Battle of the Prom Dresses: Simplicity vs New Look

Summertime is weddings, parties, BBQ's and lunches = I need a prom dress.
In the battle of the prom dress patterns, several members have constructed real beauties. Vicky made New Look 6723 and Marilyn made Simplicity 2588 and both were lovely dresses.  I decided to try my hand at two simultaneously; New Look 6723 and Simplicity 1873.

Simplicity 1873 is very similar to the famous Barbara Tfank dress Michelle Obama wore when she visited Buckingham Palace in 2011. My mother gave me some of her vintage mint green brocade to make my own, less regal, version.

Simplicity 1873 made by RK in green brocade 'Michelle Obama' style

Simplicity 1873 very similar to designer Barbara Tfank's 2011 brocade prom dress, 

as worn by Michelle Obama on her visit to Buckingham Palace

This pattern has a 1.5cm seam allowance (apparently). The bodice is lined and designed to be loose fitting. However, I had to bin the first bodice because it would not fit once the zip was attached. Number 2 had an extra 1.5 inches added to the ribcage and was a perfect fit. My advice? Make a muslin if, like me, you are not a Simplicity model.
The neckline on the Simplicity is rather 'loose' and baggy in the 1960's style so I'd advise you to interface it to keep it stiff and to get the 'puff' on the skirt a net is needed. My next project! smile

If you want the Michelle Obama pink bolero jacket with three-quarter length sleeves then New Look 6935 is probably as close as you'll get.  I will make it and post the results even if the group is no longer in session!

New Look 6935 for the Michelle Obama bolero jacket?

Next up, New Look 6723 in bright orange batik African print. I chose the view with the 'sweetheart neckline' and no sleeves. I also used (i.e. 'wasted) a lot of fabric getting the print symmetrical on the skirt and the shoulders but on the plus side, it was ridiculously fast to make, like 5 hours, even with the lining and it's got a very feminine silhouette. On the downside, there is too much ease in this pattern so make a size smaller in the bodice and save your fabric. Not sure a seam is needed on the sweetheart neckline, you could probably cut it on the fold so as not to break the pattern but then you'll need to reinforce with interfacing but that's OK. smile

New Look 6723 in orange African print

In my opinion, Simplicity 1873 just pips New Look 6723 to the post in it's superior construction of darts over princess seams and skirt pleats over gathering. However, I don't think the neckline on the SImplicity is 'special' enough and you might consider using the sweetheart neckline of New Look 6723 instead for something truly spectacular. Mix n' match!

Simplicity 1873 is a more formal prom dress design, better suited to weddings and the like. So if you want a casual prom dress for an evening out or dinner, then make New Look 6723, perhaps with it's matching handbag.

NEXT!

We had a full house this Saturday. A lot of regulars turned out for our penultimate session and we had a very good giggle at the main table. It was all going on; embroidery, crochet, sewing, even smocking - yes! Rosemary had us all amazed with her lovely gingham smocking and RK was so taken aback she forgot to take a picture - duh!

Full house at the main table

Joan attaches patterned border to her 3D patchwork

Jean embroiders in straight and cross-stitch in red, green, yellow and orange 

Val knits baby cardigans for Natalie's twins in pink and blue with flower buttons

Val extra busy! She knitted two matching cardigans for Natalie's twins. Awww....x

Teddy bibs made by Val 

The Blackheath Textile Hanging is going great guns by all accounts. Several of our members are involved and Jean's 'Rockin' Robin' embroidered freehand (no pattern/visual) is a work of art. 

In the time this group is down and awaiting new funding, the hanging should be completed - yayy!

We'll try and bring you updates to it's construction.

Tweet Tweet! Embroidered robin for the Blackheath Library Textile

Jan embroiders her beautiful cushion stretched on a frame. 

Next week, our last, Rosemary's smocking will be the first up - I promise! Quite different from shirring I assure you and much more lovely. smile

I hope you've enjoyed this week's offerings. Even though we only have one week to go, you are WELCOME to join us. This group is free of charge and sponsored by Lewisham Council.

Before we break...

Our last session (before our usual 3rd Sat siesta) brought a crop of finished projects, a new member and
the Catford sunshine. Yes, the sun does come to this part of south London!

The long-awaited prom dress, sewn by Vicky, was completed in spectacular style and is a total beauty I'm sure you'll agree! Great fabric and lovely finishing details make this dress simply wonderful for so many occasions. Flattering and feminine, it's a winning pattern.

New Look 6723 - completed by Vicky

(isn't it fabulous?)

Armhole finishing

Alternative view

New Look 6843 may well be the groups' signature pattern as it's been made no less than FIVE TIMES by members. First by Vicky and four times by Marilyn for her holiday in Jamaica. 

Vicky brought in her skirt for it's special photoshoot - lol! Everyone commented on the lovely fabric, which Vicky said was from 'Freedom Fabrics' - a UK company which specialise in 100% cotton fabrics. Check them out, the range is large and rather lovely.  

 New Look 6843 - completed by Vicky

Vicky starting a jersey dress with keyhole neckline,

stay tuned for the magic results!

New member Marianna self-drafts a pair of trousers

The group were joined by new member Marianna who promptly dazzled us with her skills in self-drafting and started on a pair of trousers. And yes, that lovely yellow blouse she's wearing she made herself. The lady's got skills....meeow! We hope to see more of her as the weeks go by.

Next time...Marilyn's denim trousers, Delphina's jersey dress and Marlene's cross-stitch marathon. We'll be back on Saturday 28th April - with a BRAND NEW SEWING MACHINE!

Yes, our funding can now stretch to a sewing machine for anyone who doesn't have one or can't bring one. RK will be popping along to Deptford Sewing Machines next week where Tony will help select the best. All will be revealed in the next thrilling instalment so don't forget to tune in.

Doncha just love this little ole group? Join us! 

Catford South Sewing & Knitting Group is completely FREE of charge, thanks to Lewisham Council. Use it or lose it.

New Look is THE look!

Week 7 : 13 weeks left. That's 3 months to make your skirts, maxi dresses, shorts, trousers....

A chink of sunshine, the chirrup of birds and suddenly everyone was dusting off their sewing machine for a summer wardrobe! Dresses, skirts, even upholstery were being carefully constructed to the sounds of Heart 106.2.  Curious visitors dropped by, sandwiches were demolished and a thoroughly good time was had by all! 

Perhaps it was the half-price sale on New Look patterns this month or just a 'coincidence' but 3 out of 4 patterns on the go were New Look. 

Four machines, four thirsty ladies on coffee break!

Marilyn, after a 10 year sewing hiatus, stunned the group by constructing New Look 6843 in 5 hours flat. She cut, tailor tacked (oo-er), sewed and finished the skirt in record time, best of all the gorgeous Hawaiian style material she used was FREE, having been donated by lovely-lovely-lou.co.uk 

Just goes to show, you're never as rusty on the machine as you think you are.

New Look 6843 made by Marylin in record time!

While Marilyn showed us all how it SHOULD be done, RK broke out New Look 6097, a simple faux wrap dress with pockets in polyester. Did I say 'simple'? What I meant to say was New Look totally deceived me because it has TWELVE pieces and - gulp - yokes. What exactly IS a yoke? Answers on a postcard. All I know is that yoke pockets never sit in the side seams properly, they look like pointy triangles. Laugh! To be continued....

New Look 6097 in construction

Vicky continued with New Look 6723, a gorgeous summer prom dress in red and black. Sorry, forgot to get a picture of this dress in progress but here is the pattern for your delectation! I'll make a note to take a pic of this gorgeous creation next week.

New Look 6723

As mentioned, we've had a few visitors swing by to take a look with the promise of joining the following week. We also get people asking the group to sew/knit for charity and although each and every project sounds worthwhile and worthy, it is up to the discretion of each member if they want to do it. The group sew and knit for personal pleasure first and foremost.

If you'd like to join in, please feel free to come along. Stay 30 mins or the whole session, it's totally up to you!

Catford South Sewing & Knitting Group is completely FREE of charge, thanks to Lewisham Council. Use it or lose it.