My November Minerva Make – Simplicity 1882 Ikat dress
Simplicity 1882 – Navy Ikat
I’m a sucker for a nice print. When deciding what to make, most of the time I will look for a nice printed fabric, and only then will I think about what it might be suitable for. That’s how I came across the fabric for this month’s Minerva project – I was lurking their quilting cottons to see what grabbed my attention, and this ‘Mint to Be’ collection stole my heart. I had a hard time deciding which print to choose. I really love this Mandala print, but I decided on the navy ikat design (which also comes in mint green and orange) because it’s something a little different in my handmade collection. I had no idea what I was going to make with it, but I hazarded a guess at a dress and ordered 2.5m and a matching zip.
Simplicity 1882 – back view – not matched up perfectly!
The pattern, Simplicity Amazing Fit 1882, was sent to me by Simplicity a while back, and was perfect in terms of fabric requirements – I used the full 2.5m and had none left over. I like it when that happens because there’s no waste, and no holding on to scraps ‘just in case’. I bought co-ordinating ivory fabric from Boyes for the collar, pocket flaps and piping.
Simplicity 1882 – Collar
I’m a big fan of the Amazing Fit patterns – the ones I have made so far have turned out well – so I was pretty confident to go ahead and make this dress without making a toile first. I measured myself carefully and looked at the ‘finished garment measurements’ to help determine what size to cut. In any case, the pattern instructions are designed to help you ‘fit as you sew’, and include larger seam allowances to adjust accordingly. The pattern guides you through basting the dress together with the seams on the outside, so that you can try it on and very easily make any adjustments.
Simplicity 1882 – Sitting
My adjustments were as follows:
- Decreased shoulder seam allowance to 3/8″ to provide an extra quarter inch of length in the bodice
- Extended collar by 3/4″ to accommodate shoulder seam adjustment
- Decreased seam allowance between the upper bodice and the midriff (probably by about 1/8″) to give a bit more length in the upper bodice
- Shortened the skirt by 6″!!!
- Took in 1/2″ each side on the princess seam of the front bodice at the armscye and tapering to nothing at the bust
- Made my own bias binding to make my own piping cord, ensuring a perfect colour match with the collar and pocket flaps
Simplicity 1882 – Front view
The dress was quite tricky to make. There were a lot of pattern pieces and I found myself wondering why I always seem to choose complicated things to sew. I think I’m ready for a break now – I just want to sew simple things for a while!
Simplicity 1882 – insides
Anyway, I love the dress! The collar makes it feel quite smart. There is an option for a bow which, although I cut it out, I didn’t sew in the end as I thought it would look a bit too fussy. I like the length of it, too. Above-the-knee seems to work with both flat shoes and heels. Hurray for new dresses!
Simplicity 1882 – back view
About to go out for lunch… 😉
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Wow, that really is an amazing fit! I love it
It is good. The pattern includes really helpful fitting instructions.
You’ve sold me onthis pastern- you look stylish and girly- win win!
Thank you! It’s a more fitted skirt than I am used to, but I like it and the collar does make it feel quite stylish. If I were to attend an interview, I’d definitely wear this!
Looks Fab! I love the print, and I don’t think anyone will notice the not quite so perfect matching on the back – it’s better than most RTW clothes out there, and love the piping too, it really finishes it off.
I had a job matching up the piping at the centre back, never mind the print of the fabric itself! It’s okay though. Fortunately when I look in the mirror I’m looking at the front anyway 😉
This is adorable! I love the contrast collar and pocket details. Great fabric choices. I like the Amazing Fit series as well – the different cup sizes are so helpful in getting a better fit right from the start.
Definitely! They are brilliant patterns.
Such a challenge keeping all those lines matched up and straight! Great job and I am sure you will get loads of compliments!Without that piping the ikat would have been lost and the sections overlooked.
Yes, the piping is good at highlighting the design lines of the dress, definitely!
Good Job! You certainly don’t opt for the easy designs. The style suits you and looks great!
Thanks Anne. I’m going to be making some simple stuff over the next few months! I want some gratifyingly quick projects! 🙂
Beautiful fabric and pattern! Simply put its perfect!
Thank you, although it isn’t quite perfect!!
What a lovely dress, I love the panel details and it looks perfect on you! Fab print too, can see why it caught your eye 🙂
It is a lovely print. I’m still lusting after the other designs in the range!
Very nice! Love the fabric. It looks like it was very complicated to make.
It would have turned out super long without the 6 inches cut off the length!
I know, the length was ridiculous! It was a complicated make – even the midriff front is pieced in three sections! I like it but I don’t know if I could ever bring myself to make another one. Easy sewing for a while now!
I love this. Well worth the effort. Looks fabulous.
Thanks Lucie!
This looks lovely on you. The contrast and piping works wonderfully. And the fit is fantastic
Thanks Amy. I am going to wear it tonight! 🙂
Your dress is lovely – you can’t beat a bit of piping! 🙂
You’re right, just that extra bit of detail can make such a difference to a dress. Piping for the win!
This pattern really suits you and it is now on my list of items to sew! The print on the fabric is gorgeous and the fit looks great.
Thanks Claire 🙂
Wow, that dress has come out so well! You look wonderful and I love the contrast elements. Perfect pattern & fabric combination!
I’m pleased with how well the contrast bits worked out 🙂
Gorgeous! I love the fabric, and the piping looks great!
Thank you Lynne. I love the fabric too 🙂