During the lockdown , me and Gemma (Mustachioed Threads) tried to make a habit of sewing together virtually using our phones. On one such a virtual sewing session we ended up sewing the same pattern : Simplicity 2588 (Project Runway collection), which I got years ago when I bought Sew Magazine which included this pattern.

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Given the fact that in the last year, I’ve had some near misses with older patterns from Simplicity, I decided that it is more prudent to make a muslin before making the actual dress. Using my body measurements, I cut a straight size 14 using the petite lines on the pattern to shorten it and then I did a 1.5 cm swayback adjustment on the center back seam on the bodice.

I chose to make for myself a dress with raglan sleeves, and a straight skirt ( which matches the yellow dress on the pattern envelope) in a navy cotton blend I had in my stash for like forever. If memory serves it was from my local Abakhan store. And just because I could, I used a plain fabric to cut the side panels on the bodice.

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Once I made the toile, I realised that although I shortened the skirt to match the length for the petite dress, the hem was lower than my knees, which is a look that’s not very flattering on me as I am so short (only 5ft2). As a result I ended up taking an extra 3 cm of the length of the skirt.

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Making this dress was so much fun, especially since I was making it with a friend. I am really glad that I made a toile before. The little side panels in plain navy fabric were a good idea as they make my waist look a little smaller than it actually is.

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I am really glad that I chose to include the pockets. The best dresses have pockets. LOL I love using them especially when I don’t know what to do with my hands.

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Sewing Summary:

Pattern: Project Runway – Simplicity 2588 (out of print ) dress with princess seams on the front bodice two skirt variations, inseam pockets, two different raglan sleeve variations and yoke neckline.

Sizing: P5 (12, 14, 16, 18, 20)

Fabric: I used a cotton blend I had in my stash

Notions: 22″ invisible zipper, hook and eye

Modifications: cut petite size 14, 1.5 cm swayback adjustment, and shortened the petite skirt length by 3 cm.

Instructions: I cannot say much about them as I did not follow the instructions apart from quickly glancing at the diagrams and to check the seam allowances

Fit: good

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

Watch out for: n/a

Make Again?: yes.