So, I finally got round to it.

Pattern:

I have got mine  for free from the Sew Magazine February 2012 issue. However, you  can buy yours in the UK  from: http://www.habithat.co.uk/,http://www.jaycotts.co.uk or http://www.sewingworld.co.uk and in US of course the http://www.simplicity.com

Description:

Misses’ dress and jacket combination from the Lisette collection sold by Simplicity.

Overall description:

The pattern offers two versions for the dress (one fabric design or two –one for the bodice and another for the skirt), and the same for the jacket (one version with ruffled collar and one without). Also you  have to option to add pockets to the jacket or not.

For my dress I chose one fabric version and for the jacket I chose to go with the un-ruffled collar.

Materials and notions:

As I did not have enough floral printed cotton fabric to make the jacket/or the dress as a matter of fact, I had to think about mixing fabrics and textures. So I’ve ended up picking some corduroy for the jacket collar  and facing as well as the welt for the pockets. I love pockets on everything, so I’m always including them.  What’s missing from  this picture is the button. I only chose it at the end, once the jacket was ready.

for the dress another flowery cotton. but this time I’ve used the left over fabric from the jacket to make the facings for the neck. Also I needed a zipper and I’ve used red bias tape for the armhole and hem (both of which – zipper and bias tap not on the picture).

Written instructions:

I found the instructions easy to follow. they are accompanied like all the Simplicity patterns by diagrams to help you understand better the instructions. My pattern version which is for sizes 14 – 22 or EU 40 – 48 comes with Spanish instructions as well. However, you  do not really need the instructions if you  already know about garment construction. That’s so easy to make.

Construction Notes:

I’ve made the jacket first, and then the dress.

 

No major changed from the instructions that come with the pattern, so not much to talk about. The only thing that I had to fiddle with was the facing where the button loop was placed as i needed to be careful not to  mess it up. The rest: EASY!

The dress, well the pattern shows one piece, I’ve cut it in half and used it on fold! I just needed to make sure I’ve copied all the pleat lines for the front. The rest was easy peasy!

The only major thing here was to cut about 15 cm from the hem as it was too long and looked old fashioned.

Conclusion

Over all I love both the dress and the jacket. they are easy to  wear and the Jacked already has been worn a few times. Will be a great combination for the summer.

Will I make it again? Definitely!!!. i already promised my mum a jacket. Will need to make some adjustments though. I’ll make the dress again  as well but will use two types of fabric to emphasise the bodice. It gets lost otherwise; hence the big red belt.

It is a great project for novices.