Simplicity 2406---My Salsa Birthday Party Dress!!!

The Big Salsa themed 40th Birthday for my friend was on last night and I'm happy to say that it was a WONDERFUL party!!! The food, decorations and outfits were all quite lovely!!! And there was alot of Salsa dancing which made the environment so fun and festive. If you've been following along with me they you know I was in charge of making the Birthday girl a dress and one for myself (see last post). Well the Birthday girl's dress turned out quite lovely (everyone loved it---HOORAY) but I am waiting on all of the pictures so I can post them soon. The party was dimly lit so my poor cell phone didn't quite cut the picture taking since I didn't have a flash. Fortunately we had a photographer there:)  Anywho, in the meantime I'll post pics of my dress and review it.

I have to admit that I love this dress and think this look came together quite well. I was looking for something sexy and fun and this sure did fit the bill!!!

Pattern Description:
I made view B----Dress with gathered neckline, back slit, sleeves with shoulder openings and sash.

Pattern Sizing:
I cut the size 10 in my muslin but ended up adding a smidge in the hip since it was a bit snug.

(Front view)

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?
A thousand times YES!!!!

Were the instructions easy to follow?
Very much so! Nothing complicated about it.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?
I liked how nicely drafted the pattern was and how well it went together. The revealed sleeves and back were sexy touch.

(Back View)

(Slit view up close)

FYI or TMI--LOL!: I had to purchase undergarments that would allow me to wear this dress without making them visible to the world. I ended up with this contraption. A new strapless bra to which I added clear straps and a low back extender which connected to the back of my bra pulled it down, wrapped it around the front and clipped in the front. I bought all of these items from I think a Bali, playtex outlet store.

 It worked but I still ended pinning about 1" out of my slit. I was so scared I would dance and one of the straps would come loose and hit someone in the eye! What a contraption indeed! LOL!

Fabric Used:
A polyester woven fabric from Jo-Ann's.  I was LOVE at first sight. I was insta
ntly drawn to the fabric colors and designs. I wanted the perfect fabric---one that would give the design the much needed crispness & volume.

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:
I made a muslin which was a good idea for me. I'm extremely anal when it comes to fit. It turns out that I only made 2 adjustments.
1. I'm shortwaisted in the back so I shortened the length in the middle back of the dress by almost 2" and tapered to the sides.
2. Because my back is so short,  I also shortened my back slit by 3". I just folded the 3" out of the back facing and everything went together perfectly.

(Last but not least.....my shoes!!!! Love these!!!)

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?
I think I'd like to sew it again. Maybe in a solid color or in a denim fabric. It's a really cool dress. I love it and recommend it highly to others.

Conclusion:
Super cute dress! It fit the bill for my party and I received lots of compliments!!!!

Ok, that's my dress!!! Stay tuned for the Birthday Girl's dress---pictures coming SOON!!!