, if I fancy reading it, I will click through to it and, if not, I'll just delete it. Another reason is the spat between Google (owners of Blogger) and Instagram/Facebook/Meta. I don't even know if this is still the case anymore
When I went to Copenhagen last June I decided I needed a new dress to take with me. The problem was that this decision came late one night, about 5 days before I was due to go. I should also mention that, at the time, I hadn't yet finished a top I was working on and had a pair of trousers still to hem. Unrealistic deadlines. Who doesn't love them?!
Thankfully, this time it worked out and gave me a kick up the butt to make a dress that I'd had planned for over a year.
I give you, Simplicity Lisette 1419.
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| neckline detail |
It actually fits like an absolute dream. I love the shape of it. There are pleats (who doesn't love pleats?), there's a notched? keyhole? neckline and there are pockets. What's not to like? There's a peter pan collar option as well and I did consider it for a while. But I'm glad I scrapped it. I like the **simplicity** of it. Haha! See what I did there? See what I did? *wink, wink, nudge, nudge*
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| Pleats and pockets |
I cut a size 8 bodice grading up to a 10 at the waist. My actual measurements would have me cut a 10-12 combo though so I'm glad I took a risk or it'd have been huge. Why is there so much ease built into these patterns? Honestly.
It was really easy to put together. The most time consuming part for me was making the bias tape and finishing the armholes. That always takes time though. I cut it out on Tuesday night and then made it up in little bursts of sewing time here and there. It was finished by Thursday night.
I followed the instructions blindly as I was on a deadline. Plus, I still feel like a novice at this game so I did as I was told. However, I didn't like the order of construction in parts so I'd do things differently next time. For instance, I would've preferred to attach the zip before the facing. And I did skip a lot of basting that the pattern told me I should do. No, thank you.
I also didn't like that the darts aren't lined up with the pleats. My fabric print hides it very well but on a solid colour I think it'd look odd.
I chose to make a thread loop for the button at the front. I didn't even entertain the idea of a rouleau loop because I HATE them with a passion.
The fabric - coming as a surprise to no one - is just a bog standard cotton. I've had it for about 2 years. It was lovely to sew and I think the print is so cute. I wish I'd bought more so I could make a top out of it too.
I also recently rediscovered the blind hem capability of my sewing machine. Oh, man! I must not forget it again. Easy peasy, lemon squeezy invisible hem in next to no time!
My invisible zip is probably my best one when it comes to matching the waist seam on both sides. It's a thing of beauty!
Wearing it was great as well. It's very comfortable and the pockets are awesome. The perfect size! The first day I wore it though, I felt like the neckline was too high. But it was a very hot day. In Dublin, it didn't bother me at all. And, let's be honest, how many really hot days are we likely to get in Yorkshire? Well, so far this year it's been 2 - and I was away for one of them - so I think I'll manage just fine as it is...
That's it for today but I'll be back with more soon.