My new "go to" dress is Simplicity 2054

So, you may remember I was auditioning dresses to wear to an early spring wedding.  After many days of the "I have nothing to wear" feeling, I called the bride and asked about the schedule for the festivities. The service was to start at 8:30 a.m with a breakfast reception to follow. The remainder of the day was full of casual activities ending late into the evening.  I imagined kid corralling all day long and knew I needed a dress that would take a beating and still look good. After considering that we would have driven 10 hours with our two kids, I decided simple, comfy and stylish was the way to go.

I decided on Simplicity 2054         


                                                                     
                                              
I liked the large Cowl in view A and the split sleeves on view C. I went stash shopping and found two cuts of fabric that I thought would look great to make one of each. Here is the review of the pattern with photos. 

Pattern Description: Misses' knit dresses and cowl - collar sewing pattern, Cynthia Rowley Collection.
Pattern Sizing: H5(6-14) R5(14-22). I made view A and C in the 8. I find CR patterns tend to run small for me. I usually cut a 10 in Simplicity but a 12 for CR. When I pinned the cut pieces to my dress form I found it too large. There is too much ease for my liking. I reduced each seam by 2 inches and cut the second to an 8 and found it perfect for me.

The sides are not stitched here, but you can see how big it is.

I removed two inches excess on each side.

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it? Yes.
Were the instructions easy to follow? Yes.
What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? I liked the simple construction of the dress. The option of the cowl elevates the style factor. I wore the black and white version to a morning wedding with jewelry, heels and the cowl and it worked great. For the remainder of the day, I wore it without the cowl and flats for a comfy dressed down look.

For view C, I find the exposed elbows a bit silly. I thought it was a fun detail, but now that I have worn it, it seems rather pointless.  I made it with soft heather knit so it does not stay open. With a firmer Ponte knit it may stay open and be more of a style detail.

Fabric Used: A black and white Ponte knit for view A. A heather knit from Joann’s for view C
Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:   I stitched the sleeves in flat for both dresses I lengthened View C by 2 inches, but kept A the same.. I was short on fabric for the cowl on View C, so I made a basic rectangle cowl with the fabric I had.

Basic cowl from scraps

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others? I find myself reaching for this dress over and over. It is easy to wear dressed up or down. The Ponte Knit version is my first choice. With no ironing needed it travels well. We are in transitional weather in Texas, so this is great with tights and boots or without in flats.

Conclusion:  Off to make another. It is great for beginners.

Happy Sewing,

Bianca