Simplicity 3803 is complete, and boy am I glad. I'm ready to turn my attention to some crafty things that will provide a boost of confidence and some quick satisfaction after this experience. It took me an entire month to finish this project! Without further ado:
Pattern Description:
Dress with empire waist and full skirt, with option for halter neck.
Pattern Sizing:
12-20
Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?
Yes!
Were the instructions easy to follow?
I found the instructions to be fairly good, although I can tell I was too tired at one point because I made up my own way to line the waistband when the pattern clearly tells you how to do it.
What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?
I really liked the shape of the dress and how summery it is.I hated putting in the zipper! I really struggled where there were several layers of fabric and it looks pretty bad. I am counting on no one looking too closely!
Fabric Used:
$1 yd. mystery sheer pink stripe from Walmart. This fabric was delicate and not the easiest to work with. %100 cotton lining from Hobby Lobby
Pattern Alterations or any design changes you made:
I tried to line the skirt even though the pattern doesn't call for it because my fabric was just too sheer to do without a lining. This is one of the places I struggled the most. It looks ok from the outside but the inside is a disaster! If you have any suggestions for doing this, I'd love to hear them! Also, I think the lining fabric was too heavy to complement the sheer outer fabric.
Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?
I might sew this again next summer if I get a lot better at sewing before then!
Conclusion:
A pretty summer dress that I'll barely get to wear before it's too cold! Too bad it took me nearly a month to get it finished.
In the interest of full disclosure, here's a pic of that zipper. I know, I probably shouldn't wear it in public but I'm going to anyway. I can't stand for something I spent so much time on to languish in the closet!
Now, on to something crafty! Handbag, anyone?
7 comments:
It looks great and fits you nicely. Don't worry about the zipper---I can guarantee that no one will notice it!
Congratulations on this project!
At least you tried a zipper, I haven't tried one yet. I'm fearful, but I agree with sarah, no one will notice that.
No one will notice the zipper unless you point it out to them. You even matched the stripes. I think you did a good job. As for the lining, A batiste probably would have been the best weight. Sometimes it is easier to under line (sew both fabrics as one) and then finish the seams together. If you have a serger, that is the easiest way. There are plenty of other seam finishes out there, but in the beginning, just trimming them with pinking shears is perfectly fine. (I still finish lots of my seams that way) Good for you for sticking with this project to completion. A lined dress is no simple task.
You did a nice job on this dress. Trying something new is always a challenge and a great learning opportunity. You look pretty in your dress.
Oh, I think it looks great! I don't think you should think anything of wearing it in public!
Wowie! That is a great dress. Good for you!
Great job! I think it turned out lovely and you should be proud! As for the zipper, I almost always use an invisible zipper, even if the pattern doesn't call for one. I find them much easier to install (get an invisible zipper foot) and I like the look better.
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