Belted Dress - Simplicity 2406

Item 2 of the Fall Palette Challenge:

Pattern: Simplicity 2406 - A Cynthia Rowley design

Pattern Description: Belted dress with gathered 3/4 raglan sleeves

Pattern Sizing: Size H5 (6-14), I made a size 14.



Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it? Yes, it did.

Were the instructions easy to follow? Yes, very much.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? There was nothing I didn't like about the dress, the only problem I had was the mistake I made. I should have bought the next size group and made a 16 instead of the 14 which is two inches too small at the hips. When cutting, I then forgot to add that missing width to the dress, it can be worn but is a bit snug when I have my hands in the pockets. However, what I love about the pattern is the pockets and the gathered wide neckline.

Fabric Used: Sew Classics brown heather solid suiting, $6.99 per yard 50% off from Jo-Ann Fabrics; Coats & Clark thread in Twig #8480, that perfectly matches the fabric; and Pellon Easy-Knit fusible interfacing.

Pattern Alterations or any design changes you made: I made four changes; three because of the pattern and one because of my own mistake. After being warned about the pocket installation instructions in Kyle's review of this dress I instead did them the way I always do and avoided a headache. Also in the same review I learned that additional length would need to be added to the sash and that I could eliminate the zipper completely because the dress would still fit over the head.

Because I made the dress in the wrong size I also had to decrease the back seam allowance to 1/2" instead of 5/8" in order to add as much width as I could to the dress. However, I forgot another point from Kyle's review that stated just how wide the neckline was so I should have only increased it from the waist down and actually decreased the area above to bring in that wide neckline. Oh well, I'll make lingerie bra guards later.

Too much fabric in bodice.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others? Yes, I would with the modifications mentioned above, of course. Perhaps, I'll try a print next time.

How to wear it in the Winter!

Conclusion: A cool non-fussy dress suitable for work or traveling because (Bonus!) this fabric does not wrinkle!