Simplicity 3503....Maxi Dress

This was one of those dresses that I honestly was holding my breath on. With such a bold fabric, I was certain that the color and fabric print were just going to be a little too much. To be quite honest I kinda haphazardly planned the pattern layout and fortunately it doesn't look too overwhelming. Well I'm happy this dress turned out great and I have to admit that I'm in love with this dress! Once I finished the dress I had to let my husband (my biggest fan and at times biggest critic--but in a good way!) see it. Well he gave me two thumbs up but noticed the front where I did get a little sloppy and didn't sew the neckline evenly on both sides ( I think I was up sewing late). So I'll have to go back and fix that by hand but aside from that I'm really happy with the results. Here's the review....

Simplicity 3503

Pattern Description:
Knit dress with halter top

Pattern Sizing:
I cut the size 10 since I wanted it to be a bit fitted. Normally I go for a size 12 in knits.

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?
Absolutely!!!! I was VERY pleased with the results!!!

Were the instructions easy to follow?
Very much so!

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?
There wasn't anything that I didn't like about the pattern. I have to admit that I was a little nervous about making a dress with such a narrow midriff. Since I'm short waisted sometimes the style isn't very flattering on me. But I think elongated the bodice by 1" helped.

Fabric Used:
Matte jersey in a risky bright green and white with large circular prints

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:
I did the following:
*Omitted the pockets
*added 1" length to bottom of front and back bodice.
*added 2" to the length because I'm tall but in the end since it was super long I ended up chopping 4" off. Let me tell you that's a first:)
*I didn't use the elastic guide for the upper back bodice but rather draped it on me to make sure it wouldn't be too loose. There's nothing I hate more than when the back bodice won't stay up on a haltered dress.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?
Oh absolutely yes!!!! If you're into maxi dresses this is a great pattern. This is my kind of dress. It's SOOOO comfortable, cute, and perfect for hot weather!

Conclusion:
This pattern is AWESOME and I'm sure I don't have to convice anyone of that since it's been reviewed so many times.

Also, Happy Early Father's Day to all the wonderful Dad's out there and in particular, my AWESOME Husband, Jimmy. Happy Father's Day Babe!!!! The "Wee-One" and I think you're the BEST! Our world's wouldn't be half as fun without you! Love you!!!!!