My Graduation Outfit

Patterns: Simplicity 5683 & vintage Simplicity 7308

Fabric: fabricclub.com & Denver Fabrics

This was my first foray into pattern tweaking back at the end of 2003.

I changed the blouse pattern to have flowy bell sleeves, and made it several sizes smaller and added back darts to make it fitted. I also added a side zipper.

On the skirt, I used the two-gore pattern, but pinned the pieces together so the front and back wouldn't have seams down the middle. Then I cut it out on the bias. Considering that I had no idea at the time of how bias behaves, it actually turned out quite splendidly!

Ocean Breeze bridesmaid dress

Pattern: Simplicity "It's So Easy" #3829

I made this dress for a friend of a friend. It was very simple to put together; the only alteration was to lengthen it from the knee to the floor.

Isn't the color scrumptious? It reminds me of the ocean in Hawaii.

Afternoon Dress in Black & White Toile

Patterns: New Look 6557 and vintage Simplicity 4706

Fabric: fabric.com

Spring of 2007 found my wardrobe with no suitable dresses for the coming summer, so I decided to make this one. The fabric is a linen/cotton blend.

I had always liked New Look 6557, but the back was a little more bare than I wanted, so I used the back piece from my vintage Simplicity pattern. I also changed the cummerbund/waistband a bit to be straight across the waist instead of curved, and I made the skirt as full as the 60" wide fabric would allow. The dress closes with a side zipper.