It’s a very rainy Saturday, and my plans to take pics in the garden gave way to the storms we’re having. It’s noon, and we’ve already had over an inch of rain today. My garden alligator is swimming (he’s concrete, BTW, but very convincing).
In the spirit of things, I just drank more coffee and took pics in the loft.
This is my second version of Simplicity 8640 (first one here). Any time I really like a pattern, I do a repeat pretty quickly. I’m so self-indulgent!
This one has a few tweaks, the most significant being a shorter length. Originally I added 1 5/8″ to the hemline of the pattern, but after seeing the photos and actually wearing my red dress, I decided it was too long. This one is 1″ shorter, and I think the length is perfect. And, yes, I went back and shortened the red one 🙂
I also improved my pocket pattern by taking the 5/8″ seam allowance off the top edge and re-drawing the facing. This is a very small change, but, IMO, the result is more balanced.
First version:
I’m so in love with the front detail. I cut the the bodice pieces on the straight grainline this time, instead of on the bias. Much better! The bias cut actually pushed out at the seam lines and caused a little ballooning on my red dress.
What a fun dress!
And I’m off to the loft to sew. Bye for now – Coco
Coco's Loft 
Looks like a perfect pattern for linen. Wonderful make and looks wonderful on you 🙂 And you had me with the alligator–I initially freaked out at the picture!
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Fantastic make, Coco. The white linen looks terrific on you. Simplicity patterns are hard to find here in Canada but you’ve convinced me that I must order this one. Thanks for the tip about cutting the bodice on the straight grain. Is the skirt on the bias? This is just about the perfect summer dress.
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Cute!
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This dress is an incredibly good look on you. And the rain looks good for the gator!
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Lovely! Your “makes” always make me take a second look at patterns I usually just take a glance at or even ignore. Someone needs to get smart and feature you on these pattern envelopes! I live in Central Florida and this has got to be the rainiest rainy season in a decade. I can’t wait for dry season!
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You look quite smart in your white linen frock, Coco. I had to go check out the one in red now…and maybe score that pattern too.
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Ohmigosh! So very darling!
Gator is so very hilarious!
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