I've been wanting to make a muslin for Simplicity 2222 (Suede Says dress/romper), so I figured this would be a great opportunity to make a wearable muslin. I started dreaming up a Pocahontas dress.
I have a pile of beige linen that I could have used, but I look dreadfully pale in beige, so I started digging through my stash to see if I could find some better colours. I found some rust corduroy and a crazy print that screamed 'native and tribal'. I scrounged up 2 different trims, 6 rust-coloured buttons, and some orange bias binding. The only thing I bought for this project was the fringe.
I cut a straight size 16, and it fit really well at the hips, but the bust was a tiny bit snug. I compensated by overlapping my buttonholes as little as possible. Next time, I'll let out the bust by an inch or two.
I absolutely LOVE the fit of the neckline, armholes, and racerback. It is so comfortable!
I sewed this as fast as I could. I always sew fast when I make muslins, and I did that with this, except I serged all my seams and finished everything nicely. I can't believe how fast I managed to sew! I almost felt reckless, but everything still turned out excellent. I didn't keep track of my time when I was cutting, but my sewing time was only 2 hours and 40 minutes. Not bad for a slowpoke like me! I guess I should be more brave and try sewing faster on everything I make! I'm always very anal and want everything to be perfect, but I seem to be able to do a great job even if I sew fast. I've gained a lot of confidence from this project.
Back view - inside out |
I'm very happy with the amount of ease at the hips. The corduroy is a little stiff and poufy, but if I made this in anything lighter and drapier, I think it would be fabulous.
I added 3" of length to the skirt, and I didn't even hem it. I serged the bottom edge, and that's where I sewed the fringe and the trim. This is a short skirt. Appropriate for the young ladies these patterns are targeted at. Unless they're 5'10", like me. I'm happy with the finished length I ended up with.
Close-up of pockets and elastic waist |
I borrowed the cowboy boots when we got to the party. They were in a big bag of cowboy stuff, and they fit me! I think they finish off the outfit nicely.
We had a blast, and I felt very festive in my costume.