Simplicity 2497
This is a great pattern so out it came again to pair with the garden birds cotton print I bought recently.
I did attempt to add piping on the bottom of the neck band to minimise the effect of cutting off some of the birds heads at the seams, but the neckband is pretty curved and the piping had the effect of easing in the fabric so much that joining the band and bodice together was an exercise in major frustration. Then I decided to lighten up about the print and just treat it as a floral and I'm happy with how it came out despite having a few decapitated birds round my neck and waist (that sounds weird...!).
I made View A, size 12 with no changes other than adding a full lining since my fabric was on the thin side. In my previous versions I have left out the side seam pockets but I decided to add them this time. I must admit putting a side seam pocket where you also have a side zipper threw me a bit, but after some pinning and checking I got there in the end.
Here is the inside of the dress, the cotton I originally planned to use for the piping became contrast facings. I actually quite like how this looks so maybe a solid version with contrast neck and waistband is on the cards. The pattern comes with separate sleeve lining pieces which act as a stay for the puffed sleeve in view A.
Look, functional pockets!
I did wonder if the bird print, puffed sleeves and gathered skirt would end up being too cute and girly a combination for me but I really like how it turned out and I'm sure this dress is going to be worn till it falls to bits like it's predecessor.
Another great version. You've nailed this pattern. From a distance it does look like a large floral print (not that that is a bad thing) and no-one worries about cutting off flowers heads..
ReplyDelete-Sewingelle
This looks fantastic! The birds are v. cool. Great to get multiple uses out of a pattern.
ReplyDeleteCute. Nice style on you.
ReplyDeleteIt really does work...looks lovely.
ReplyDeleteI really should try this pattern. Another nice dress, love the fabric.
ReplyDeletehow cute! I've used this pattern, but made it into a top. Love this version.
ReplyDeleteI have always loved this pattern and your fabric is so perfect. It's nice to see it made up in the non-ruffle version (even though that's the one I bought it for and still haven't made up). Now I like this version better! Where did you get the fabric?
ReplyDeleteLovely dress, Allison. Not to girly at all, just feminine.
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely dress! Just in time for the hot weather in Hong Kong.
ReplyDeletewhat cool fabric, looks great and perfect for summer.
ReplyDeleteI absolutely adore this dress. Love the print. It's not twee at all.
ReplyDeleteLove your dress! One of these days I'm going to put the pattern back together and make a dress as intended. I love your print and the decapitated birds are not distracting at all :) Very nice!
ReplyDeleteThis looks so fun in the print. I never would have thought to try that. I couldn't see past the cocktail vibe of the photo.
ReplyDeleteThis pattern is such a winner on you that you could sew it in just about any print or color and it would work! I think it is spot on!
ReplyDeleteI love the print, beautiful dress!
ReplyDeletePretty :)
ReplyDeleteThe print is so cute! Love your new dress.
ReplyDeleteLovely! I had not seen this before in the non-ruffled version, and I quite like it! Great birds :-)
ReplyDeleteI love it! That fabric is just too cute!!
ReplyDeleteNot too girly for you by any stretch and I didn't even notice the decapitated birds! Oh that made me laugh :).
ReplyDeleteLovely dress and it is such a versatile pattern.
Your Rowley dress is soooo cute Allison, love the print.
ReplyDeleteIt looks perfect for a hot Hong Kong summer. The birds are wonderful for this dress which looks great on you.
ReplyDeleteOh my gosh, those little birds are so sweet, all chubby and colourful, this could easily have gone over the edge of too cutesie but I think the black background makes it all perfect.
ReplyDeleteLove your dress! I need to make this pattern... all your versions have been so lovely!
ReplyDeleteLove it,decapitated birds and all.
ReplyDeleteThis dress is so flattering on you, I'm happy to see your gave it another go. The print is whimsical, looks designer! Great choice
ReplyDeleteAnother beautiful dress! The print is fantastic!
ReplyDeleteYou've given me food for thought about how to use this pattern which was bought on a whim after seeing the frilly version. Your flying in this dress!
ReplyDeleteWhat a fun, flattering dress. The print is so pretty and unique.
ReplyDeleteWhat a unique print that you've used to make an awesome dress!
ReplyDeleteVery pretty!
ReplyDeleteThis pattern was so loved at first for the ruffle collar, but it seems like its being rediscovered for its simpler views lately. Love how yours turned out in such a fun print.
ReplyDeleteThis is adorable! And I am very amused by your decapitated birds. I should try this version of the pattern; I've made the ruffley version twice and it's an easy to wear but high impact style.
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely dress! I had an eye on this pattern, and your make it look much better to me now. Pockets are a plus to this pretty dress.
ReplyDeleteHi! Love this! Can you tell me who makes the fabric or where you got it? I want to make a skirt!
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