Simplicity 2246

I take a course every semester with a local designer and some great seamstresses in fashion design. I LOVE it. We chat, we learn, we make stuff.  Every class I have an "aha" moment and it's like my world is being turned upside down.

Last semester we focused on pants and blouses.  For my blouse, I chose to make Simplicity 2246, which is a Lisette pattern from the designer of Olive S & Co.  I made view A, so instead of a blouse, it’s actually a shirt dress.  

 

(image from: www.simplicity.com)

 Modifications: in order to meet the requirements for class, I drafted a sleeve placket and cuff and also a proper stand collar (in lieu of the faux stand collar included with the pattern). I used a size 10 and graded to the 12 at the waist and hips. 

The material is fine wale navy blue corduroy that attracts lint like no one’s business.  I decided not to line the dress as I will likely wear a slip with it and finished the seams with a serger.

Overall, I’m very happy with how this turned out. The final version is a little looser than my muslin (I think the corduroy has a bit of stretch in it), but I’m used to wearing more fitted clothing, so I think it will just take some getting used to.  I wore it to work the other day thinking that I would wear tights for the walk in and then take them off and just wear it with ballet flats…Um, yeah, summer’s over Jacey.  I had my tights off for ½ hour before I got too cold and had to put them back on.  Then my dress clung to them all day like a small child not wanting to let go of its mother.  Next on my sewing list is a slip!!

Oh, and I looked down while I was sitting at my desk when I wore it to work and found that perhaps the buttons are spaced a little too far apart as I had skin showing around my stomach.  Another reason I really need to make a slip!

My pants from the class are the ever popular Jalie jeans and are still waiting for belt loops and waistband.  I won't lie, I'm nervous about them.  They didn't fit well out of the gate and I'm afraid they're going to look a little "becky home-ecky".  So, I'll either have a pair of great jeans to show you soon, or we can all have a giggle at my new "painting jeans":)

(sorry about the crappy pics -- I'm relying on my iPhone right now as my other camera recently decided everything should be pink. I'm shopping around for cameras, so hopefully it won't be for too much longer!)