Monday, May 7, 2012

Cynthia Rowley 2406 in Milly Silk Plaid

Simplicity 2406


I didn't actually have any intention of making a new dress this week, but I'm very glad that I did. Not only am I happy with the results but it was actually a fun project. It was relatively simple and quick to make, which always makes for a relaxing sewing experience.


It all started on Monday when I decided I should duck into Spotlight and find some fabric to sew a friend a clutch for her birthday. There was NOTHING in Spotlight that really took my fancy. Consequently, my mind started to wander to my fabric stash. I decided that the Milly Silk Plaid I had purchased online from Emma One Sock a few weeks ago would be perfect. The only problem was that I didn't want to cut a small section out of it when I wasn't exactly sure what I wanted to make with it for myself. I really didn't want to find myself in the unfortunate situation of being 20 cm short down the track. I then noticed that all patterns were 50% off. I rarely ever look at Simplicity patterns, however when Vogue and Burda didn't deliver, I decided to check them out. I think this pattern was actually the second one I came across. I was immediately drawn to the 'holey' sleeves and wide belt. I have a few RTW knit tops with similar sleeves. I think they suit my broad shoulders quite well.


I came home and lay out the pattern pieces so I could determine if I would have enough leftover to make a clutch...yep! I cut away the section for the clutch, cut out the clutch and then stopped. As I said earlier, I had no intention of making myself a new dress this week, despite this, I found myself cutting out a toile for the dress. I didn't stop there. Two days later I had a new dress and (ahem) no clutch. Don't worry, I will get around to the clutch...just not this week (I've been far too busy!).


When I made up my toile, I initially cut out a size 16 top and graduated down to a size 20 at the hips. I found that there was way too much fabric billowing around my middle adding additional width where it was unwelcome. I took a dart-shaped section out of the side-back area and took in the side seams half an inch.

I also omitted the back opening completely. Seriously, what a bra nightmare! Initially I was going to use an invisible zip, but I discovered on my toile that I could easily fit the dress over my head. Given this I cut the CB on the fold. The pattern also has in-seam pockets. I left these off too. I didn't really want the extra bulk at my hips. Also, my body shape is better suited to wearing the tie lower than is suggested in the pattern. I think the tie would have cut off access to the pockets anyway.

I wore this dress out yesterday for Sunday afternoon drinks at a groovy bistro overlooking the beach in Palm Cove. My husband's band was playing there which made it extra special. And if that was special enough, there are a mega moon rising at the beach at sunset. Spectacular!

Just for fun, here is a photo of the original Milly dress made from this fabric. It's a shirt dress that retailed for $375.


23 comments:

  1. Love it - love the fabric, love the dress!

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  2. Looks awesome. I love your sense of colour and style.

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  3. It's fabulous Bernice - the perfect pattern and fabric combination! I say when inspiration strikes, run with it.

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  4. Just gorgeous! And I would love to get my hands on some of that fabric.

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  5. I love your fabric- your dress is better than the original ( and assuming a couple of hundred percent cheaper too )

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  6. Wow I love this ... it looks fantastic. The dress is a great shape for you!
    When you buy fabric does it cost a lot for shipping? I just bought some patterns again from sewingpatterns.com but the patterns were $28 and the shipping was $16. Love to hear.

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    1. Hi, The shipping costs from Emma One Sock are quite reasonable. Given that the fabric is far cheaper than anything you could get in Australia for the same quality makes it so worth while. When you first place your order, the computer generates the postage cost. This is later changed when the owner cuts and weighs the fabric. The cost is often far cheaper than the original quote. Just to give you an idea, I ordered 3 pieces of fabric recently that were approx 2.5m in length each. All were lightweight silks and cottons. The postage totaled $14. Hope that's helpful.

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  7. Another winner! Beautiful fabric and that style looks wonderful on you. I rather like the Cynthia Rowley patterns.

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  8. Really pretty dress, you look great in it!

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  9. such a stylish dress - who needs a clutch anyway?

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  10. This is such an amazing dress - the fabric is gorgeous, and the style suits you perfectly! I want one...

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  11. Absoolutely gorgeous!!! I wish I had got this colourway. I have often looked at this pattern but was put off by the slit at the back...so clever just to not have the slit. I have seen other versions of this dress and not liked them nearly as much as yours.

    The kids were walking past and said how great you look in these photos...as you do! Nice to have an easy success.

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  12. Hey, we just had super moon here the other night! Being on the other side of the world, that seems pretty strange!

    Love your dress. I have that pattern but I've never had the guts to make it up because of the daring back. Nice to know it can be sewn up. Such pretty fabric!

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  13. Hey, we just had super moon here the other night! Being on the other side of the world, that seems pretty strange!

    Love your dress. I have that pattern but I've never had the guts to make it up because of the daring back. Nice to know it can be sewn up. Such pretty fabric!

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  14. Hey, we just had super moon here the other night! Being on the other side of the world, that seems pretty strange!

    Love your dress. I have that pattern but I've never had the guts to make it up because of the daring back. Nice to know it can be sewn up. Such pretty fabric!

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  15. Bernice,
    Thank you for replying to my question - it is very helpful and much cheaper than I imagined. Given the price of getting patterns from overseas. I just don't see anything I want here - especially in knits - I'm not a big knit sewer but I want to make a few more to practice and everything just doesn't suit.
    Thanks again!

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  16. What a gorgeous dress - looks just perfect for that exciting fabric. And this just looks soooo good on you!

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  17. Bernice, I LOVE your dress!! And it's in my size. If it goes missing you know where it is!

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  18. Sensational! Love Cynthia Rowley patterns and that fabric is to die for. Have to get myself over to check out Emma One Sock (like I need more fabric!)

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