Simplicity 2724 is their gorgeous rendition of the blouse + skirt = dress trend. Black Halo has been working this trend for a season or two. What I like most about this is that it offers a pencil skirt and a fuller skirt with bodice variations. The possibilities with this one is endless!

Simplicity 2728 immediately grabbed my attention! This is almost a knockoff of the Nanette Lepore's jackets with the bow detail collar.

I didn't get a good luck at the full collection, but flipping through the new catalog, these are the ones that caught my eye!

Description: Close-fitting dress have bodice and sleeve variations and roll neck collar, princess seams, straight skirt with front pleats, back darts, zipper and vent.

Sheath dresses have been so prevalent in fashion lately and I've really been wanting to jump on the bandwagon. I recalled that I had this pattern in my stash for some while now. I remembered that the collar gave the dress a very retro, 1960's feel to it... a la Jackie. Even my 11 year old commented that all was missing was one of those "little hats" (a pillbox hat), LOL.

I had to make several initial alterations. According to my high bust measurement, I cut the bodice in a size 14. I then made a one inch FBA for armhole princess seams. Next, I lengthened the entire bodice by an inch. I cut the skirt portion in the size 16 and lengthened it 5 inches.

My favorite part of the dress is the collar. It's cut on the bias. After I attached, I didn't press it down. I wanted to insure that it would be an authentic "rolled neck".

The dress also has a 22" inch zipper... I used an invisible and the skirt is vented. The pattern did not suggest a lining (which I don't understand when wovens are recommend), so I lined it. Here is the lining attached at the neckline, the sleeves and the skirt vent.

Overall, this is a great pattern and a great style. I recommend this one!

We have 17 down and 58 more to go!

This was another reason to use leftover fabric.

Pattern Description: Mock wrap, straight skirt, mid-knee length, has contour waistband, pleated front and back zipper.

Pattern Sizing: This pattern is true to size.

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it? Yes, it did.

Were the instructions easy to follow? The instructions were very easy to follow. This is a skirt that can be whipped up in a couple of hours.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? I like this pattern alot. The only thing I dislike is the under part of the skirt has pleats to. That didn't make sense to me. If I had designed the skirt, the part underneath would have just been straight. I had to do a lot of pressing to make sure that the pleats underneath were flat. At first, the created extra bulk. What I love most is the the pleats are at an angle and create a lovely draped effect.

Fabric Used: I used leftover gray flannel from my Vogue 1051 pants.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others? It's doubtful that I will sew this skirt again. So many patterns, so little time. But if you like this style, sure... I recommend it.

Conclusion: It's a great little wrap skirt with a lot of flare, that's quick and easy to make, with little to no alterations.

I cut the skirt from the waist in a size 14 and blended to a 16 at the hip. I had to alter the the pattern at the hip line by adding an inch to the length and also adding an inch to the length. I followed the instructions for the front. I modified the back:

I used the front side section for the back as well. For the center back sections, there was already a cutting line for views C & D with the ruffle. I used the Ratio of Gathers (2.5:1) to create my ruffle. This means that the ruffle is 2 1/2 times the length of skirt edge. The skirt edge is 10", so the length of the ruffle is 25". A 2.5:1 ratio is considered the norm. If you want less fullness, use a smaller number; and for more fullness, use a larger number.

One of my favorite details are the pockets. What I love most about them is that they lay perfectly flat. The are completely inconspicuous! I used a 2" hem to finish it off. I really love the style of the high-waisted skirt. If I were to make this again, I would probably bone the princess seams in the waist for a little support. Other than that, I completely happy.

Chado Ralph Rucci - Fall 2007

Donna Karan - Fall 2007

V8550 - Those pintucks really sell this one!

V8548 - I really love the lines of this coat! I'm so glad I've waited before I cut out any coats!

V8541 - Another great jacket!

V8543 - This is a great lady-like suit... even though I've seen this skirt before.

V8536 - This is great basic t-shirt design. It even has bust shaping!

V8532 - I really didn't notice this dress until I received the Vogue email and saw it on a "real person". This one will be going on my list as well!

This pattern was well drafted and the instructions were very easy. I cut this dress in a size 6 and made the petite adjustments. I sewed the boning and the bra to the lining. I inserted the zipper after sewing the back panels together and then I sewed the rest. I attached the lining to the dress and underlined it. I attached the lining to the zipper tape with slipstitches. I honestly don't remember the exact measurement for how much I shortened. After the petite adjustment, it may have been 4 - 5 inches. I purchased the floral appliques and sewed them to the neckline and to the skirt. I tacked the petticoat to the lining at the side seams for fear that it may slip down. I purchased the petticoat from CaLyCo Crossings.

She really, really loved this dress (as if you couldn't tell from all of her hamming it up) and the sweetheart neckline is very flattering on her.

I recommend this dress for anyone that needs a formal. I will not be sewing this one again. God forbid she is forced to wear the same dress or something similar! LOL

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This is a lined clutch bag with a self-fabric bow and knot and an inside pocket. This design is based off of the Valentino Bow Clutch.

Since I used the lame fabric and just as the name suggests, it's tissue thin. The pattern said to use sew-in interfacing. I wanted to make the bag a little more sturdier, so I used some scrap denim I had for the front and back. I used muslin for my sew-in interfacing for the facings. I used fabric from the dress for the lining. I really like the contrast of the pink against the silver. The zipper is attached to the facings and the facings are attached to the lining. The lining is sewed together leaving an opening in the bottom. The lining is attached to the outer part, right sides together. The outer part is pulled through the opening and slipstitched. All of the pattern pieces went together perfectly and the instructions were very easy.

As usual, Kwik Sew never lets you down when you need basics! These are flat front trousers with back welt button pockets and slanted side pockets. These pants are drafted so well that I'm going to have to go back and look at their ladies' trousers. The size small fit Brian perfectly out of the envelope with no alterations. As I sewed, I compared these pants to a pair of RTW and the drafting and design was almost identical. I used Palmer Pletsch's no roll waistband and it turned out great.

I recommend this pattern to anyone needing to make a pair of men's trousers. This will by my TNT for the in my life.