The Sophistique Noir theme for March is purple. I didn't have time to sew something new on such short notice (though I did have time to kick myself for not starting on the purple and black striped blouse a few days ago when I had some spare time). I thought about using an old post (such as the evening gown or the multi-colored hearse blouse), but instead I dug this dress out of the summer clothes storage. Please forgive the wrinkles.
The pattern is New Look 6774. It's one of those "design your own look patterns", where you choose from several bodices, straps, and skirts to put together your own dress. While I certainly like the flexibility that patterns like this offer, I think they are a bit misleading. You can do that with most patterns, in fact. The pieces here are I (the lapping bodice), J (the midriff, which was the only piece required of all the patterns), and K (the long skirt). I keep saying it, but you think sooner or later I will realize that lapping bodices look ridiculous on my flat chest. I hand-stitched the lapping such after the fact to stop the gapping. I also shortened the skirt (a first for me) to be mid-calf instead of ankle-length.
Another problem with these sorts of patterns is that each piece has its own yardage listed, so you have no choice but to add them all up and cross your fingers that it's correct. Even though Simplicity and New Look have a reputation for being overly generous with their fabric allotments, this was just nuts. I didn't buy any lining fabric and just used the leftover pieces after cutting out the dress, and I still have over a yard laying around in the stash.
Anyway, the fabric here is a sparkly purple bat fabric with little stars and crescent moons. I think this is by Debbie Mumm, but I'm not sure. I got it in the clearance section of JoAnn's for a song. I have been meaning to make myself a matching sun hat with the leftover fabric, but I lack motivation and time.
Difficulty-wise, this has some jumping around because of the nature of this pattern. It kind of reminded me of one of those "choose your own adventure" stories. It might be a little much for an inexperienced sewist, but the steps themselves aren't too difficult. There is some gathering and pleating, but I didn't find them to be onerous. So I would recomend this for something who has a few garments under their belt, but is still a beginner.
