Introducing Simplicity 8439

I've only been trying to get this post out for the last two weeks! Summer is always busy, and time always gets away from me, but the reality is that this new design for Simplicity's Early Autumn catalog has been on the market shelves since mid June 2017, so you may have already seen this pattern in the reviews and round ups, such as this one on the Curvy Collective site:
http://curvysewingcollective.com/new-pattern-roundup-for-june-2017/
or at DIY and Craft:
http://diy.myfeed.info/fall-2017-simplicity-patterns/ 

Sew Chic Patterns for Simplicity 8439

People often assume otherwise, but yes, the dress samples you see in the catalog and on the pattern were also sewn by me in the straight standard size; no fitting to the model. Not only do I design and create the pattern, and sew the dress, but I've also chosen the fabrics for each view. If you hang out with me on Facebook, or saw me at the Sewing and Stitchery Expo you will have already seen the scraps from this dress used to make my new Averly dress, #LN1720.
http://www.sewchicpatterns.com/averly.html

Sew Chic Patterns Averly LN1720

So cute, right?  Amazingly, this fabric is STILL available, and considering that we work a year ahead, this is a lucky deal indeed, but don't wait too long because the matching taffeta is out of stock. Find the floral here: https://prismsilks.com/products/orange-floral-faux-silk-taffeta-54

Sew Chic Patterns for Simplicity 8439 in Polka Dot

During the design process for Simplicity, every once in a while I have the time to make myself a sample at the same time, and this blue dot taffeta is my sample of the original pattern.

Sew Chic Patterns for Simplicity 8439 View B close up

 To add more definition a the inset, I've added piping around the neckline. I chose large textured buttons to help them stand out among all the other "dots."

Sew Chic Patterns for Simplicity 8439 side seam

 Yes, this dress has pockets! Paired with a modern invisible zipper just to the waist, this original has a more typical vintage opening with skirt hooks to close and hold up that side pleat and pocket. However, Simplicity opted to eliminate this more complicated closure, so you won't see this with your pattern. To simplify, that side pleat has been deleted and the zipper is installed into a flat side seam with the pocket in front.

Sew Chic Patterns for Simplicity 8439 catalog

Amazingly, this view with the cross over was published on the front cover of the 90th anniversary Early Autumn catalog! Out of all of the new styles for this season; what an honor!!

Sew Chic Patterns for Simplicity 8439 View B favorite

This photo is my favorite of this view. She looks like she belong at a garden party!

Sew Chic Patterns for Simplicity 8439 women's sizing

Because I get so many requests, I asked Simplicity if I could design for women's sizing also, and they gave the okay for this design. This view is made from Silk Dupioni I believe. I'm really pleased with the way it came out. Absolutely awesome!

Sew Chic Patterns for Simplicity 8439 View A favorite

 This photo is my favorite of this view. She looks absolutely regal!

Sew Chic Patterns for Simplicity 8439 view A close up

The photo above is a nice close up that shows the pleating detail on that bodice.

You might be glad to know that inset pleating can easily be eliminated. This quick drape shows the general idea. Using the pattern INSET piece #4, with the scallops strategically matched across the neck, cut a bit of lace to overlay your fabric and you've got a gorgeous wedding or formal dress style. With a bit more sewing skill, the View B inset could be adapted to lace as well. I really love this idea and really want to make this. Formal is my first love (if you can't tell!).  I would recommend a satin taffeta for the main body of a wedding style. Taffeta normally has no stretch at all, so measure and fit  at every step.

 

As always, my patterns for Simplicity are true to the size chart which runs from a size 10 to 28W  and made for a "B" cup. If fitting the bust on this pattern has you worried, just make a comment below and I'll do another post on this topic.

 

I love the styling Simplicity did with this pattern, and this time there was a surprise waiting for me inside this lovely cover!

As I pulled out the contents, you can image my audible gasp! Not all are packaged with the logo right on top, but mine was, and it certainly gave me a thrill.  With both the pattern on the catalog cover, and a logo inside, I think it's safe to say you'll be seeing more from Sew Chic at Simplicity!

Buy your paper or instant downloadable pattern online here or anywhere Simplicity patterns are sold. If you make this dress, I hope you'll send me a photo! I love seeing what you make. Want to share your projects, get help or advice while you sew with my patterns? Join the facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/sewchicsupport/
Everyone is welcome.

Thanks for supporting vintage, and have a wonderful Sewing Day!
Laura


UPDATE 2/2018
The sewalong has begun! The post about sizing recommendations and doing an FBA is here:
https://sewchicpatterns.blogspot.com/2018/02/sewing-with-sew-chic-altering.html

Join the facebook group to get links to all the posts, add your comments/photos and get support there:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/S8439SewAlong/

Simplicity 8167 with Chiffon Border Print

Simplicity 8167

If you are about to make Simplicity 8167, first of all, I want to thank you for choosing my pattern with Simplicity! Originally named the Southern Belle, this dress is SO easy to make, that I would rate it for beginners. I understand that with some clothing, you want to put in a little extra effort to make it bloom into something special. If  this is the case, you'll have to step away from the pattern guide just a little, but remember not to over do it just for the sake of extra work. Add extra steps ONLY if it will really improve the garment. As an example, I'm going to show you the special features I've used to make this gorgeous version of the dress in chiffon.

Sew Chic for Simplicity 8167

On this variation, I have omitted the godets at the hem. Review this post to give the skirt a standard hemline like you see here. My neckline is round, not square and my sleeve has a slight bell and gathered at the hem. (I personally like the original sleeve better.) This style is meant to be soft, so drapey fabrics like this border print chiffon are perfect. I used a black lining with a touch of body as the second layer and that's it. Two layers basted together is all you really need to keep this dress soft, light weight and very floaty!

Sew Chic for Simplicity 8167

 The really fun thing about this fabric is that it's a border print made up of polka dots that get smaller and smaller until it looks more black that yellow. I cut the fabric so the border (selvage) was actually at the waistline, and the middle of the yardage is at the top and bottom of the dress. Be sure to use a hemmer to mark both layers of the skirt, as these layers will not hang evenly. Cut the outer layer about 1" longer than the lining.

Sew Chic for Simplicity 8167

 Because there is no midriff yoke at the back, I positioned the fabric so it would transition from the black a the waist, over the shoulder, and to the brightest yellow at the bustline. I started with 6 yards of 60" fabric and had to cut each piece one at the time. There was almost nothing left over, but it really came together nicely.

Sew Chic for Simplicity 8167

In the interior, I used a french seam for the chiffon section of the skirt.

Sew Chic for Simplicity 8167

This lining is serged. The hem is turned up  and top stitched 1/4" from the fold with matching thread.

Sew Chic for Simplicity 8167

To hem the chiffon, I used the rolled hem settings on my serger. On the bias sections of the hem this serge creates a tiny ruffled effect.

Sew Chic for Simplicity 8167

Sew Chic for Simplicity 8167

On the neck, I used a cotton bias tape stitched and pressed to the back and top stitched. The binding does not show to the front.

To keep the top stitching from becoming a design feature I used "invisible" thread in my bobbin. It comes in two colors, white or smoke, to be used with both light and dark fabrics as appropriate. It's nylon and will remind you of fishing line.

Sew Chic for Simplicity 8167

Instead of interfacing, I used a black organza and also let that double as the third layer of lining. The interior is finished with a serge.  Do you notice the safety pins? Those are holding the flower in place. I do not sew embellishments (bows, flowers, buckles) to my garments so they can easily be removed before cleaning, and it's easy to change them up if I care to.

Sew Chic for Simplicity 8167

I pulled the petals from a "silk" flower, re-stitched to the ribbon and added beading to the center.

Sew Chic for Simplicity 8167

I get so many compliments when I wear this dress! Is this the fabric? The style? The techniques? All of these details must be able to coordinate and work together for a successful garment to emerge. Use techniques that are appropriate for the fabric, use fabric that services the design, chose a design that is a good personality for your fabric and all three will live in harmony!
See my photos here: http://www.sewchicpatterns.com/simplicity_8167.html
Buy your pattern here: http://www.simplicity.com/pattern-8167-misses-sew-chic-dress/8167.html#start=5

Would you like advice for Sew Chic project? I invite you to join the facebook group!
https://www.facebook.com/groups/sewchicsupport/

As always, have a great Sewing Day!  Laura