DIY Simplicity 8458 Et 8386

For Simplicity 8458 I used a size 20 but I took off  1.5 inch, so next time I will size down  in the waist and grade to the 20 for a puffy skirt. The skirt itself was quite simple to make although there are somethings I would do differently. For instance I sewed the lining and skirt as one piece, on the next go round I would attach them at the waistband and sew them separately. I think that would make hemming a bit easier.  Speaking of Hemming. I waited until I got my Petticoat to complete (which was an excellent idea) because I took off over 5 inches. I did like the original length of the skirt and am searching for a  longer petticoat.

The fabric was a party print from Joann Fabrics and it took me forever to find a matching pink for the top.

For Simplicity 8386 I added flowers to the bodice. The shirt itself seemed to regular without some additional items. 

                                                                             

DIY Simplicity 1346 Et Simplicity 8386

I was so happy to have finished this outfit and I love the way it came out. The shirt is a stable knit polka dot from Joann fabrics Simplicity 8386. What can I say, I love this pattern, it is so easy to make and I don't think it will ever go out of style. Wear it on should or off shoulder its still cute.

The skirt is a cotton also from Joann fabrics with white anchors. Simplicity 1346, is also super easy to make although I'm not sure that I like where it hits on my torso, its still a cute summery skirt.

And of course

Simplicity 8386

What I'm working on.....

I am using a ponte knit-roma? for one of these(RED) and a more stretchy knit(PINK) for the other. When I saw this pattern I was all in, after I made a mock up though I didn't really like it, it made my bust look huge, I had gaping and swayback issues...HMN

I love 1950's clothing so decided to draft a sweetheart neckline to make this a classic piece. That at least gave the bust a more appealing visual. 7 attempts later here I am, satisfied and ready to complete.


The pink -above photo- was one of my attempts at a sweetheart neckline and it didn't work out so well,back to the drawing board I went.


(******Off Topic Kind Of*****On another mock-up of this, in a more stretchy fabric (PINK) I made a size 12 and it fit pretty decent, the swayback adjustment was still needed. I attribute the fit to the different levels of stretch in each knit. I was still a little surprised though by how much I had to size down to get a decent fit on both.

Now I'm contemplating on how to finish the bodice(RED) , I'm thinking I will omit the bias binding and elastic and just use a facing. I would really like to use the binding and elastic but do not want the stitching to show. Decisions, Decisions.


List of Alterations:
Sweet heart neckline
1 inch sway back adjustement
1 Inch armhole gape adjustment-(It took me a second to realize that the gaping was from the difference in the upper bust and full bust. )
Add 1/2 seam allowance to the neckline and hem
 I started with a size 20 and went down to the size 16 
Shortened the sleeves both width and length-add 1/2 seams allowance to match up 


So much work for such a simple top geez! 

AND.....Introducing Zambique, the newest edition to the flock

AND of course I cannot leave you without photo's of Zulu

CIAO!!!