Pattern: Simplicity 2360
Fabric: Peachskin print from Joann
Notes: I don’t usually make wearable muslins. The reason for that are twofold: first of all, I want to be able to write all over my muslins, and second of all, if it turns out well I end up never making the item with the original fabric. I had planned to make this pattern out of a rayon challis, but I was really uncertain about this style on me – would I like the ruffles, or the relatively unfitted (and belted) style? I found this print at Joann’s, and decided that I would do something unusual and make a wearable muslin – this print will be nice for autumn, and since fall here tends to be somewhat warm, I like having clothes in autumn colors that aren’t too warm.
This is my attempt at a “serious model” slumping pose. I obviously shouldn’t quit my day job.
I have to tell you, I love the style. The pattern itself was super easy to sew, without any kind of closure. I used the rolled hem on my serger to finish the ruffle edges, and I think they look very professional! I made a straight size 6, though I could have gone to an 8 in the skirt I think. It fits fine, but the pockets would be more useful with a little extra room.
The fabric is a polyester peachskin. I’ve never sewn peachskin before, and I was expecting a nightmare. But – it didn’t really fray, and once I figured out the best combo for sewing it (using a ballpoint needle with Coats and Clark thread on the Singer Rocketeer) it went really well. The Rocketeer, by the way, for some reason sews much better with Coats and Clark thread. I prefer Mettler or Guttermann, but at least it’s economical!
It isn’t a cool fabric, but it will be fine for autumn. The colors of this fabric are not something I would usually choose, but I’m trying to branch out – I’ve gotten my copy of “Color me Beautiful” and I am trying to puzzle out what I might be. I think being extremely fair makes it hard. I think I’m cool toned, or at least I know that except in rare occasions (in a print combined with black) I cannot wear brown. I do wear black very well. I can’t wear peach, or most orange and yellow colors. I wear taupe brown eyeshadow because bronze makes me look like I’ve been punched in the face. But who knows… I’m going to need some help to figure it out!
I had my hair colored a few weeks back, because all the old color was turning brassy. My natural color is rather ashy, or at least I think it is, so rarely have I seen it in the past 15 years! I started coloring it because I didn’t like how it looked gray in some lights. I went with a dark auburn with more of a cool cast than I usually get, and I like it far better that the bright warm red I used to have. It many lights it just looks like a dark cool brown, but in the sun the (burgundy?) highlights come out.
I seem to be rambling, but anyway… I highly recommend this pattern, but I don’t need two of them, so I have once again fallen prey to the wearable muslin trap. It’s quite trendy – in fact, I went on Modcloth today and found they had just added this dress – look familiar? Other than the rolled hem on the ruffles, my only other alterations were to use 1/8″ elastic rather than 1/4″ – it was too bulk otherwise, and to sew down the neck facing by hand. I love the way the ruffles form little sleeves!
Now onto the rest of my summer sewing – my mind is on fall already, but I haven’t finished the things I’d planned yet!
Green apples - Stitchywitch Creates 
Super cute – those colours really suit you! Love the nail polish too. What shade is it?
Although I can’t believe people are thinking Autumn already, since it’s just barely gotten nice here, that’s a lovely dress, and incredibly flattering on you! Looks super comfortable too.
You look totally cute in it. i love the print and color and yes, this color definitely works on you.
This is just beautiful on you!
PS- yours in the only other blog I’ve ever seen using the Bueno theme! Isn’t it great, I love how much you can do with it 🙂
I love this dress – it’s on my list for summer sewing and I’m even more excited about making it now – great work and I love the fabric too!
hi, what a beautifull dress, you’re “Chic” says in French, my country, sorry for my poor english, better next reply 😉
Very nice! LOVE the colors on you. I just borrowed Color Me Beautiful from a girlfriend right before your initial post about it. I’m definitely and “Autumn” but don’t agree with all of their color choices. I CANNOT wear beige of any sort next to my face or I look like death.
Oh! This is to die for. I think those colors look great on you too.
The dress is darling. It is very flattering on you. Very feminine.
Your dress is really nice , I love the colours against your hair.
This is a really gorgeous (and very wearable) dress. The colours REALLY suit you!
You look smashing in this dress. (Is smashing even a real word in English? I mean it as a compliment *grin*)
very pretty… lovely autumnal colours:)
I just started following your blog and it is great. Love this dress on you, I bought this pattern and will put it in the priority list for sewing this summer.
And you use a Rocketeer ! I am a loyal Singer Slant needle sewer, and just got a Rocketeer so now I have zig-zag, whopee!
just posted on my blog about it.
http://sunnygalstudio.blogspot.com/2010/07/my-new-old-rocketeer.html
The dress looks great on you. I really like how it looks like something found in RTW. So often with sewing it is easy to make a project that one won’t actually wear in real life.
That dress really works for you, the colors, the shape, the ruffles. Good choice. That hair color is great on you too, brings out your eyes.
That dress is simply smashing! I think it’s my favorite item you’ve made since you started posting your sewing projects.
Nice dress and the color is perfect fot Autumn
Lovely dress. I eyed this pattern in the store, loved the concept, but wasn’t sure what it would look like in real life. I guess looking at your blog doesn’t count as me seeing it in “real life,” but it sure feels close enough–close enough to confirm the pattern’s a keeper! I like your version better than the Simplicity version, too. I am in awe of your productivity.
I’m late to the party, but you look gorgeous! It is very wearable, and very covetable!
The dress turned out lovely and the print is wonderful!
I also live in a climate (NE) where early autumn isn’t cool. I’m also a warmer person by nature. I found a cotton fabric that jumped out at me in the store and screamed autumn. I plan on making a transitional piece with it. Your dress is very pretty!~
I just made this pattern too, and really like it – but I think your dress is better – you are younger and thinner than me, thus making it far, far better than my version! Great job!
I love the dress especially the fabric and the ruffles! Oh! and the matching nail polish too!
You look awesome in violet!
For your colours/seasons — One good way to test is if you look at the veins on the inside of your wrist. In natural light, examine the veins on your inside wrist. If they are mainly blue, then you are cool-toned. If they are mainly greenish, then you are warm-toned. Hope that helps!
Great dress! Fun polish!
We have similar colouring, and I’m a Winter, so I’d guess you were one, too.
Really nice coloration, even if they’re new colors. I Love those earthy, eggplant & brown & pink colors together. The dress looks very comfortable, tool.
I love the color and print! The color looks great with your hair. I have this pattern in my stash and I’m on a “make back to school dresses” kick, so I might have to try this one out. Beautiful!
I saw this pattern in the Simplicity catalog at JoAnn’s a few weeks ago, and it was a pattern that I didn’t notice online (and I noted to self that I should be sure to peruse the store books every now and again). I thought this was a great pattern, so I’m so happy to see your version. I really like it, and it looks so great in the autumnal colored fabric. This is definitely going on my to-sew list.
I’m glad I’m not the only one thinking of fall sewing. I already have a list of a dozen fall projects I’d like to do.
I like have fall-type clothing that isn’t too warm for the same reasons. I agree, this is a perfect pre-fall type dress. Very pretty.
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