Yeah. This dress is a bit off-piste from my recent makes, and not exactly adhering to my ‘sewing an everyday wardrobe’ guideline. But I think my face says it all. KITTEH DRESS!
This fabric, man. As soon as I saw it I knew I needed a frock out of it. It’s Lizzy House’s Kitty Dreams: her entire collection of cat-themed cottons is adorable, but I thought this dark green print was the most wearable. I bought half of my fabric from Etsy and realised I didn’t have enough for a dress (damn you, narrow quilting cotton), so quickly bought another 1.5m from Backstitch to finish up the skirt. This fabric is clearly a poular choice for frocks as Lizzy House ran a competition with some really cute entries.
I just love this pattern, too, though I would never have guessed from the traditionally uninspiring envelope styling. It’s Simplicity 1610 and features a princess seamed bodice, pretty neckline with boat front and V-back, cute square-pleated sleeves, and those brilliant single-piece yoke pockets that I ripped off on my trousers. The instructions are good, though I would have liked a bit more guidance on how to finish the bodice lining to leave a minimum of raw edges showing.
Fitting went fairly smoothly. I tend to choose the size just above my measurements for woven dresses as it’s easier to take in than out. I basted together the bodice lining first to check the fit and found I just needed to sew at 5/8″ rather than 3/8″ seam allowance to get a good fit. Unfortunately the final dress gapes a little around the neckline and feels too loose across the shoulders, although it’s not showing too much in the photos except this profile angle. I find it’s really hard to diagnose fit issues around this area with a zipped-up dress as you’ll never know how it’ll sit until the end! Next time I’ll pinch a dart out of the front neckline pattern piece before cutting the fabric. Is there any way to retroactively fix this without having to take my bodice apart? Maybe a liberal bit of steam-shrinking would help.
I made a proper effort to make this frock as beautifully constructed and finished as I could. The bodice is lined with white cotton, and I even ‘invented’ a slightly OTT method to finish the armsyce with all the raw edges tucked inside (basically doing the burrito method but with the sleeves tucked into the seam, too – quite fiddly, wouldn’t recommend).
The back has a lapped zip, which I inserted using the really simple instructions in the Christine Haynes book I received for my birthday. It does have a hook and eye at the top, but I can’t reach it on my own! Also, yeah, I didn’t pay any attention at all to pattern matching as the repeat is really big and I didn’t fancy investing in extra yardage. I think it’s sufficiently random that it’s not a huge deal.
I decided to not use my overlocker at all, so all the raw edges are pinked. I’m interested to see how this holds up vs overlocking after a few washes.
I think the cat even approves…
Though maybe not.
This dress is also my first entry into the Sew Dolly Clackett competition! It probably won’t be my last, but I think this one had enough Roisin-appeal for me to consider entering it. I’m even wearing matching kitty shoes here for extra points, but I wasn’t brave enough to pose outside my front door so the mucky back garden will have to do.
I love this! You’re right; I never would have looked at that pattern twice based on the envelope. I also love how you’ve styled the print…somehow it doesn’t look fussy, but really cool and chic!
PS- Your cat is the cutest.
Lovely dress! I love the way the back is cut!
So pretty! I like that its not overly cutesy, great job!
Yay for the kitteh dress! Lurrrrve this fabric. x
This is sooooooo cute! Well done!
Aw, what a gorgeous dress. Yes, your expression in the first photo really does say it all.
You look so happy in this dress! Love the fabric and the finishings. And I agree, way to see past the envelope!
Lovely! On the neckline – have you tried easing in twill tape? That can work to stop gapping
This is amazing! Gorgeous dress and gorgeous kitty!
Gah, this print is purrfect (sorry). The colors are stunning and the kitty is having a grand ole time flipping around. May have to copy.
Great dress! I’m inspired to dig this pattern out of my stash and give it a try.
Lovely! the print is so cute and agree that I would.t have looked twice at the pattern envelope.
Very cool dress finished beautifully! I like the yellow dots against the dark green fabric background.
Its lovely. So cute. I haven’t tried pinking yet but i hear it’s quite effective.
Oh gosh, this is so beautiful, Katie! Love your face in that first photo, ha. You’ve inspired me to learn how to sew – eek! :)
I love this dress – I think it’s my favourite make of yours so far. Obviously the fabric is super cute but I think the cut of the dress is really flattering and looks lovely on you.
Lovely dress, well made, fab fabric – great!!!
Love this dress, you look super cool in it too! x
It’s gorgeous! Perfect fabric and pattern combo. It looks so great on you, I think it should be in your everyday wardrobe!
Totally love this fabric! The dress looks fabulous on you – a very inspiring make!
Wow so lovely, I have to try this pattern! It’s so flattering too.
Love it! Looks so cute on you too x
This is great – I love the fabric! Everyone needs a fun dress to brighten up the everyday wardrobe every now and then!
Such an adorable dress! I love the fit and the pattern. ^_^
You made it?! Whaaaaaaat?! The creativity I come across blows my mind.
Do you sell these? If so, how much do you charge?
I’d love to pick a fabric and have you make me one!
<3
Harlynn
mindyourmadness.blogspot.com
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Kitteh Dress!! I’m in love. Great fabric and I like this pattern. I like dresses and tops with a back V-neck. Why should the front have all the ‘party’? Kitty seems to approve of your dress, for sure.
I absolutely love this! That fabric! I made this pattern last summer and I’m planning another for my Dolly Clackett dress – great minds think alike :)
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Beautiful dress! Love the fabric. Funky but not OTT. I know this post was some time ago but you could potentially make a little inverted box pleat in the front centre to reduce the neckline gape.