Simplicity 2444

Simplicity 2444 is complete! Not quite done in time for Christmas eve, but done all the same.  I used a silk cotton blend in a wine color that I bought from Mood in NYC.  I made a muslin, and then a second muslin making the sleeves a little bigger. I like this pattern especially the collar, which is flattering for many. The neck is also open enough to make this long sleeve dress go from frump to chic. This pattern does require a belt, a belt is even included in the pattern illustration. I chose this one with a bow from fossil.

I did some new techniques for this dress. I did a hand picked zipper to show off the fabulous riri zipper, which is such a pleasure to zip. I also used a horsehair braid to hem the skirt. I love this stuff! It made it so much easier to make a even hem, sometimes i have trouble. I really like how twirly it is. Both techniques were suggestions on Gertie's Blog for Better Sewing. Spending a little more money on these details really made a difference in my dress. The horsehair was .75 cents at my local fabric store Fabricland, and the riri zipper is from Pacific Trimming. It was $12 and they cut the zipper to 22'' in minutes!