Simplicity 1903 - View B

Today, I made Simplicity 1903 view B. The pattern is by Whimsy Couture. The patterns is so well drafted, it went together so easily.

I cut a few corners by using a serger to finish edges: the ruffles are serged and turned under, same as the internal edge of the elastic+tie casing. I also serged the exposed seam allowances on the inside.

Living in "Style In An Instant" dress all summer

At first I thought that the short version of the Style In An Instant dress would not look good on me, given that I am fairly short, but I have found it quite comfortable to wear, and it has been my most worn dress this summer.

I wear it with a cardigan and capri leggings if it's cold.

"Style In An Instant" dresses -- long dress

When I don't have much time to sew, this is my go-to project to get at least a tiny little bit of sewing accomplished:

• All I need is my bust measurement, add 2 inches, and I know the length of shirred fabric I need. I get my fabric for this from JoAnn; it's called Style In An Instant. I tend to choose the cotton versions, not the rayons, because the cottons don't wrinkle as much.
• And since I don't wear strapless dresses and tops, I also buy or find some rick rack in my stash to complement the dress. Easy peasy straps in an instant. :) I do seal the ends of the rick rack straps with a little heat.
• Before I start sewing, I serge the edges of the fabric so they don't ravel.
• If I have time, I prewash the fabric.
• The entire sewing is accomplished by a single seam in the back. I sometimes hem the skirt part if the selvages aren't particularly nice. The additional hem also gives the skirt more body, and I find that the skirt doesn't wrinkle as much in the wash if there is a hem.  

Pattern: None, just bust measurement + 2 inches.
Fabric: Style In An Instant shirred fabric form JoAnn, rick rack (I tend to like the wider ones).
Things I learned: Do take your time to finish the edges securely, because you don't want the shirring to come undone in the wash or as you wear it.

Please excuse the wrinkles in the picture; it just came out of the wash (and this one has no hem)...