New Look 6184 and Simplicity 2478

Last month, I decided to participate in Handmade by Heather B's Sundress Sew-A-Long as a way to finish out the Summer. Then, I started school for the first time in 15 years and my first two weeks have gone a bit crazy, so this is a day later then I had planned it. Everything is running a bit behind right now... 

I decided to make New Look 6184, view C. Not exactly a sundress, but I think it works. After completing the dress, I decided to add on a modified Simplicity 2478, also view C, I think. Neither patterns are vintage, but I think the final product definitely has that vintage feel!

I found this Waverly navy blue Swiss dot, cherry quilting cotton at Wal-Mart of all places and got it for $3.98 a yard!! BARGAIN!!! I've been terrible lately about taking pictures while I'm actually working on a garment... so no progress pictures with this one. Sorry, I'll try to do better next time!

I sewed a side-lapped zipper into the back of this dress. I'm getting better at zippers, and honestly, side-lapped is the way to go!

Here's my Instagram snap of the finished ensemble! If you aren't following me on Instagram, join the fun! I post there more frequently when I'm working on a project.

On to the final project photos!!

This little dress and bolero were such a huge hit when I wore them the first time. My coworkers totally approved and I'm looking forward to wearing it to school... that's why I made it in the first place.

The bolero has a really nice pleating detail on the sleeve. I hacked the pattern just a bit and omitted the band that forms the front facing and used bias binding instead. I used the same bias throughout the dress. It forms the arm hole facing and the hem.

I've styled it with a great Red satin bow cinch belt and a pretty red orchid in my hair.

I feel like I look like a matador in this picture... weird.

The dress pattern doesn't have pockets but I love pockets, so I added some to the side seams! A girl needs pockets!!

Without the bolero, it looks adorable, I love the pleated detail at the neckline, but the facing in the front keeps want to roll out. I don't know if you can see it in this picture or not. I under-stitched the whole facing, but it's still doing it. I think I'm going to have to top stitch it to keep it down.

The fit overall is great. I really didn't have to make any adjustments to the pattern. I sewed a size 14 and I'm pleased with the way it fits.

Even without a petticoat it hangs beautifully. It's a gored skirt, not quite a full circle, but it still has a good fullness.

Showing off the good looking interiors. (WOW... Wrinkles, oops) I love when something looks as pretty inside as it does outside.

A little cherry red binding on the bolero, really helps it to pop when worn over the dress.

Well there you go. This is definitely a winner in my book. I'll be making this dress again. I'm adding this to my #vintagepledge makes, not really sure which number it is at this point... I think I'm at #10!!

Until next time!