Project 2: Simplicity 2246

Not to make a terrible, awful pun, but I've been a sewing machine lately.  I have my goals for 2012, and now that other projects are leaking in (Wiksten patterns, a Megan Nielsen test, plus accessories), I'm starting to realize I may not have as much time to complete these as I originally thought.

Friday night we did our usual Panera and Target outing--don't be jealous of my jetset lifestyle--and I was bored as hell once we got home.  I tried reading a magazine but it didn't hold my attention, and I felt that I had finished the internet.  So I cut out a new dress.  Eleanor decided to help (by running and sliding across the pinned pieces) and I almost killed her, but that's pretty usual.

I bought Simplicity 2246, the Lisette Traveler dress, forever ago, and have been wanting to make it for a long time.  I had grand plans of making it in Cloud 9's Miscellany collection, as well as Sarah Jane's Children at Play, but ten buttons, plus fitting my bust and hips intimidated me and I stuffed it away.  I don't know if it's because I'm ultra-focused now or because I'm less afraid, but I thought, what's the worst that happens?  I make it and give it to someone who is smaller than me?  Big deal.  So I did it.

Damn, look at those white legs!  This will definitely be worn with leggings.

Pattern Description

Three different shirtdresses--classic with collar, rounded with Mandarin collar, and short-sleeved.  I went with View B, rounded with Mandarin collar.

Pattern Sizing

Big 4 again--6-22 are available.  This is a 14/8.

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the envelope when you were done with it?

It did!  I didn't make the belt, because that's a bit matchy and I also am not a huge fan of belts, but besides that, yep!

Were the instructions easy to follow?

Yes, very.  There was one part I didn't like--there's no mention of how the Mandarin collar fits into the front placket.  Mine is messed up but I'm hoping no one gets close enough to me to notice.  Everything else made perfect sense.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?

It's a classic shape that never goes out of style.  I didn't have any major problems with it, though my machine was tired after hours of sewing yesterday.

Nine buttons later, I can say that my machine makes beautiful buttonholes and I couldn't be happier with it.

Fabric used

Brown chambray from the Lisette Fall 2011 collection.  I love chambray!

Pattern changes or any design alterations you made

I omitted the belt, as I said.  I also made the side seams 1/2-inch instead of 5/8".

Would you sew it again?

Most definitely!  I'd love to sew view A in some prints.

Conclusion

I hope it isn't too cold next weekend so I can wear it!

French seams again

Thirty more!  (Oy...)