So, I named this dress Zooey, because I think it looks a lot like something Zooey Deschanel would wear. I definitely like Zooey Deschanel's style, so that's a good thing.
I used Simplicity 2588 for this dress. My pattern review is here.
Okay, so I love this dress pattern, but I was originally drawn to the blue version on the cover with the lace and the sleeves. However, after I saw this post on Sew Weekly, I had to knock off the mod cloth dress. This project is one of the reasons why I love sewing. So, I saw this dress before the Sew Weekly post and I really like it...BUT I wanted it in a different color! Then I saw this post and decided I needed to make this dress!
Cost:
pattern: $.99 ( I love Joann's!)
lining fabric: 2 1/2 yards purple cotton $4
dress fabric: 2 1/2 yards flower cotton $4
notions: Already had on hand!
Total: $8.99!
So, the only real alterations I did was my usual grading from a 16 to an 18 at the waist. After I had a baby, my little pooch turned into a pooch! So, I need a little extra room there. Also, I added the tie to the neckline. My husband thinks that the tie is too long. I like the length, however. I think it makes it more dramatic. The only thing I don't like about the tie is the it causes the neckline to gape a little.
The instructions were easy. Everything went together pretty well and I like the possible variations that you can do with this Project Runway pattern.
What I learned:
I learned that I should wait for DH to come home and help me decide how much of the hem I should cut off. I got impatient and chopped off two inches and that ended up being about an inch too much. I had to sew hem tape to the bottom of the skirt and then flip it to the inside. It's still a little, itsy, bitsy too short for my taste. I feel more comfortable wearing this with tights or leggings. However, unlike the brown, sparkly dress, I have worn this a bunch since I made it (February!)
Would I make it again?
Yeah, I would definitely make this again! I don't know if I would make it with the tie again, because I don't think I need two of the same dress. I already have some ideas planned out. Like knocking off this dress:
Right? Just a little red piping and do the version with sleeves and I have a near perfect knock off!
I like this picture! I was pointing at my daughter who was trying to climb a tree. She is only four and pretty short and she was trying to climb this ginormous tree. It was pretty funny. Don't worry she wasn't in any danger!
