When Jamie threw down the gauntlet to use a fabric you’ve been hanging onto a longtime, I knew this was the push I needed to finish/redo my failed attempt with Cynthia Rowley’s Simplicity 2406. 

Picking the correct pattern for my body type has often been a difficulty for me.  I am the hourglass body type.  According to a new favorite book, The Pocket Stylist by Kendall Farr, the dresses for my body-type should be “nipped-waist sheaths, tank dresses, bias, wrap dresses and strapless” (p. 29).  Well – I am never going to wear a strapless dress but I feel she is spot on for everything else.  (I would also include A-line dresses.)

I purchased this fabric from Colorado Fabrics back when it was still doing business as Denver Fabrics – a couple of years ago.  I fell in love with the bright geometric print with the tiniest of silver threads shooting through it.  After much deliberation of which pattern to use I decided this summer to use Simplicity 2406.  I thought lack of shaping would best set off the fabric.  Boy – was I ever wrong.  I forgot shapeless sacks do not work well with my body-type.  (See above.)

I eventually decided to remake it using McCalls 6346, view D.  I had made this one last summer.  It was such a success.  I counted it as one of my top five patterns of 2013.  I *love*love*love* my blue gauze housedress and would wear it every day if I could.  It is so comfortable and forgiving. 

The fabric is a synthetic polyester blend.  I underlined the torso pieces with a nude silk charmeuse (also from Colorado Fabrics).  I cut a size 12 at the bust grading it out to a 14 at the hips.  It was a bit snug through the waist so I let out one of the two sets of fish-eye darts in the back.  I also omitted the keyhole in the neckline and the elastic in the sleeves.

I made this without a zipper so it comes together very quickly.  The most time consuming portion was gathering the three panels for the flounce.  And all seams are finished with french seams. 

I am so pleased with how this dress turned out.  With the silk underlining it really feels like I am wearing pajamas.  I can’t wait to make another version.  This is definitely a great wardrobe building dress.  And depending on the type of fabric you use you can wear this for all occasions: home, work, or parties.

Do you have a favorite pattern you were surprised by how much you liked?