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Sunday, April 3, 2011

Simplicity 2253-- The Jessica McClintock Gala Gown---Pic Heavy!!!


I had such an exciting time sewing this dress!!! I have to admit that at moments I was holding my breath and sewing an hour before I had to go---I've got to stop doing that LOL! This dress was made specifically for a fabulous Gala we attended. But I was pretty happy with the results. I felt just a tad bit of pressure since I was advertising my business in the Gala souvenir journal. As a "walking billboard" I wanted to make sure I was advertising my skills well. I received numerous compliments and some potential clients.

To change things up a bit I did a quickie photo shoot at our downtown river front area. It was alot better than my backyard (my usual locale). Here's my review and some pics.

Simplicity 2253

Pattern Description:

Evening gown by designer Jessica McClintock

Pattern Sizing:
I made a size 12 for a bodice and graded up to 14 for the skirt.

(Front view: Excuse midsection wrinkles---this dress, like most satin one's didn't recover from me being seated)

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?
Absolutely--it was really pretty!!!

Were the instructions easy to follow?
Fairly so! As previous reviewers reported, the instructions kind of skip all over the place so you want to make sure you are paying attention to the steps.

(Side view: Notice the crazy face--- the wind was overwhelming)

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?
I love the overall style of this design and of course the shoulder treatment won me over. The pattern was absolutely great and there wasn't much to dislike. The only thing I didn't like was that the skirt seemed to run small. I made a muslin to gauge the fit and I ended up just adding and additional 1/2" to the circumference for insurance purposes.


Fabric Used:
Some mystery "midnight blue" satin I bought on clearance at Hancock while out of town in Florida a few years back. I bought 5yds for $1 each. It was indeed a steal since the fabric quality is phenomenal. It's similar to a crepe back satin in that one side has sheen and the other is matte, but it doesn't have the texture though. I knew when I laid eyes on it that it would be used for a phenomenal gown.

(Up close so you can see the weaving.)

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:
1. I added 2" to the length of the skirt.

2. As mentioned above, I made the bodice in a size 12 and graded to a 14 mid waist and below.

3. Reduced the back length by about an inch. I'm shortwaisted and due to the back panels was able to do this alteration after the dress was assembled. I simply sewed the seam of the 2 upper back panels (between them) a 1/2" deeper (totalling 1") and phased to nothing at the side seams. You know like making a horizontal dart.

4. Increased hip circumference about 1/2" or so.
 
(Here's the accessories. After I found the sequin clutch, I found some shoes that matched. It wasn't my original intent since I wanted something strappier but it worked rather well. I threw in some faux diamond earring and wore my hair in a side chignon and that was that. I didn't want to overshadow the dress.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?
Maybe. This is a one of a kind dress but I wouldn't mind making the shorter version in a cotton or linen fabric.

(Me and my Hubby! He's one of my biggest supporters and helps keep me sane! I'm sure he grew tired of all of the fitting questions I asked him about this dress. LOL!)


Conclusion:
This indeed is a beautiful gown that yielded beautiful results! It indeed made my night special and I feel like I looked a "Million bucks" although my dress at tops cost me about $16. I love being able to sew!!!!




73 comments:

  1. You look stunning in your gown! It is beautiful.
    Gita

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  2. Wow, you did a great job on this! You look fantastic. Cute hubby too.

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  3. You did a great job on this dress and you looked incredible!

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  4. fantastic dress, great color, you look so glamourous!

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  5. Outrageous accomplishment!! I love the way all of those panels fit together. It looks incredibly difficult. And so lovely. The colour works great on you and I can't believe that the fabric was such a steal. Really cute pic of you and your husband too.

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  6. You look beautiful...your gown is stunning!

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  7. Hi! Fairly new to your blog and love it. The dress is phenomenal!

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  8. You look beautiful in this dress. What a great job! You and Hubby make a good looking pair :)

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  9. Absolutely gorgeous! You definitely look like a million bucks. Yay for a supportive hubby, too! :)

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  10. How gorgeous! You look amazing! I love the pictures on Riverstreet, it reminds me of home. You and your hubby look good together!

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  11. You made this pattern come alive! You are stunning and the gown is spectacular. great design and wonderful fitting job. It's a treat to see you and DH so very happy.

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  12. Look at you two all gammed up. I love the "weaving" on the bodice. So pretty. Yes, that gown is stunning and you are equally stunning wearing it! Great job!!!!!!

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  13. Your gown is absolutely beautiful, the fit is perfect, and you look fabulous.

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  14. Wow Victoria, this dress and you in it are both fabulous!!! Everything about this garment speaks "regal"! I bet you were really pleased with the results...who wouldn't be!! (cute hubby too!)

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  15. Your gown so beautiful! You did a great job on the weaving. You and your hubby looked great together.

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  16. What an elegant gown, I can tell you paid lots of attention to every detail. I was looking for you at the Abercorn JoAnnn's on Friday.

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  17. Outstanding. You look amazing and the weaving is excellent.
    Great color ! Be proud!

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  18. That dress is just gorgeous on you!!! No wonder you picked up new clients, it really is beautiful...Great pic of you and your sweetie also!

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  19. Va-va-voom - you look smashing!!! Beautiful work!!!!

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  20. Gorgeous! I absolutely love the colour and the detailing on the bodice.

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  21. Love everything about it, the color the fit absolutely beautiful.

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  22. So, I saw the pictures in my Google Reader and went "ooooooooh" out loud. Then I said to my husband, "You know you read someone's blog too much when you feel so happy for them that they completed a sewing project, like you actually know them!"

    It is gorgeous and you look gorgeous!

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  23. Oh so fabulous!! The dress is amazing and you look smoking hot!!

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  24. The dress is gorgeous, you look terrific and I think that picture of you and your husband is lovely.

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  25. That dress is so elegant ande lovely. And, congratulations on handling a difficult fabric!

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  26. You look beautiful! Just beautiful and the dress is perfect!

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  27. Yes, I took a one day spring break. I was at Joann's around 4ish - looking for a chance meetup. I was able to pick up my new Simplicity patterns while there, glad I did. I get so tired of tracking down pattern sales. I know I'll adore you too! fayedoll(at)cox(dot)net.

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  28. You look stunning in your gown. Wonderful job.

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  29. Great job! It really looks stunning on you.

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  30. Absolutely gorgeous! Today, while I was at the mall, I saw a short version that looks exactly like this. You're trendy! How cool is that?

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  31. Beautiful dress, and lovely photo of you with Hubby:-)

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  32. Wow, your dress is amazing. You look gorgeous.

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  33. just gorgeous, I am happy to see you in this dress, you just radiate!

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  34. Gorgeous dress, gorgeous couple, fun event! I love the bodice weave detail.

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  35. Wow you look stunning , I love this on you it is simply beautiful . I have ordered the pattern now lol !

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  36. What a fabulous dress! and you and your husband make a lovely couple :-)

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  37. You look amazing! What an awesome job you did on that dress! I cannot believe you were still sewing it an hour before having to go- it looks like you were steady under pressure though. You were a great advertisement for your services.

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  38. Absolutely GORGEOUS and the color of the gown is fantastic!!! You look like you should be walking down the red carpet.

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  39. You look stunning. Your dress is gorgeous. Good luck with getting more clients.

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  40. Awesomely Beautiful.... you did a fantastic job.

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  41. Your gown is absolutely beauriful and you look gorgeous in it!

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  42. You did a great job and look absolutely fabulous!

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  43. It is such a beautiful,elegant gown..... You look very beautiful!

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  44. It is simply fabulous. And you looked fabulous in it! Hope you had a great time!

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  45. Wow!!! Your dress screams glamour and you look fabulous. I love your choice of colour - midnight blue is so elegant and the dress looks incredibily expensive. Perfect for such a lovely and important occasion. I love the photo of you and your Hubby - you make such a lovely looking couple.

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  46. Beautiful! I love the color on you and the fit is stunning.

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  47. Not too shabby for $16!
    It's beautiful and I love bodice seams.

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  48. O vestido está lindo! Ficou muito elegante! Parabéns!!

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  49. Jaw dropping!!!! You look TERRIFIC!!!!

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  50. Oh wow! I love the diagonal seams in the bodice and the folds on the shoulder and the color. You look just beautiful. Everyone should want you to sew for them!

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  51. Simply outstanding, Victoria! You look spectacular! And the gown is perfect. Yes, you look like a million bucks. And yes, sewing is the best.

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  52. I am thinking about making this one for a bridesmaid dress then hopefully rewearing it at a military ball. Any suggestions on a fabric that won't look wrinkled after sitting with this pattern? the weaving looked like it might help with tummy control? I would need to make a size 18. so greatful with your review!

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  53. Hi farrisfamily2000,
    If you're trying to do anti-wrinkle I suggest some sort of polyester fabric with some stretch to it. You should do a stretch satin maybe or even a sateen fabric. They would probably wrinkle a little but much less than a linen. Or you can just purchase a polyester blend that doesn't wrinkle. Of course you can test that right on the spot by wrinkling the fabric and seeing how it responds. Hope this helps!

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  54. Beautiful job. I am thinking of making this for myself .Have never made a dress with boning is this easy to work with and how are the shoulder pieces made are they just squares which are sewed on top of each other. Any info greatly appreciated

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