Pattern: Simplicity 2591, view A
Fabric: Stretch Poplin from Fashion Fabrics Club, available here.
Notions: White packaged piping, vintage buttons from a yardsale, invisible zipper.
Inspiration: With Flying Florals dress by Trollied Doly (via Modcloth.)
I have had this dress saved in my inspiration folder all year. I liked the little piped cap sleeves and the ditsy floral print. When I noticed that Simplicity 2591 was nearly identical, I knew I had to make it! I bought this cotton poplin from Fashion Fabrics club right before Christmas, during a 20% off everything sale. I was afraid it would be too light for a dress (it’s described as blouseweight on the site) but it was nice and substantial. I don’t think I would use it for a pattern requiring a drapey fabric, but it worked for this one.
I made a few alterations to the pattern to get the look I wanted. I cut a straight size 10, based on the measurements on the package. I could have probably have taken a smaller size in the bust and shoulders, but I wanted it a little looser. I had to add piping to the sleeves – I got some great suggestions here, and ended up using Carolyn’s suggestion of hem facing tape. Lots of people suggested using a double layered cap sleeve, and if the sleeves hadn’t been slightly gathered at the top I would have – I was afraid of the extra bulk. I made a little pocket, as in the inspiration, but I ended up leaving it off. I couldn’t get past the fact that with white piping it looked like a winking eye over my chest! Instead, I used some vintage buttons from my collection:
The purple buttons match well, so used them on the sleeves. They were lost on the front of the dress. After that, the front of the dress still looked too plain to me. Although I love Laura Ingalls, I didn’t really want to look like I was appearing in Big House in a Medium sized City (this would, of course, be the name of my personal pioneer tale, in which I would occasionally have to brave the blinding snow for up to a block to reach the nearest coffeehouse.) I decided the dress needed a belt, and I added contrasting buttons to the neckline:
I like them because they are unexpected, but I might replace them with some other trim if I get inspired. This is not even faintly a winter dress, don’t let my boots fool you! It will work for fall and spring, with a jacket, and summer of course, but not for our current weather (3 inches of snow last night, and the grocery store is sold out of milk and eggs… honestly, it’s bad when even I think people are wimpy about the snow.) I think I got pretty close to the inspiration, but added my own touches to make it more me!
Green apples - Stitchywitch Creates 
That came out really cute – I like it.
Your version is so much cuter than the pattern front!
Honestly, your inspiration has NOTHING on your version. I love how yours came out. I’m glad I have this pattern in my stash.
Looks gorgeous and the shape is very flattering.
I love pockets in dresses and skirts, so practical!
This dress is really cute, I think it came out miles better than the inspiration. The pockets and piping are darling details.
I’m in love with the little buttons on your neckline. *swoon*
Darling. Love it. Want it.
It looks really great and you definitely put the inspiration dress to shame! Marvellous job! I really like the contrast buttons – keep them. 🙂
Your dresses always look fantastic! I love small little florals like that too, and the neckline looks great on you. And the skirt. And the piping. Great dress all around!
This is really lovely. I used this pattern for the first dress I ever made and, whilst it’s cute, it’s not perfect – I think you’ve just inspired me to do it over again!
The button detail! And that flower print! I want it!
very sweet – and it looks fantastic on you, too! 🙂 great work
This dress is great. Your blog provides me so much inspiration. I wish I had more time to sew.
I love your take on the dress, especially the buttons! I’ve had this pattern for a while and this just might be the impetus to finally make it.
This dress is amazing! I need this pattern asap.
By the way, this post was on FB yesterday via Simplicity.
Definitely made me look at that pattern in a better light. I do like your dress better then the pattern’s looks.
I’m so sad that this pattern is out of print. You’ve made it absolutely darling! I love it! It’s the perfect little spring dress. Maybe if a bunch of us bug the pattern company, they’ll rerelease it?
Cutest dress I’ve seen in a long while.
Is it possible for you to sell me the pattern? I cant seem to find it anywhere
Best regards
Maja Pedersen
Denmark
Like Maja i Would like to bay a copy. Would you like to help mé/ us?
Sara, Denmark
sara_sejerskilde@hotmail.com
Har du fundet mønsteret?
Nej desværre ikke. Det er umuligt at få fat på 😦
I still would love to get the pattern.
I appreciate browsing your web site. Thanks for
your time!