Sunday, July 3, 2016

A New Summer Dress ... Simplicity 2404 (OOP)

I want to thank all of you who  left comments on my recent posts. When my blogging mojo lags, you make  me want to continue showing my stuff in spite of a lack of enthusiasm for the photo taking process. Having said that, I'm so glad I have you to share this week's project with  It's  one of my favorite things to sew.. a summer dress.

Here is the dress






and the pattern (now out of print ) Simplicity 2404.




The fabric is a beautiful rayon jacquard I've used before for an entirely different dress.
I had many meters of this  lovely and I even have more which I'll use in the years that follow.

I absolutely love the silhouette of this dress. It seams to skim over the body and I think it's very flattering to my figure.  I made this version years ago and it's my go to dress on a hot sticky summer day. That version was a stretch cotton poplin which is just wonderful for summer clothes.

I cut my usual size 10 above the bust and size 14 at the size seams. That was too much extra. Size 12 plus 1/4 inch is perfect for me for this one, if that is any help to anyone. I most often cut size 12 at side seams . Since this is an Amazing Fit pattern , there was no need to make an FBA but I did make , Sway Back, and Upper Rounded Back  adjustments to my pattern as I do for all my clothes.


I love the split neckline of this pattern. I reinforced the slit with heavy fusible pellon, which is necessary for it to stand up.


I used the neck facing provided in the pattern but for the armholes ,I used bias strips of self fabric which looks just fine and works so much better than facings.


Since I had lots of fabric, I took special care to match the print along center front and back. I felt so virtuous because this is not something I usually do!.


For once , the invisible zipper went in just right! This is the method I use.



I just love this dress. I have it on right now and its 's so comfy and I don't have to suck in my belly nor wear Spanx!







It's a lovely Sunday afternoon here and since I'm alone with no hubby today, I think I'll sit out on the deck before heading for my sewing room.



Next week, I'll show you the self designed jumpsuit I made for the Meet and Greet night of my 50th High school reunion. I love it !!


14 comments:

Carolyn (Diary of a Sewing Fanatic) said...

This is a great dress. I love that you made it up in a rayon print that just screams summer! And used a pattern that I would have used in my former life...it gives me hope that all of those dress patterns I've collected over the years can still be sewn.

Lynn said...

You are inspiring me to try a slimmer/skimmer dress for summer. We have very similar body shapes, it seems, as I make the same pattern adjustments you describe. Wouldn't it be a hoot if we could walk into each other's closets and everything fit!

Rosalind Clayton said...

Beautiful job as always! It fits you so well & looks super to boot!

Vicki said...

Lovely. It is great to have some summer dresses for those really hot days.

Nancy K said...

It's lovely and flattering. I like these big florals especially the fact that yours is not made up of dozens of colors which make my eyes twitch.

mandysaunders said...

A lovely dress. The fabric is beautiful and the dress really suits you.

Coco said...

Pretty pretty...my mojo has been slo-jo lately as well, but I do enjoy browsing everyone's makes. I think the solution would be winning the lottery and buying tons of fabric :-) This dress looks perfect for summer heat.

Ohhhmy said...

Hi Diana, such a perfect summer dress. Enjoy the tips you share and your extra effort to match the pattern really makes a difference. Super!

Ann Brodsky said...

Beautiful dress- I would steal this from you in a heartbeat if I could!

Joyree said...

I love the BLUE, of course, and the style, and you in it!
Hugs, Joy

Joyree said...

So glad to know how you finished the V. I avoid them because they always flop down on me.

Sharon said...

Pattern matching does make you proud and the fabric sounds divine. Thank you for how you stablise the V as this is something that I like but wasn't sure how much I could use.

Your blue dress looks lovely on you and is perfect for the summer weather you are having.

Irene said...

Gorgeous dress - perfect for summer! And amazing pattern matching on that back seam.

MaryEllen said...

Very stylish dress & cool - great job