So let me start off by saying I’m OBSESSED with Cynthia Rowley. I do NOT have CR money but her simplistic cuts, luxurious fabrics, her keen sense of when to puff or ruff(le)… my eye is always drawn to her looks. It’s something about the way she makes bolds look like neutrals and everyday wear. I’m sold. But like i said, she is COMPLETELY out of my price range. When i saw this dress i was sick! 
It’s sooooooo cute and quirky. But irl I knew I’d need it a bit longer cuz… booty; so then it became me on a hunt for a similar pattern. Simplicity pattern S8909 came through like a trooper.
Y’all… dress A is practically the Cynthia Rowley dress sans the ruffled hem. AND ITS RAGLAN SLEEVE AND I LOVE A RAGLAN SLEEVE. So in my mind I was like BET! So I had some “tester” fabric in my stash I was willing to make this dress with.
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So…
A few things…
- Prints are tricky. In theory they work on paper and swatch and coquis but irl WHOLE OTHER BEAST
- I’m not a huge pastel girl so this was overwhelming
- Construction was simple enough
- If you’re focused; this dress can be completed and finished in 5 hours
And then this happened. Sizing for your shape is real and this is why pattern grading is clutch. The first run this was all bulk and the hem was entirely too long. This was the antithesis of a vibe and extremely discouraging BUT you gotta learn from your mistakes and often try again. So that’s what I did.
- I shortened the hem AND bottom ruffle.
- I went for a more easy bold pattern and made sure it was something I’d be more inclined to wear.
- Created darts in the back for a more complimenting silhouette
This was it! the second try was a hit.
Though different; you can definitely see the influence and I love that!
What are your thoughts? Would you sew 𧡠this? Would you use a bold pattern or keep it simple?
I hope you enjoyed! Happy sewing!!!
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I love being inspired by the size and style of the women in the 50’s (more realistic, less cosmetically altered) and the artistry of couture from the 1930’s – 1950’s.
The godet train gave me my full, entire, whole life.
This fabric was my favorite. I’d been holding this for over a year waiting for the perfect reason to bust this out and use it. It was very Gatsby – Art Deco. Rich gold, pale gold & black – and the design of the fabric was just aesthetically pleasing to me, it stood out, it was rich looking but not gaudy.
