Bedsheets, but Make it Fashion: Simplicity 9757
Mimi G for Simplicity 9757
My first time sewing with bed linens
Overview:
Skill Level: ★★
Sewing Time:
Pattern Rating: ★★★★
Pattern:
I’ve sewn Simplicity 9597 before here and I always knew I wanted to make another one. Previously I sewed a 24 and had a little too much room in the bust so this time I cut a 22. I think the width is fine but I do which I had added some height to the bodice, about an inch or so for more coverage. The fullness of the rest of the dress allows for plenty of room in the waist and hip.
Fabric:
This floral print fabric is actually from a duvet cover set I grabbed from Ikea. Several sets of varying designs were stacked near the check out lines like candy at the grocery store. They were on sale for just $8.99 so I grabbed this set as well as black and white full/queen set that I’ll used later. I’m not much of a floral person but in this large, graphic style I love the flowers. However what I was really drawn to was the colors; the deep red, mustard yellow, olive green and burnt orange are beautiful.
I’ve seen many others sew clothing using linens so I decided to give it a try. This set is 54% cotton and 46% viscose/rayon so this is a blend than you find in apparel fabric so I figured the drape and feel would work.
Modifications:
I did make a change to the center back of the bodice. I debated between a tie up back or extending the back pieces into tie for a large bow. In the end I decided to try the tie up back. This meant taking a little off the back band piece from the center back to create space to tie. I also cut two of the loop pieces to create loops for both side. In these photos I have a long length of cording laced through the loops, but at some point I’ll made a drawstring out of the fabric.
I also changed the straps to tie straps although next time I think I’ll try Danesha’s elastic method. To create the ties I simply cut 4 straps instead of two and anchored each one to strap notches. They could definitely be long so I’d advise you to double the length and cut four straps.
Lessons Learned:
Try on the bodice before attaching the skirt!!! lol I would’ve tweaked the fit if I had tried it on first. I still may remake it.
Summary:
Pattern: Simplicity 9597
Pattern Description: Misses' flared ankle length dress and jumpsuit with buttoned back bodice has a shaped midriff tier and cut out dipped back with elastic.
Sizing: 6-14, 16-24 I cut a 22.
Does it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope? Yes, especially so because Mimi’s version has an eerily similar print
Were the instructions easy to follow: Yes
Would I recommend it to others? Yes