Sunday, March 14, 2010

Simplicity 2550 - Runway Ready

Finished!!! Now I am so over this dress that I can't enjoy it. I rushed it at the end and I can see a few things I may have to revisit. Anyway good enough to put in the cupboard and move onto other things.

Photos for you...

Not so happy in this shot but I think it shows the front better.

The back... the walking vent drove me insane - I had heaps of trouble finishing the lining about it and it now doesn't seem to sit quite straight, but I am hoping a wash and a press will correct it (wishful thinking???)
The bodice front close-up.


The zipper - It went in really well on the first go and is a bit lower than I would like, but I was not willing to un-sew it, so I have added a tab at the top. The matching went reasonably well though...


The pattern uses facings but I chose to line it by cutting the lining fabric the same as the outer pieces. I used the facing pieces to cut interfacing which I applied to the inside of the lining.


I could see no way of avoiding exposed seams in the bodice so the lining ended up more like an underlining here. It does help the fabric hold its shape and I tried to finish as neatly as I could. The wrap-over section on the front was the cause of this. Maybe with more experience I will work out a better way eventually.


The zip from the inside showing the tab at the top.

Overall - pretty happy! It is comfy to wear, required no alterations (I was wondering if I should have fitted it more but this is how the ease looks pretty much in their photo and it is very comfortable with the amount of ease it has). The lining makes it seem comfortable too, but I know it is going to be a bear to iron!!

Review here.

23 comments:

  1. That's one fabulous dress. The fit is perfect and the silhouette and colour is stunning on you. Well done!

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  2. I love it! I am definitely buying this pattern now. I've lined a few dresses in poplin and I find it way more comfortable in this climate. Friday I wore a dress lined in very fine silk and it was sticking to me all day. Your little tab is a great idea.

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  3. looking great! Very flattering and the colour is lovely on you.

    Now of course you lined it, but I'm curious how the dress was originally finished at the edges - because if there were facings you could have attached the lining to them.

    Either way, great job. I totally relate to the feeling of being over a garment. My first sewing teacher used to put her clothes in the back of the wardrobe for a month before she could bear to look at them again.

    I also know about the race to the finish and the regret thereafter. That's when I need to keep the scizzors and the bin far, far away.

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  4. The dress is lovely. The style and colour suit you! I don't think it needs more fitting at all.
    You should be really happy with it!

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  5. You look wonderful in the dress, the fit is fabulous. Very nice work!

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  6. I love this dress on you. It fits well and you've put a lot of good work into it - and it shows :)

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  7. Fits very nicely. Lovely dress.

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  8. You have achieved a beautiful fit in this dress Sue, it is most flattering

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  9. I think it looks great, inside and out, but I totally know what you mean about getting burnt out in the sewing process. I hope you will enjoy wearing it soon!

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  10. Dern! I'm impressed by that lining - I'm doing a full lining as well - I'm going to use your tips and Connie Long's book too!!

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  11. You look really lovely in this dress. It fits great and the fabric print colors compliment your coloring. It is definitely a winner. I believe the way you lined the bodice is sometimes called "lined to the edge" or something similar.

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  12. Dress looks super. Does having a dress form help with your sewing, major investment for me if I go down this track, could we bloggers have your comments on dress forms please. Lesley

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  13. Lovely dress! I like it with the necklace too. Nice touch.

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  14. This is a beautiful dress, it fits you so nicely and what a bonus, no alterations, definitely a winner.

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  15. Your dress looks very nice. Very flattering fit.

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  16. Very pretty! I hear you about the ironing -- boy do I hate to iron!

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  17. The dress is beautiful! And thanks for reminding me about the tab at the top of the invisible zipper!

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  18. The fit is perfect and the silhouette and colour is stunning on you. Well done!
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  19. Gorgeous dress and it looks just as good on the inside.

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  20. The dress is perfect for you! Color, style, fit, everything is so well done. I think that I've seen that fabric somewhere before . . . LOL!

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  21. Fantastic fabric, great colors for you, and a perfect fit! Great work!!

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  22. This dress looks so pretty on you!

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  23. omg, I am struggling with this dress now so I empathize!!!!
    you did a great job though. I think I have to redo mine since I used a fabric that was too bulky and stiff.

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Love to hear what you think...