Simplicity 2176 Do over

For the office I'll wear it with a shrug


This is the second time I've made this pattern (first time is here). I managed to win a couple of ebay auctions a while ago from a closed down craft shop - I got a full (small) display of mettler threads (drool!), and a big mixed collection of lace, heaps of elastic and some boning. I saw this tutorial on inserting lace and thought I'd use some of the lace I won. After I sewed the top seam though I decided I liked the scalloped edge enough not to bother putting the bottom facing on.


I put the lace around the edge of the bodice too


I really like this pattern- if you use a different fabric for lining (I used a stretch poplin), you can squeeze a dress out of 2 meters. This fabric is a stretch drill I picked up for $3.50 a meter on clearance. Its quite nice to sew, nice and stable but still with some stretch for wearing.


I made a size 20 again, with a 1.5"FBA, added pockets again from S2588.


This is the first time I've made something that lined up with this weeks Sew Weekly challenge, so that's kinda cool. I ended up working extra and doing a big spring clean this week so the dress took a bit longer than normal to be put together, plus on the finishing touches I managed to cut a hole through the back of the dress when I was using the serger to finish the zipper seam......I used a iron on mending patch and its not noticeable but its not the first time I've done this accident, you'd think I would have learned by now!

Simplicity 2176

Pattern Description: Misses' & Miss petite dress in two lengths with sash, Project Runway Collection.

Pattern Sizing: I made to size 20 with adjustments



Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it? Yes!

Were the instructions easy to follow? Yes

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? I like the princess line bodice and the full skirt, and the different options for straps and details

Fabric Used: Cotton Sateen for the main fabric and a strecth cotton poplin to line.




Pattern alterations or any design changes you made: I made a FBA of 1.5", shortened the skirt by 1.5", lined the bodice and used a facing for the hem. Plus I used an invisible zipper and added pockets from S2588. I had some gaping on the pleats as well, so I sewed them down for a few inches.


Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others? Yes and Yes!


Conclusion: I wanted a basic dress pattern to use again and again and I think I've found it! I'm very happy with it, just such a nice simple summer dress.


This is one of the last lots of fabric I bought, I promised myself no new fabric (unless I find it at the op-shop or market) a couple of weeks ago and so far, so good. Its harder than I thought though!
If it's not obvious by my last few projects, I seem to have a thing for Sateen, lol. I like the weight of it and how its not at all clingy and that light sheen that it has. Plus its stretchy! I have a lot of plain cottons in my stash so I think the next dress will be cotton but I'll shirr the back.