Review: Simplicity 1373 | Bringing Sexy Back!
12:45 AM
I bought this pattern - Simplicity 1373, as soon as it was released. It was the back that sold me on this one. This spring and summer, one of the major trends has been that of the "Dramatic Back". Cutouts, criss-crossings, plunging backlines are ruling this season.
For this dress, I wanted a sexy day dress. I chose a casual fabric, this great light canary yellow striped viscose ponte-blend knit from Mood Fabrics. And I also am particularly careful about the amount of skin I show at once.
This raglan sweetheart neckline aided in a "demure" look for the front of the bodice.
For my modifications, I cut the size 14. And with this knit, it was still way too big. I ended up having to make a larger dart than suggested. And for the peplum, I added 19 inches to create the skirt and created an a-line silhouette. For a style like this, personally I needed a skirt with a loose fit. It is a summer daytime look I was going for.
For the straps, instead of following the instructions to add button closures, I just stretched them over to the front bodice and finished with seam binding as suggested. Even without closures, this dress still has enough ease to slip on and off over my head. And yes, I'm wearing a bra. Somehow, the fashion goddesses made a regular strapless bra work with this dress. I tried a regular bra and the back of the dress just seamed too wide to hide the bra straps.
I love this pattern! It's adorable and I hope I get around to making the version that ties in the back.
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41 comments
This a stunning dress ! I love how you transformed this top pattern into a dress !
ReplyDeleteThanks Threadie!
DeleteI bought this pattern with the same vision, of making it into a dress. Yours is lovely, I love the fabric. I think this one just got bumped up in the "to sew" line...
ReplyDeleteIt screamed "dress, dress, dress" to me the first time I saw it! Thanks Kristine!
DeleteErica,
ReplyDeleteIt would be great to do a sew along for those who are a beginner like me. I did purchase this pattern with the vision of a dress. It is possible to do some of the easier patterns as a sew along? Just a thought! You ideas, creativity and style is amazing!!! Erica you bad now, Mimi better set aside....lol
I just kind of sew what I like. And I never even think of patterns in regards to "beginner friendly". I hadn't planned any sew alongs. But if you have suggestions, please feel free to email me and maybe we can toss around some ideas. I'm open. Thanks shopwithkoupons!
DeleteToo cute!!!!
ReplyDeleteThanks Tee!
DeleteYou look gorgeous in this, Erica! i love the style, the color, and the fit is fantastic.
ReplyDeleteThanks Peter!
DeleteGreat dress, you love lovely in it. Yellow really suits you!
ReplyDeleteCute cute! You have been a busy bee Ms Erica
ReplyDeleteThanks M. Inez!
DeleteYou keep making the things I want to make! SO cute!!!!!!
ReplyDeleteMake it! LOL! Thanks Nakisha!
DeleteDo you ever not look good? I love it!
ReplyDeleteYES!!! LOL! Thanks Sewing CPA!
DeleteErica, you look amazing, simply flawless!
ReplyDeleteThanks Candice!
DeleteHmmm! This is sharp. The yellow is hittin'. I appreciate the horizontal lines which give the dress great proportions along with the cut. I'm trippin' cause I'm gonna have to purchase a Simplicity pattern....being the Vogue pattern snob that I am. I've been thinking of that type of back when I saw Beyonce's dress with a similar back in one of her vids. Great job. {;-)
ReplyDeleteAlright then Ms. Pattern Snob! Don't sleep on Simplicity and other Non-Vogue patterns. You can make those patterns become anything you like! Thanks!
DeleteSuper cute dress, Ms. Erica. You wear it well! ;-)
ReplyDeleteThanks Cennetta!
DeleteOh so cute, Erica! I love it!
ReplyDeleteThanks Amanda!
DeleteFabulous as usual! I had the same idea when I purchased the pattern.
ReplyDeleteGreat minds think alike! Thanks!
DeleteThis dress is everything!! I'm thinking of blatantly copying you! Thanks for introducing me to a great pattern!
ReplyDeleteGo right ahead Sallie! Enjoy! Thanks!
DeleteIt's so sweet, so fresh, so Summery, so lovely, so YOU!!!
ReplyDeletewww.dressupnotdown.blogspot.com
Thanks DressUpNotDown!
DeleteOh I LOVE this. The dress is amazing with that back. Just gorgeous. And that fabric, well, I've been toying with buying it, adding it to my cart, I even have a swatch I'd ordered earlier. I think this may be the turning point for me!!
ReplyDeletehttp://lilysageandco.blogspot.com/
The fabric is amazing! One of the best ponte knits I've ever bought! Thanks Debbie!
DeleteI never would have looked twice at this pattern based on that envelope photo. Your dress is fantastic. I think Simplicity needs you as a stylist!
ReplyDeleteYes! It's their loss! Thanks Julie!
DeleteSew nice!! love that back, looks great on you!! Happy sewing!!
ReplyDeleteThanks Lee Anne!
DeleteYour dress looks great . Doesn't this pattern look a lot like anthropologie's neo gingham crossback
ReplyDeleteThanks Laura! And yes it is! It's a perfect dupe!
Deleteomg this is gorgeous! I love this pattern and fabric. I bought them months ago and had not decided when/what to make. You are such an inspiration.
ReplyDeleteThanks Dorothy!
Delete