Simplicity 3588: Father/Daughter Banquet Dresses---Pic Heavy

I've been trying to post my 10,000 Hour review for Jan & Feb but I've been working dilligently over the last couple of weeks to churn out 2 dresses---one for my Daughter and the other for my Goddaughter for the great occasion of a Father/Daughter banquet. Well yesterday was the BIG day and I must admit that all of my hard work, planning and last minute sewing paid off! Both girls looked absolutely stunning! I was sure to get a few shots in before the event and I'm glad I did. Hubby didn't get the best quality shots given the dim lighting at the venue. But here are some pictures and the pattern review. I must admit that this dress had me really emotional. I couldn't stop staring at my Daughter and I even felt a bit misty eyed (yes I'm becoming one of those Mom's). My "Wee -One" is growing up so fast and it was fun that she had the opportunity to have such a "formal date" with Dad. The theme for the night was about being a Princeess. She definitely looked like a little princess---well an Asian princess to be exact (smile). The dresses were perfect for the occassion (both girls received tons of compliments) and a magical and fun night was had by all. Here are a few pics followed by the review.....
 

 (My Daughter doing a little backyard posing. Her dress is burgundy with gold and brown flowers and burgundy piping)

 (Heading out and hugging her date for the night, Daddy)

(Photo op in a carriage)

(My Goddaughter. Her dress is hard to photograph due to the shiny brocade. I loved her dress. It was bright, bright red with black flowers and piping)

(Both girls posing with my Goddaughter's Father who is also my Daughter's Godfather. My Hubby's taking the pics)

 (I loveeeeee this pic. They're growing up to be such pretty girls)

Pattern Description:

Child's dress with bodice variations. I chose to make 2 dresses of View B which had the mandarin collar and piping.

Pattern Sizing:
I made 2 dresses: 1 in size 3 the other size 4.

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

Were the instructions easy to follow?
Super easy!!! These were pretty easy to make!

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?
I love the mandarin collar, piping, and the overall dress.

Fabric Used:
Satin brocade---my Daughter's dress was maroon with gold & brown flowers while my Goddaughter's dress was bright red with black embroidered flowers.

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:
I was really concerned about this pattern since it's printed measurements were much bigger than both my daughter & Goddaughter. So I did a muslin and discovered my daughter with a could fit into a size 4 and my Goddaughter could fit into the size 3. I was glad I double checked with the muslin.

The only real alteration I had to make was before inserting the zipper. It turns out that in both dresses the middle back seam from the waist and below was too wide and needed to be tapered. So, for example, I took my Goddaughter's dress in 5" at the bottom back seam and tapered to nothing at the waist. The dress fit perfectly. I did the similar thing to my daughter's dress.


Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?
I don't know, maybe a few years from now when my daughter is older. There's so many pretty dresses out there and this is one of a kind. But I DO wholeheartedly recommend this. It's a wonderful pattern.

Conclusion:
Wonderful dress! I loved, loved, loved this dress. It was perfect for the occassion. I'll always love this dress!!!

A Parting shot........