My Super Sweet Size 16
I finished it a couple of weeks ago, but it was cool enough this morning that I could put it on and go outside for pictures: my new dress.
Pattern: Simplicity 4116 (view B)
Size: 16
Fabric: Cool Cords (21 wale corduroy) by Robert Kaufman 
You may be able to see from the full-length shot (click to embiggen) that those warnings about nap are very, very serious. (The fabric in the skirt feels smooth when I run my hand downward, and the top is the opposite; hence, the two parts don't appear to be the same shade of black. Oops.)
I made the size 16 with a size 18 waist, based on my measurements, but in the end I put small darts at the waist (front and back) to give the illusion that I actually have a waist. So perhaps I could have just used the size-16 pattern pieces as is.
It's cute, isn't it? To show it in "action," I twirled around and around until I thought I'd fall down, but Bill only took one twirling photo, in which it looks like I'm not twirling but just standing there with the wind blowing up my skirt or something. But I was twirling! I was! 
I might use this pattern again -- I've got my eye on views C and D (sleeveless), and I'd use a lighter-weight fabric. The corduroy will be good for cooler weather, but not for summer. Plus it was a little on the thick/stiff side for the cap sleeves and the collar; maybe I should have used just a light black cotton for the facings, to cut down on bulk around the neck. But considering that this is the first dress I've sewn since my junior prom (and my mom helped me with that one), I'm pleased. 
61 comments:
OH MY GOD, I LOVE CHERRIES. So much I have a cherries Tattoo... did you see my two new tats?
That's fabulous, with your MJs and a black cardi. I love it. :)
oh, it's awesome. i love it (fabric too... and corduroy. who doesn't love corduroy?) congrats!
it's adorable!! great job.
This is quite excellent. The collar and sleeves are PERFECT. Huzzah!
LOVE IT. Great job! I have had that pattern and fabric for it for over a year. I must start now. (P.S. How much do I still love Ravelry? I discovered this post because I saw that your photo had changed and I knew that fabric had to be your dress.)
You can't tell there is a color difference due to nap in your photos (at least, I can't), so it must be subtle. I wouldn't worry about it. Looks great!
well done!! it's lovely :)
Oh, it's fanTAStic! And you're brilliant for sewing it!
Great job! It looks fantastic- the fit, the pattern. Ye-haw.
Very nice!
Beautiful job! I love the fabric too. Can't wait to see what you come up with next.
Oh my gosh, that turned out SO CUTE! It looks so great on you!
Very sweet. You did a fantastic job with it.
That is the sweetest dress I've seen in a long time! Wonderful!
Al, that is SOOOOO cute! Great job!
It's adorable! And, the fit looks great.
That piping is perfect! Is it hard to do? Sweet!
I adore your Sweet 16! From where I sit, you've done a flawless job with this awfully cute frock!
Definitely make another one.
That's so cute. I keep thinking about sewing up a dress or too. I think you should definitely make another one of these.
so damn cute!
Adorable!
It's REALLY cute especially given my nickname (cherryripegirl)! I say make a few more :)
It's fantastic, and it looks gorgeous on you. I love the fabric! And the MJs are the perfect shoe for it.
dude. everything about it rocks. the fabric, the style, the smile, the twirl. love it.
Beautiful. Fall can't come quickly enough -- a perfect back-to-school dress. :)
Love it!
lovely work lady! :)
You look SO great in that. Makes me want to sew. Kind of. I always WANT to sew, but when it comes to getting the pattern out and really starting.... I flag.
Ooh, how cute! I love the collar and all that piping. Hope you twirl all day :)
Wow! That is so cute...
I'm a newbie here on your blog, I found you by followng various links...who remembers how you get anywhere in cyberspace? Anyway, just wanted to say I enjoyed reading your blog and I'm jealous of your thrifty finds.
That is adorable! you looks so cute and twirly in it!
OMG, I love it!! And it's so cute in the cherries fabric, with the red piping, and I can't even see the nap/color difference... [Rushes off to find pattern.]
very cute! i do have to agree that nap is a bit of a bugger. tricky!
Oh, my gosh - LOVE it! Everything about it. And the mary janes too, of course :)
Not exactly a lurker; I think I have commented once or twice before but I'm rather a quiet sort. Anyway, I hope you are enjoying your summer as much as I am enjoying your entries of late. You make very beautiful things and I always admire thrift, capability and a curious mind.
I love it! It is so cute and gives you an hour glass figure. I'm slowly learning how to sew (I know how to knit and make jewelry) and it is lovely to see the types of items you create and what I have to look forward to!
I love the little cherries. I got a soft spot for cherry print fabrics, I cannot resist them. Great job!
I
LOVE
IT!!!!
Very cute!
big geek beth
freaking love it!
fab-u-lous.
you look amazing. wonderful. the dress is *perfect*
excellent job!
Ijust got a sewing machine from my boy for my graduation. i'm just not sure what to do with it, but this would be a great start. :) who am i kidding? i would totally need a warm up!
It is so cute! It reminds me of the Mary Engelbreit cartoon with the girl - I think the saying is "Life is just a chair of bowlies".
Very cute! Love the fabric and the design suits you.
WOW! I lvoe it and it looks smashing on you. So jealous of your mad sewing skillz.
I like a lot!
awesome, awesome, awesome!
i made a dress once, it was disastrous... i didn't have the patience.
That dress, and you, couldn't be cuter!
Your dress is awesome cute!
Your dress is awesome cute!
So sweetly retro! It looks like a good fit and those shoes are perfect for the outfit.
I love it! You look absolutely adorable in it, too.
Very cute!!!
Your dress is absolutely adorable! Nice work!!
Beautiful!
Size 16? You look like about a size 6. I call shenanigans.
I found your blog by listening to Stash and Burn. I've loved looking through your projects! Great dress, it's inspiring me to pull my sewing machine off the closet shelf.
So cute! I love that collar, especially.
That is adorable, the fabric looks great with that style of dress and you look great in it.
Love your shoes too!
That is c-u-t-e! You've inspired me to sew... I also haven't done it since high school and without mom.
Oh my gosh, your dress is SO cute! Great job! I really like the shape of the pattern and the fabric you picked is just right for the pattern. :-)
such a great job. so cute! (sorry to be so unimaginative as to just echo the 'cute,' but cute it is. sweet!!)
Eeek! I squeal like a 5-year-old-girl! Too cute for coherent words.
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