This dress wasn’t part of the original set of designs for Aurelia’s summer collection, but I just happened to stumble upon the pattern (already cut out) in a pile under my sewing table. Since the fabric was a cute teal color and had squiggly waves that reminded me of the jellyfish tunic, I figured “What the hey? Toss it in.” It’s not like the girl’s gonna have too many summer clothes or anything!
I used Simplicity pattern 2270 from their Easy to Sew line, and good grief was it a hassle! Honestly, it’s not a difficult dress to put together, but I swear every time I use a store-bought pattern it takes me twice as long to figure out what they want me to do than it would for me to just draft my own dress from scratch! It could just be that my brain is problem solving how I would put it together and the pattern is saying something different, but I can read through those directions four or five times and still not know what’s going on.
Eventually (no admissions about how long that actually was) I got everything straightened out, but I definitely wont be using any
pre-made patterns anytime soon I can assure you. I don’t care how cute they are, it’s just not worth the headache it gives me!
So am I the only one who has trouble using patterns or do you also feel like those directions
are written by martians? Or someone whose never used a sewing machine?
It's the tiny weeny pictures too! I much prefer burda patterns or indie patterns!
Absolutely, we've been spoiled by all the blog tutorials!
I love how that dress turned out! So pretty. I love that neckline a whole bunch too! I'm sorry the pattern was such a pain. I stay away from them too. I have bought a few patterns from bloggers, and they are WAY easier to follow. I think it's because they are written in tutorial/blog language, that I'm used to. My mom uses patterns, but I just can't do it (and I've never really been brave enough to try them either!) 🙂
Thanks Lynette! I thought about adding embroidery to the collar, but I kinda like it plain now. I totally agree that the blogger patterns are MUCH easier to follow. My Gramma always used commercial patterns too, so maybe next time I should get her to decipher it for me!
I have been sewing for over 50 years and the "easy" patterns are always the most frustrating and hardest to construct. Dress is very cute.
It's no wonder there are so many ladies who think they can't sew. They've probably all been trying to use the "easy" patterns! 😀 Thanks for visiting Cindy!
Ha! I know exactly what you are talking about, because I've made that dress, twice! It does get easier the second time around. Lots of times I just cut out the pattern pieces and construct it the way it makes the most sense to me (maybe not the "correct" way, but it usually works out:) Cute dress 🙂
Haha, Thank for that Marnae! So good to know I wasn't just having a "moment". I really should just start scrapping the directions and winging it too. Even if something goes a little wonky, it still wouldn't drive me this crazy!
This is too perfect! I love the fabric, and how it speaks waves! Great job!
Thanks! I guess I kinda got lucky with that since I cut it out so long ago. 😀
I love this summer-y dress! And what a cute smile 🙂
Thanks Annie! It's nice she's actually starting to enjoy the outfits I make for her.
The dress looks great! And yes, sometimes one may spend more time trying to work out instructions for commercial patterns than sew 🙂
It's so true Jenya! And there are so many of us you think the directions are confusing, you'd think someone would let the pattern companies know.
This looks awesome!!! We would love it if you would link up at our linky party:
http://www.lifewiththecrustcutoff.com/two-girls-and-a-party-link-up-22/
Live every Wednesday to Sunday.
Hosted by:
http://www.lifewiththecrustcutoff.com/ Parrish @ Life with the Crust Cut Off
http://thissillygirlslife.com/ Dana @ This Silly Girl's Life
We hope to see you there!
Such an adorable dress! Love the fabrics you chose! Thanks for linking up at Give Me the Goods Monday! Jenna @ Rain on a Tin Roof