Spring in Seattle is a mixed-bag of nuts, so I never assume it will be sunny, even when the weather report claims it will be, so who knows when I’ll be able to wear this. Maybe if it’s nice enough this weekend, I’ll wear it to the Bootlegger’s Ball on Saturday.  Regardless of when I do, I’ll post a picture of me in it when that does occur.

Simplicity 2250, Style A, Front View

Pattern Description

Cynthia Rowley pattern for Simplicity. Misses’ dress with wide straps and a darted, pleated, folded decorative bodice. Zips in the back and decorative ties above zipper.

Pattern Sizing

I made a size 12 for this pattern, though my measurements are suppose to be for a size 14. The 12 fits really well with still a considerable amount of ease for me.

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

Pretty much, the bodice feels a little loose in the front, but it fits fine.

Were the instructions easy to follow?

Yes, I love Simplicity instructions! They’re usually very clear, even going so far as giving the order in which the darts should be sewn on the bodice pieces.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?

There are a lot of pieces to cut out. I’ll echo another reviewer who mentioned that the piece used for lining the bodice front is the same used for underlining, and it comes out a bit shorter than the actual bodice piece. Don’t be worried about this, as it’s going to get sewn together eventually, but if a discrepancy like that bothers you, be sure to add about an inch to the bottom of the piece you’ll be using for your underlining.

Fabric Used

A white cotton with a shimmery wave pattern that I picked up from Vogue Fabrics at the Sewing Expo in Puyallup this past March. It was a pretty good price, as I recall.

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made

Only a couple minor changes, nothing structurally obvious: added 3″ to the length of the skirt, since I have longer legs and wanted to have a bit of modesty wherever I wore it; since the fabric is lightweight and white, I added a layer of broadcloth for underlining in the skirt.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?

Absolutely! In fact, after looking at some of the other reviews, I love the color-blocking others have done and would be willing to try that. It’s not as difficult of a pattern as I feared it would be, just a little intimidating at first.

Conclusion

I always try to read up on reviews of a pattern before I start to tackle it to glean any gotchas from various reviews and blogs, and for this garment, I almost wish I hadn’t because many of the reviews did not come across very favorably for this pattern that I almost regretted trying it. But I’m glad I did make it! It’s really not that complicated if you can follow the patterns directions. Heck, I even added a couple things and it worked out wonderfully!

Simplicity 2250, Style A, Back View