Be my Valentine: Simplicity 9261
Overview:
I've sewn this dress before, but I didn't blog about it for some reason. (I'll share a few pics of the first one too). I love this dress and I may need another one in black or houndstooth.
Skill Level: ★★
Sewing Time: 7-8 hrs
Pattern Rating: ★★★★★
Pattern:
This MimiG for Simplicity pattern is a dress with flanges on the bodice, a midriff section and pockets. I love the side flanges give the dress a little something extra.
Since it's a knit pullover dress so there's no need for a zipper which usually makes for a quicker sew for me. BUT the bodice construction is a bit cumbersome due to those flanges. I couldn't understand the printed directions this go around (I can not remember if I had issues the first time), but thankfully every Mimi pattern has a sewalong video on YouTube so I viewed it for clarity.
I probably should have sized up to a 22, instead of a 20. My first version is 20 but that liverpool knit has a higher stretch percentage and I forgot to take that into account.
Fabric:
I grabbed this burgundy ponte knit from We Are The Fabric Store several years ago while in LA for the Mimi G Sewing Conference. It was so luxe that I have hesitated to use it, but this year I'm determined to sew down my stash. I'm moving away from "saving" things in all areas of my life.
The first version was made with a floral liverpool knit that surprisingly was a Walmart remnant!
Modifications:
I raised the V-neck by 1.5 inches.
Summary:
Very cute dress, but the bodice is trickier than it looks. I still think I'll make one more.
Pattern: Simplicity 9261
Pattern Description: Misses' over-the-head knit dress has deep v-neck, stitched flanges, front pockets & is above knee or calf length.
Sizing: 6-14, 16-24 | I sewed a 20 (44' B, 47" H)
Difficulty: The bodice lining portion is a little tricky and I don't believe the printed instructions illustrates the process correctly. I highly recommend watching the YouTube sewalong where Brittany J Jones, walks through that step.
Does it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope? Yes
Were the instructions easy to follow: No, see above
Would I recommend it to others? Yes!
