Friday 15 May 2015

Simplicity Star Sewist - New Look 6145

Hello everyone. Have you heard that Simplicity are searching for a "star sewist"?  To do this, they are running a competition with a choice of free pattern. I chose to make Newlook 6145. According to twitter, they have had over 300 entries. Wow! And today I am adding my entry into the mix.



New Look 6145

Originally, I wasn't overly inspired by this pattern - it didn't jump out at me. But then I started looking at Boden online and found my inspiration: a simple shift with a 60s vibe.


Boden Inspiration

I am loving the 60s-look at the moment, and I had the perfect fabric. A stretch cotton sateen with bold flower pattern. This fabric was gifted to me by a friend. I would never have chosen it myself  (I steer clear of mainly white clothes with small children!) but I love it. I did wonder if I could carry off wearing such a bold dress, but I decided to just go for it!


I did a couple of flat pattern adjustments before I started sewing. I am substantially shorter than whoever these patterns are designed for, so I had to take out over an inch and a half in length, both below and above the waist. By taking out that length, though, I had to redraw the darts, which did take a little head-scratching and googling to check I was doing it right.

I made a quick muslin out of a very old and threadbare poly-cotton sheet, and it fitted perfectly.  More than that, because it is such a loose fitting shape, I realised that when I used my stretch fabric I would be able to do away with the zip! And it fits perfectly without it.


Gosh, I'm standing awkwardly in the above shot! Anyway, there is a little pleat at the bottom. I don't really feel the dress needs it, and I likely won't include it in my next version. Yes, there definitely will be another, maybe another two or three.


I love the silhouette of this pattern, semi-fitted but still loose enough not to be constricting. I feel stylish in it, but without trying too hard.

 

This fabric was a dream to sew. I had been nervous about stitching stretch wovens, as I had heard that they can stretch out of shape and seams can pucker easily. But I was careful, slow and I staystitched. All went well.  Hope this was not beginners' luck, as I have just bought some more!
  


Version number 2 is halfway there (this time as a blouse) and the fabric for number 3 has been bought and pre-washed. I am really thrilled with this pattern and am looking forward to having a few of these hanging in my closet.


Also, I think it is kinda close to my Boden inspiration, so I am very pleased. Thank you Mags for the lovely fabric, and to opening my eyes to the new world of stretch cotton.

15 comments:

  1. You carry off the print very well, lovely dress :)

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    1. Thank you. I definitely feel confident in such a bold dress.

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  2. It looks lovely - you can definitely carry off the bold print, and the simple shift shape shows it off really well. It's a great interpretation of the Boden inspiration!

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    1. Yes I think this shape of shift will be a great showcase for prints.

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  3. Cool what a lovely little 60's style number x
    Good luck with the competition - I am entering the vintage top version.

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    1. Good luck too you too. Love your liberty blouse.

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  4. This is beautiful and you look gorgeous. It's very like the original Boden dress too. I can see why you want to make more!! Good luck with the competition!

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  5. I love it!! It looks amazing on you!!

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  6. It is gorgeous! Love the fabric, can't wait to see the next versions! Good Luck with the competition.

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    1. It's the fabric that makes it special.

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  7. Hi Louise the dress look fantastic! Its such a summery, pretty colour and a great idea to use a stretch fabric with no added stress of the zip! Can't wait to see the next finished pieces :) xx

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  8. This looks awesome! How fab you got away without using a zip and still got such a great fitted result!

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