So I just whipped up this version of Simplicity 2444. It's the same pattern I used for my "Home Sewing Is Easy" dress, just sleeveless. It's made in this wonderful cotton brocade from B&J, and I jazzed it up with black piping around the neckline, armholes, and waistline.
It pairs perfectly with these heart pumps by Mel.
Hair update! I put a coat of Pravana Violet over my last dye job, since it faded badly. I think this shade might be too cool/dark for me? I'm not sure.
P.S. Rosie pic!
beautiful dress, greatings from poland :)
ReplyDeleteI absolutely love that dress. You chose a beautiful fabric pattern. I also like the hair color on you. I think it works well with your skin tone. :)
ReplyDeleteI actually thought your hair looked better in this color :)
ReplyDeleteYay Puppy!!
Gorgeous dress! I've heard good things about Simplicity 2444 so one of these days I will have to try it. I also like your hair this colour! I think it suits your skin tone.
ReplyDeleteAh Simplicity 2444, of which I have two finished versions, two on the go, and at least one that I'm dreaming of. Your version looks fantastic
ReplyDeleteLove it!
ReplyDeleteI like it! But then, thats the same color I use, so I am biased! LOVE the frock!!!
ReplyDeleteIsn't this weather incredible? Even though it's been above freezing for a couple of days, there's still so much freaking snow!!
ReplyDeleteLove the dress and it definitely is getting me in the mood for spring!
The dress is gorgeous!
ReplyDeleteGreat dress! Love it! Also, I always love your hair. You are my hair role model. ;)
ReplyDeleteOh, I LOVE polka dots!
ReplyDeleteThis is a great dress. You could wear it anywhere. The hair color is cool, too.
ReplyDeleteMy hairstylist does about 30% Special Effects Pimpin' Purple with the Pravana, and that warms up the color nicely. It also fades to magenta instead of silvery! The dress is lovely
ReplyDeleteSo gorgeous! I absolutely love the piping detail - it really sets off those polka dots beautifully. Also, your hair color looks fabulous. I like the darker purple on you!
ReplyDeleteHi Gertie, I love those polka dots, I love Rosie even more - so precious. Also, you are totally rocking the purple hair. Thanks for your very helpful and inspiring blog.
ReplyDelete...and those shoes!...
ReplyDelete...and those shoes!...
ReplyDeleteOhhhh this dress is a sweet dream!!! Beautiful!!! Kisssssssssssssssss
ReplyDeleteLove.The.Dots!!! That fabric is amazing and the piping is striking!
ReplyDeleteIt's a really pretty dress, Well done!
ReplyDeleteLove the piping details
ReplyDeleteVery cute. I have a vintage dress that could be its twin piping and all.
ReplyDeleteYour dress is adorable!! Love the dots and the piping is a perfect touch!
ReplyDeleteI love the piping detail. Not sure if it is the way you are standing, but it looks like there is a lot of extra fabric around the bodice. Was that intentional?
ReplyDeleteLove it!
ReplyDeleteHi Gertie!
ReplyDeleteI agree with all who mentioned the piping. It makes the dress.
I have a question about the bust darts. I made a dress recently with those "burrito roll" - if that is what they are actually called - darts. I have to do an SBA to all my patterns, but had real trouble with those darts. I looked around for a decent tutorial for how to do an SBA for them, but couldn't find anything particularly useful. Could you offer one or direct me (or us SBA needing ladies) to somewhere on the web where we could find a good tutorial?
Thanks again for the blog - love it.
Oh man, this dress is ADORABLE. Polka dots are such a weakness of mine. Looking great!
ReplyDeleteI absolutely love this hair color (admittedly, purple is my favorite color) and my first thought before reading the post, was that I like it even more than the pink, for whatever that's worth. The dress is cute cute cute, too.
ReplyDeletereally nice dress but AWESOME hair. Keep them both
ReplyDeleteYikes what happened to the lovely pink? I just turned 69 last month, so pretty sure I am outside your usual demographic, but having said that I sew along with all your lovely patterns tutorials. You have to remember I lived the 1950's and 60's and wore the clothes when they were originally available. I can't tell you how much I enjoy all your creative energy.
ReplyDeleteMaggie
Love your pink hair. I think the violet doesn't do you justice.
ReplyDeleteLove the dress it is gorgeous, I really love the piping. I just turned 50 and like Maggie am not your usual demographic but have followed you for years because your sewing is wonderful and you inspire me.
Another over-60er here! Love your blog, and really like your polkadot dress. And those shoes are divine! I think you're very brave to experiment so much with your hair; I like the pink more than the violet. Cheers from New Zealand. Anne-Marie
ReplyDeleteGorgeous dress Gertie!
ReplyDeleteLove the dress and your hair looks great.
ReplyDeleteLovely dress, it flatters you. Congratulations on that wonderful spread in Vogue Patterns Magazine. Your work is a real inspiration. I was lucky to be picked for the "what are you sewing section" last fall in Vogue.
ReplyDeletethe dress is great and your hair is even better, really suits you.
ReplyDeleteGorgeous dress, love retro look and polka dots and the hair suits
ReplyDeleteForget-me-Knot
Louisa
http://knottednelly.blogspot.co.uk/
I love the dress! It looks terrific on you. I looked at the line drawings on the Simplicity website and I love the tucks at the waist which would flatter me more than gathers. I tend to make dresses I can wear with tights and cardigans in the winter or alone in the spring and summer. Our weather is so changeable, and I like multi-season clothes. Rosie is adorable!
ReplyDeleteLove it! I have made about 8 dresses from this pattern...it's perfect for teaching piano lessons! I use bias tape to do the edges of the neck and sleeves so I don't have to deal with icky facings. I like the piping even better though! Maybe I'll try that next!!! Cute pup. Like the violet, though I do prefer the pink too. Reminds me of pink ladies.
ReplyDeleteI'm another of your over-50 fans and enjoy your perspective on sewing and style. Just picked up this pattern and am wondering how much of a fba I'll have to make on it...and how... Guess it's muslin time! Carol
ReplyDeleteThis is such a cute dress! I love the fabric and, of course, the piping. That said, I've noticed that Simplicity patterns tend to have wide, somewhat boxy bodices, regardless of the garment style. I mostly use my own slopers these days, but I'll admit that I was motivated to create them after struggling, yet again, to perfect the fit on a Simplicity pattern - and I have a broad-ish upper body. Not comically so, but enough to, in theory, appreciate a wider bodice pattern. Gertie, you're posing with your hands on your hips and shoulders slightly raised, which helps mask what appears to be extra ease along the side bodice seams. It also looks like there may be some gaping along the neckline. Are the photos tricking my eyes, or are these issues there? Has anyone else struggled with Simplicity patterns? Gertie, is this garment a comfortable fit?
ReplyDeleteYou dress is gorgeous!! I'm making a navy dress with white polka dots. Polka dots rule!
ReplyDeleteI love the hair colour, but the pink suited you better. Maybe it's too cool or dark, or both.
ReplyDeleteThe shoes!!!
ReplyDeleteOh my god this is one of the best looks I have seen in a long time! Firstly the dress is adorable, your shoes are amazing and OMG I am so in love with your hair! I've always wanted my hair like this, it's beautiful! XxxX http:thesecondhandrose.blogspot.co.uk
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