Because, why wouldn’t I have three of the same dress? Wouldn’t you if you were trying to perfect a pattern and thought maybe just maybe the third time would be the best one yet? Well, after making this dress THREE times, I think I finally have it down so that my next one will be perfect. Yup, I said next one, because at this point a fourth one is inevitable, only not for a little while yet. I have finally tired myself out with this pattern for the time being.
I can’t believe it but after sizing down completely, this dress still ended up a little looser than I would have liked. You maybe cannot tell from the pictures, but about half an inch from each shoulder should do the trick, and maybe about just as much from the bodice will give me what I am looking for – the perfect Simplicity 1803.
I was really worried going into this after sizing down though, because according to the finished pattern measurements, I would be cutting it pretty close – about 1/2 inch less than my actual measurements, but I had nothing to worry about. I am even willing to say that I would probably be alright sizing down one more time. Ah, this pattern ease thing can be a bit of a pain! I guess I’ll just keep making wearable muslins until I get it right. In the mean time, all three of the versions I have made in my quest for perfection all seem to fit fine considering I am not completely satisfied with any of them. I am probably the only one noticing these fitting issues, but I am aiming for the perfect dress here.
One other thing about this pattern, I do not recommend the cut out neckline version. That is what this one was supposed to be, but that was a big mistake. I had to unpick and redo the bodice completely after trying it on and feeling like I was about to choke myself with the ridiculously high neckline. To me it sure didn’t seem that high up in the picture, and I had read some other opinions about this version so I did lower it some to begin with, but it wasn’t enough to make it wearable for me. I really wanted to just scrap the whole thing altogether after this, but I liked the material enough to persevere. I might have spent more time seam ripping than sewing on this one, but I guess that is how it goes sometimes.
Now, I am ready to move on to the Simplicity 2444 pattern using my nice and new, non-clearance material. I will probably go smaller than I think I should just because if past experience is anything, I don’t think it will be a bad idea.
*Linking up with: Tuesday’s With a Twist, Do Tell Tuesday, Passion for Fashion, and Simple Sequins.
Rejoice for the Day 
Beautiful! I love dresses. I just learned to sew and I know with practice I can make a dress like this. What other fabrics did you use for the other two times? You should post pictures!
http://Www.mostlyteal.wordpress.com
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Hi and thank you! Absolutely you will be able to make a dress like this no problem. I didn’t find it that hard, just as long as you follow all the directions and they are pretty straight forward. I made the other two with cotton fabric. I have found that type of material to be the easiest to work with. Here are the links to the other two that I have made if you are interested. Thanks for stopping by and commenting. 🙂
https://rejoicefortheday.com/2014/04/10/a-dress-for-april/
https://rejoicefortheday.com/2014/05/21/ill-take-one-in-every-color-with-a-pair-of-shoes-to-match/
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Thank you for the links! I love that gray fabric! And thank you for the encouragement, I’m going to need it as I start more projects.
Emily
http://www.mostlyteal.wordpress.com
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What a gorgeous dress! I love it on you 🙂
xo,
Abby
http://www.fashchronicles.blogspot.com
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Why thank you! I appreciate your kind words.
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Looks great! I definitely feel that other one would be a choke hazard – if you don’t like anything too close to the neck, which I don’t. I think Kristina would love this pattern though, might have to surprise her with a dress 🙂
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Thank you! It would be wonderful surprise, it’s a pretty easy make too. 🙂
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Such a lovely sun dress! I’m the same, when I discover a pattern that works for me, I always have to whip up multiples in different fabric 🙂 I get to skip all the fitting stuff and then I know I’ll have a dress I know I’m going to love.
I know just what you mean about those high necklines. I like a high neckline, but what makes these pattern companies think that anyone would want to wear a dress that restricts and confines the neck so much?!
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It’s also nice being able to put the brain on autopilot while making one of these multiples. Not having to over think the instructions is a great way to use sewing as a bit of unwind time. 😉
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Quite wearable, you must be a perfectionist. Which bodice variation is that? I don’t have S1803 but I do visit it in the pattern drawers. You know, those patterns you can’t quite pull the trigger on. Now, you’ve got me convinced. Thank you!
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I forgot to compliment those amazing shoes. Ok, bye!
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I know what you mean about “those patterns you can’t quite pull the trigger on,” I have a few of them on my mind when I am out at the fabric store. It does help to see someone’s version of it. Thanks for the comment.
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It is the bodice B option.
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Yes, very pretty… and what a useful skill you have!! xxoo
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Thank you!
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What a pretty dress! -Marci @ Stone Cottage Adventures
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Thank you! I just can’t get enough of this one.
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