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/
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| 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
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| 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
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| 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.
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| 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."
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| 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.
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| 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!!
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| 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!
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| 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!
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| Sew Chic Patterns for Simplicity 8439 View A favorite |
This photo is my favorite of this view. She looks absolutely regal!
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| 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/
I bought this pattern and I'm way over a B cup. I've never had issues with fit before when I follow the pattern measurements and ease but unfortunately this pattern doesn't fit me at all and it's so strange.
ReplyDeleteWas there ever a guide made? I'm debating on buying the next size pack up and sizing down.
I'm not sure what you mean by "guide." Simplicity patterns always come with a sewing guide, or instruction for assembly. As mentioned, my pattern are made to fit the measurements on the chart, with a B cup. If Simplicity told me that their patterns should now be made for a C or D cup, then that's what I would design for. I can't say what other designers do. Special Collections designers all make patterns independent of each other. That said, I do believe that someone with a C cup (and all other measurements matching) would be able to wear this pattern without alteration. More than that, and you will need to do a full bust adjustment to get the correct fit. Buying the next size up will get fabric around the body, but will create all sorts of other fitting issues.
DeleteThank you for responding. I meant a bust adjustment guide for the pattern. I thought I read about it in this blog post. In the end I did purchase the next size up but will definitely make a toile first.
DeleteI usually solve the waist fit issue with waist ties because they'll usually bring me in where I need to be brought in.
It would have been helpful to say what the interlining fabric was for on the fabric needed area. Why not just include in the amount of fabric needed. I can’t imagine using a different fabric that what I am using for the dress.
ReplyDeleteAlso, what is the purpose of the interlining?
Aside from making the sample with a recommended construction, I don't write the instructions or recommend alternate fabrics. Cotton muslin is the best fabric to use for an inner lining, and that's what I use. The bust area has many layers and the inner lining helps to stabilize the bust area and even out the weight of the bodice.
DeleteI just started cutting out my fabric last night for this dress (view B) and I am soo excited...albeit a little nervous! It's so exciting to see a fun, stylish dress in plus size.
ReplyDeleteHi! I was thinking about making this for my Easter dress but I’m a D cup. Do you have instructions on how to alter this? I wear a 40 D bra but chest measures at 49 so I thought the 50 would work? I’m rather new to sewing. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteHi Laura, I just picked up my pattern at Wal-Mart. I have a D cup. How do I handle the full bust alteration for this dress?
ReplyDeleteThanks in advance!
Yes, please do write a post on the fba for this dress. It is magnificent and I neeeeeed one!!
ReplyDelete