Zooey

So, I named this dress Zooey, because I think it looks a lot like something Zooey Deschanel would wear.  I definitely like Zooey Deschanel's style, so that's a good thing.

I used Simplicity 2588 for this dress.  My pattern review is here.

Okay, so I love this dress pattern, but I was originally drawn to the blue version on the cover with the lace and the sleeves.  However, after I saw this post on Sew Weekly, I had to knock off the mod cloth dress.  This project is one of the reasons why I love sewing.  So, I saw this dress before the Sew Weekly post and I really like it...BUT I wanted it in a different color!  Then I saw this post and decided I needed to make this dress!

Cost:
pattern: $.99 ( I love Joann's!)
lining fabric: 2 1/2 yards purple cotton $4
dress fabric: 2 1/2 yards flower cotton $4
notions: Already had on hand!
Total: $8.99!

So, the only real alterations I did was my usual grading from a 16 to an 18 at the waist.  After I had a baby, my little pooch turned into a pooch!  So, I need a little extra room there. Also, I added the tie to the neckline.  My husband thinks that the tie is too long.  I like the length, however.  I think it makes it more dramatic.  The only thing I don't like about the tie is the it causes the neckline to gape a little. 

The instructions were easy.  Everything went together pretty well and I like the possible variations that you can do with this Project Runway pattern. 

What I learned:
I learned that I should wait for DH to come home and help me decide how much of the hem I should cut off.  I got impatient and chopped off two inches and that ended up being about an inch too much.  I had to sew hem tape to the bottom of the skirt and then flip it to the inside.  It's still a little, itsy, bitsy too short for my taste.  I feel more comfortable wearing this with tights or leggings.  However, unlike the brown, sparkly dress, I have worn this a bunch since I made it (February!)

Would I make it again?
Yeah, I would definitely make this again!  I don't know if I would make it with the tie again, because I don't think I need two of the same dress.  I already have some ideas planned out.  Like knocking off this dress:

Right?  Just a little red piping and do the version with sleeves and I have a near perfect knock off!















I like this picture!  I was pointing at my daughter who was trying to climb a tree.  She is only four and pretty short and she was trying to climb this ginormous tree.  It was pretty funny.  Don't worry she wasn't in any danger!

Spring 2012 Simplicity patterns!

I have two finished projects awaiting to be posted here.  I just need to get pictures of me wearing them.  So, that is my goal for this long weekend (that and sewing and reading some, of course).  So, I was going to save all of my posting for this weekend (I went to Joann's today and picked up some Simplicity patterns while they were on sale!).  BUT!  While I was procrastinating going to the gym, I discovered that Simplicity just released their Spring collection!  Out of all of the big sewing companies, I like Simplicity the best.  So, I thought it would be fun to post what I found interesting!

Simplicity 1872

I think this is the pattern everyone is going to want this year!  Cynthia Rowley always puts out great designs and I really love this one.  I have one concern, though.  Let me give you a back story.  When I was in high school, I was an extreme hour glass; fast forward 8 years and one baby later, I am now an apple.  So, I am a little worried that this dress will make me look a little pregnant.  BUT!  This is a wrap dress and a pull over dress (!), so this can't not make the list (hooray for double negatives).

Simplicity 1873

This one I thought was really cute.  If you can find a really nice quality print then I think this dress will sing.  I love simple designs because they give you the chance to show off some great fabric.  I love view B and C and those only take 2 to 2.5 yards of fabric.  So, I am thinking that this will definitely make it on my list.

Simplicity 1880

I love this shirt dress pattern because of the nice full skirt.  With my body shape, I love how I look with nice full skirts.  Also, you should know something, I LOVE Kate Middleton.  I love her style.  I should do a blog post on my style.  Anyways, I just love Kate Middleton, and as soon as Simplicity patterns went on sale this fall, I ran out and bought 2145!  I just need to find the perfect navy blue fabric for that dress.  Kate Middleton wore a yellow dress similar to the yellow dress on the pattern envelope (surprise, surprise).  So, yeah, I am most definitely getting this pattern.

Simplicity 1881

Now, I already have a pattern that looks a little like this.  It is Simplicity 3503 (I cannot find a picture of it right now), but I really like the neckline of view B and I love the sleeves that attach to it.  I am not 100% sure that I am going to buy this pattern because it looks so similar to 3503.  BUT!  I have made 3503 three separate times and I wear those dresses all the time.  I actually wore a version of it today when I went to the park with my little one.

Simplicity 1886

Now, when I first started sewing, I would have looked this pattern right over and not given it the time of day.  But, after sewing two Colette Sorbettos, with more on the way, I realized that boxy tops actually look good on me.  Also, this shirt can provide a lot of embellishment opportunities.  I can tell right now, though, that I am going to have to lengthen the shirt.  I can do an ENTIRE post on my body and it's little quirks, but I will save that for another day.


Simplicity 1882

This one I am not sure about, however I do like view B.  I really don't know if I will buy this, but if I happen to find the right fabric for it, I wouldn't mind giving it a shot.

Simplicity 1900

I think my daughter would LOVE one of these dolls.  I would just need to find some high quality felt.  I have yet to run this by Kayleigh, but we will see what she says.

Simplicity 1890

This is another one for Kayleigh I love pretty much every dress.  I will have to run this one by Kayleigh as well.  She is a little fashionista and is VERY particular about the clothes she wears.  She also hounds me about making dresses for her.  I don't make her clothes that often, because she wont wear them.  It's not that she doesn't like them; it's that she likes them TOO much and she doesn't want to get them dirty!  

And, here is a parting shot.  This one made me laugh!  It's not that I wouldn't make it, if I were pregnant or had a baby, I would make this in a heartbeat!  It's just too cute!

Simplicity 1898

Ok, no more stalling, I need to go to the gym...