A new dress! This one was made with Jewel of Brooklyn Dress kit from Kollabora, that consisted of Simplicity 2281, a Cynthia Rowley Collection pattern, and 2 m of 100% silk Solid Crepe de Chine from Mood Fabrics.
Since I didn’t really want the dress in two colors like the Kollabora version, I asked for the color Tango Red, Tara from Kollabora was really helpful to accommodate my request.
Simplicity 2281 is a sweet dress with gathered neckline, hidden pockets and gathered tulip skirt. I made view A in size 6 on bust and hip, size 8 on waist. Other than my usual adjustments, I also left off the back ties and adding center back seam for invisible zipper. This way I can adjust the sides later if I need to (which I did). Still too lazy for making a muslin first I suppose….
Pattern alteration:
- shortening upper front and back bodice 1 cm
- shortening midriff front and back 2 cm
- swayback adjustment on upper back bodice 1 cm
- discarded the ties and added center back seam to midriff back and skirt back for invisible zipper.
After sewing my first silk dress, I’m not afraid of silk anymore! This crepe de chine was easier to work with than the previous silk, it went smoothly under my sewing feet and was surprisingly a lot more stabler that I have imagined. So, no problem at all with the fabrics.
The instructions are quite clear although I didn’t really follow the instructions order, which called for finishing the bodice and lining it first before attaching the skirt. As I wanted to be able to alter the sides later, the side seams were sewed the last. After fitting, I did have to pinch the sides about 1.5 cm on each side from armhole to the waist. I also lowered the neckline about 1.5 cm. No further fitting alterations other than those two, I guess all the pattern alterations have worked quite well.
Also! Last Friday was my 41st birthday and I celebrated it by getting a new haircut. The last time I got a professional haircut was about two years ago, and it was medium length. I usually trim and cut my own hair but I recently I got a bit lazy and let my hair grew too long that I couldn’t handle it anymore. I went to Dude hair salon in Shimokitazawa. Yes, the name is Dude and actually that was the first thing that got me interested. I want a dude to cut my hair.
Of course the owner’s name was not Dude, his name is Kaz Taira and he was very polite and soft-spoken. We talked first about what kind of haircut that I wanted and he showed me several pictures for inspiration. When he was ready to start cutting, he said, “Now I’m going into my creative zone, so I’m going to shut up.” I like this guy! He worked pretty quick and less than 2 hours later, I emerged from the salon with a big smile on my face.
Dress pattern and supplies are Jewel of Brooklyn Dress from Kollabora.
I love it. That is very cute. If you want another fabric for women style visite our website thanks…
Your new dress is very beautiful it’s looking great. I admiration to your hair cut.
I love this dress! So much so that I bought the pattern and am cutting to make the dress. A quick question about your alterations- did you take 1cm of the top and bottom of the midriff pieces? or 2cms from the top or bottom? I like the look of a thinner waistband. Thanks Jane
Hi Jane, I made a line across the center of the midriff pieces and fold them, similar to the way I shortened the bodice pieces. Hope that helps!
Oh I love this dress!! It looks just beautiful on you and, of course the new haircut is very chic.
41? I would have never in a million years guessed you to be 41 – you look at least a decade younger. Happy Birthday!
Aww thank you Robin!!