For some bizarre reason I tend to set ridiculous sewing goals before its time to leave for a holiday. Because what says “get ready for a week to relax” like spending two weeks trying to sew up five new wardrobe pieces? Gah! So when we made a last minute decision to head to Vanuatu for a ninja holiday I vowed to sew nothing in preparation to really maximise my laziness relaxation. Then I realised the perfect pattern and fabric for a rad resort dress lived in my stash and who was I to deny this rule breaking frock?
This is Simplicity 8178 – a cross-over bodice that can party as a romper or as a frock. View A is a wide legged jumpsuit, View B is the narrow legged option and I made up View C which has a gathered knee length skirt. And if that isn’t enough you also get a bonus jacket as View D! That’s what I’m calling a bargain – especially as a I snaffled this in a 3 for $10 sale.
The fabric is a mystery poly from one of the fine fabric stores I found last year in the sewing district of Santiago, Chile. I originally grabbed this to make up a work top and then decided the print was too big and I didn’t like it anymore and was considering donating it. Fast forward three months and it was back in the good books to get made up into a travel frock. This is the perfect mystery fabric – it has a beautiful hand, folds down to nothing and doesn’t need ironing. Just what you want for pottering around the resort after a hard day of swimming…
Construction wise, this was a nice and quick win. I cut the fabric just before a CBR Sewing Crew session and had it finished in four hours except for the elastic (and that included eating copious amounts of popcorn and Bec’s amazing biscuits). I did accidentally sew the front wrap pieces on back to front at one point due to be being sugar high but that was totally on me and not the instructions. Note to self – stop at two biscuits when sewing.
The only alteration I made was to shorten the waistband elastic – the original size was just a bit too loose and it felt like I was wearing a potato sack. So I turned that sad (potato) sack into a glad (potato) sack with the application of shaping to waist! Huzzah! It’s also worth noting that the wrap top is pretty low cut so depending on your circumstances you may want to either stitch the end of the wrap further around, tack it down or live the sassy neckline dream. I went with the sassy option but y’all know I like to live life on the edge 😛 This may change when I start wearing this out of a holiday setting but until then – sassy life!
What I liked about this pattern:
- The cute bodice details. The little shoulder pleats are super adorable! And it makes me want to seriously have a go at a jumpsuit. Words I never thought I would write…
- How quick and easy it was. This was the perfect pre-holiday outfit!
- Pockets! Enough said there, really.
What I would change for next time:
- Jumpsuit time! Let’s get crazy this summer! Though I may chicken out…
The Deets
Pattern: Simplicity 8178
Fabric: mystery poly from a mystery store in Santiago. So much mystery!
Notions: thread, 1m of 1/2″ elastic
Size: 16
Alterations: shortened elastic in waistband
See also: Girls in the Garden, Brittany J Jones, City Stitchin’
Overall, I seriously love this frock and wore it a bunch on my holiday in Vanuatu but sadly it has been hanging in my wardrobe until things warm up here. Someone send some warm weather Canberra way because this lady need to wear her holiday frock with some sun and a coconut cocktail STAT!
katie says
So pretty! Love the mystery fabric. You should definitely make the jumpsuit. Vanuatu looks beautiful too, hope you had a great time!
Amanda says
I am seriously leaning towards the jumpsuit – just need to find the perfect fabric first! And Vanuatu was so lovely – just what the doctor ordered in the middle of winter 🙂
Beth (SunnyGal Studio) says
perfect dress for a beach holiday – looks great on you.
Amanda says
Thanks, Beth! It was such a great frock for the trip (and hopefully for summer when it warms up!) 🙂
PsychicSewerKathleen says
It’s a beautiful wrap dress! Love everything about it – the fabric choice is beautiful. I bet you’re so happy you didn’t give it away now 🙂
Amanda says
You are bang on the money – I’m so glad the fabric didn’t make it out the door (due to my laziness, but still!) I can’t wait to wear this frock some more!
Vicky says
This is such.a cute dress. I did buy that pattern for rhe jumper but I am looking at the dress now.
Amanda says
How lovely is the bodice design, Vicky?! I feel like we both need the jumpsuit AND the dress!
Charlotte E says
Wow what a great pattern. Did you find that at Spotty?
I have a jumpsuit that I bought from Uniqlo that is identical to the line drawing. I love it so it would be great if I could sew my own version up. Another pattern to add to my ‘need’ list!
Amanda says
Yup, grabbed the pattern at one of those great 3 for $10 Spotlight sales!
Go grab this pattern, Charlotte! It is seriously fabulous and I am going to have a bash at the jumpsuit as well – it is so good!
Lisa G says
love this!! perfect fabric for the pattern. beautiful!
Amanda says
Thanks, Lisa! I am so glad the fabric didn’t make it out to the donate box at sewing crew! 🙂
Darlene says
Great fashionable look. Can be dressed up or casual. For my sewing sisters … I have an over abundance of beautiful fabric such as what is shown. I am trying to unload it. I was doing a lot of sewing and I believe that I am in a new season of my life. If anyone is in the West Palm beach area and do a lot of sewing, please let me know you will be blessed.
Amanda says
Thanks, Darlene! And best of luck with your fabric and pattern rehoming 🙂
Darlene says
I also have a mccall sewing file cabinet full of various simplicity, butterick, McCall and other patterns mostly size 20-22. I am a fashionista!!!
Fabric Tragic says
It’s fabulous! Definitely make the jumpsuit! The tapered leg version is similar to one I made but in a black viscose knit and it truly makes me feel like a chic ninja! I say make it in a nice drapey solid colour and you’ll wonder how you did without it!
Amanda says
Okay, that sounds like a fab jumpsuit! You know I can be sold on anything that makes me feel like a ninja 😀
Lynne says
This is fabulous, and I’m loving the mystery fabric!
Amanda says
Thanks, Lynne! I need to do a burn test but I through out all the scarps NOOOOOOOO! Stupid tidying urges O_o
poppykettle says
I was gunna say, surely you did not take those pictures in Canberra – no way can you guys be getting nicer weather than melbs at this time of year!! haha. What a gorgeous gorgeous frock, amanda. Suits you beautifully. I’m envious of your spur of the moment getaway – it looks glorious x
Amanda says
Thanks, Mel! Not going to lie – it was freezing getting these photos and I may have had a cheeky wine when I got back inside. I see hope though – we hit 20 degrees one day this week. Yahoo!!!!
Heather says
Wow! You are seriously churning out some awesome pieces!! This would be pretty rad with your chambray shirt unbuttoned over it and some fun tights/boots! Break the rules and bring that baby out of the closet (so to speak). Love the print on you! Dreaming of sewing one day..when I’m done unpacking.
Amanda says
Thanks, Heather! I have a bit of a back log 😀 Good luck with the unpacking – I do not envy you!
Birgitte says
Cute dress – perfect for a getaway!
Also, the jumper… I have been looking for a jumper pattern, and that is a really nice looking jumper! We should all make it!
Amanda says
Thank you!!! And good jumper patterns are treasures to be hoarded!