Playing with Scale: Simplicity 9224
Simplicity 9224
Playing with prints is fun!
Overview:
I’m really pleased with how this dress turned out. I wore it to some friends cookout and they loved it as they are huge Alabama fans. Always great to be on theme for a party.
Skill Level: ★★★
Sewing Time:
Pattern Rating: ★★★★
Pattern:
Despite the fact that I love a wrap dress and most Mimi G patterns I initially passed on this one. On first glance I thought this was a faux wrap dress with an elasticized waist, but it’s actually a true wrap with elastic added. Maybe that’s why I caved? I’m not sure, but at some point I grabbed this pattern during a sale decided it would be fun to colorblock it.
I cut a 22 bodice and graded to 24 at the waist because I needed a size 24 skirt. Anytime I color (or pattern) block I double or triple check my pattern layout to make sure I cut the right pattern piece out of the right fabric. Some times it helps to write the color on the paper pattern piece. This time I cut out one tie over after I decided I preferred one of each pattern.
I had a few issues making this dress, but that was mainly due to user error as I was trying to sew the entire dress in one day. Honestly most of my problems stemmed from not transferring all the marking. So here’s a reminder ALWAYS TRANSFER THE MARKINGS!
First I added one of the interior ties to the wrong seam, then I somehow I got all turned around trying to fold the facings of the skirt and lastly my elastic was just too short. The tie issue was my fault as I only glossed over the instructions. The facings issue was a result of late night sewing because after I watched the sewalong the next day I realized exactly where I went wrong. And I’m still confused about the elastic as the big five is usually very generous with the elastic guides. I ended up swapping the 1/2” no roll elastic for some 1/4” elastic I had left over from my mask making days that I cut a bit longer and that fixed the issue.
Fabric:
As I’ve said before, I’m really trying to sew down my stash so I’ve had both of these fabrics for long time. I know the smaller print is from Fabric Joint in Decatur, Georgia, but I have no idea about the larger print. I’m really glad that I held onto both until the idea hit me to pair these two rayon challis fabrics. The base colors are a bit off, but I think in person it’s not terribly noticeable.
The top two work because they prints are similar. The bottom one is a more pixelated version that doesn’t pair as cleanly.
I know many people shy away from mixing prints because it can be intimidating. A great way to dip your toe into pattern mixing playing with the scale as I’ve done here. This way you don’t have to worry about if the colors compliment each other or if the patterns compete.
I would’ve preferred the smaller print be a bit larger, because the difference in scale is pretty great here, but as you can see it still works.
Here a a few tips if you try this
use the same weight and type of fabric (rayon challis, linen, cotton)
plan out your design (hand sketch, use my method, use an app)
make sure the prints are the same of similar (try a printed fabric company like Spoonflower or where you can select the scale)
Modifications:
This pattern calls for neckline facings which aren’t really my favorite, next time I’ll probably sub bias tape.
Lessons Learned:
Transfer all markings! LOL
Watch the sewalong
Summary:
Pattern: Simplicity 9224
Pattern Description: Misses' wrap dress has asymmetrical details, view b with outside contrast bodice facing. Dress has wide hem facings & is above knee length with self ties.
Sizing: 6-14/ 16-24 I cut a 22/24
Does it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope? Yes
Were the instructions easy to follow: Yes once I finally read them/view the sewalong
Would I recommend it to others? I you’re looking for this style of dress yes. I think I like a few other wraps better.