Simplicity 1356 & 8104: How I did...

I saw these patterns in the Simplicity sale a few weeks ago, on Daisybuds fabrics. I saw something similar in the walkaway dress but had heard horrid reviews about it so wanted to try something similar but simpler.

 

I saw this pattern, and of course when I saw the girls one I had to have it. I actually ordered both sizes of the girls pattern: age 3-8 and 7-14. I made one for me and one for the girly. 

 

There are only 3 main pattern pieces. A front, back and tie. They are quite big on the adult one, fun to cut out! haha.

 

The main difference between the girls and the adult one is the darts in the front piece. Firstly you need to stay stitch the necks.

 

Next is to sew the darts in the adult version. These get sewn into both fabrics of the front piece.

As you can see, they are fairly long darts. Do the job though :)

 

Next is to add the ribbon to the front piece. The pattern asks for 2 lengths.

I used my pinking shears to pink the ends.

Pin and sew them to the right side of the fabric going in towards the centre of the piece.

I then sewed them on well.

With the girlys I folded them over and sewed them with this little fold over.

 

Next is to sew both fabric front pieces together, right sides together. Make sure the ribbon is inside. I did this by using a safety pin to pin the ends to the bodice so I didn't end up accidently sewing them into a seam (made that mistake before haha). Leave a gap at the side so you can turn it right way out.

You leave the sholders open.

 And a gap at the side to turn it right side out.

 Trim the seam allowances for a neater finish.

I was making this pattern the week the coats were made on the Great British Sewing Bee, and they referred to this part as giving birth. With some projects it does feel like that haha.

 

Once turned out its my favourite bit: topstitching!

Front piece finished!

 

Now for the back piece. This is the piece that has the front ties attached (this may seem strange but bear with me! haha)

 

First to assemble the front ties you place both fabrics right side together:

 

and sew:

 

Then trim seam allowances to achieve a flatter finish when turned right side out.

 

and turn right side out, as its quite thick this shouldn't be too hard.

 

and once again a bit I enjoy: topstitching :)

 

Now sew onto the side of the back piece well, right sides together. Make sure the ends point into the centre of the bodice.

Once again I safety pinned the ends onto the bodice as it is very typical of me to have doh! reach for the unpicker! moments!

 

Then its just a case of sewing the back bodice fabrics, right sides together, just as before.

 

As you recall, we left the shoulders open. That's to insert the front shoulders into the back shoulders and sew well.

 

You may have noticed I turned over the girlys' ribbon and sewed it on with that fold over. Was it because I fancied a change? I can tell you it was not. Yep, I made a boo boo with mine. We are out and about, shopping for fabric and haberdashery of all things, and I'm proudly wearing my me made dress. I feel it loosen a bit. I reach under and find one of the ribbons has frayed and so slipped its stitching. Fine, I can tighten the others and fix it when I get home. Oh, the other one on the same side has gone! I'll have to hold it. Oh good haha.

 

Next time I will definitely do both a zig zag and fold over. That seems to have worked on the girlys' dress.

 

I fixed it with binding, just made some ties by folding the binding over and stitching them onto the sides.

Okay, so its not as pretty or neat looking as the ribbon, but it doesn't show as it goes under the back bit. Was very annoyed at myself though. Well, FAIL - First Attempt In Learning!

 

And there we have it, they do look lovely on. I'm very pleased with them.

 

How you fasten them is: you put your head through the head hole, your chosen side upwards. You then tie the ribbons behind your back (the front piece). Then bring the ties around the front (attached to the back piece) and tie at your front. Voila!

 

I did enjoy this pattern. It was easy and fun. I would definitely say it is a beginner pattern. It takes a while to sew the ladies version (I did a medium) as there is quite a lot of sewing haha. But I really did enjoy it and I'm very pleased with the outcome. It is definitely Jiffy! haha.