I was recently thrilled to be approached by Simplicity to try some of their patterns, post a review, and host a giveaway. I think it would have been foolish churlish to refuse.
So I didn’t. Tra la laaaaaaaa!
I’m currently working on the top I’m going to review, so the proper giveaway will come when I’ve finished that and can share it with you.
You know how it is with school holidays…sewing is the last thing you get to do! 😉
However, when I received my patterns I found that I had been sent 1609 by mistake and in the wrong size (it’s a 6 – 14), so the lovely folks at Simplicity are sending me the right pattern (woot!) and have said that I can share 1609 with you.
Thanks, Simplicity. It’s so kind of you.
So, whilst this dress isn’t my thing, it’s certainly an adorable pattern. The wonderful Gertie has made 5, yes five!, versions of this. That’s one hell of an endorsement.
image from http://www.blogforbettersewing.com
Check out Gertie’s blog for the other versions…they are all really cute. Although you wouldn’t expect anything less, would you?
To win this pattern just leave me a comment on this post before midnight GMT on Sunday 18th August. I’d love to hear what fabric you’d make this up in.
I’ll be happy to post this anywhere in the world.
Bonne chance, mes amies!
Pendle Stitches 
A shift dress is my favourite shape, If I was lucky enough to win this pattern I would make it from a lightweight wool for the Winter and wear a polo neck jumper underneath.
That would be super cool!
This pattern would work great to made up a Mondrian style dress.
Oooh…that’s a really cool idea!
It’s worrying that I’m fairly sure that I made the original Jiffy pattern in bright orange cotton with the petal collar.
I wish you had pictures!
I’m very glad I don’t, orange is definitely not my colour. Neither was the lime green I made a similar dress with, it was sleeveless with a polo neck collar – the early seventies fashions had a lot to answer for!
The 70’s…the time that style forgot! 😉
I really like the peter pan collar. I think the dress would be cute in a bright turquoise cotton sateen with the collar made from a yellow eyelet.
I love Peter Pan collars too, but they don’t really suit me. 😦
What a great colour combo.
I clearly remember my my mum wearing exactly this style of dress – and I believe she made mini versions for me too! I have a lovely piece of John Kaldor cotton I’d use for this – teal. Mmm!
What a great memory. I love how fashion is so circular. This would look splendid in teal.
I fell in love with this dress when I saw it on Gertie’s blog. I love shift dresses and a-line skirts… Grey with red topstitching would be my take! Thanks, Evie
Oh you’d look amazing in that!
I can’t wait to see your blouse review- maybe it would be perfect for a lovely burgundy leaf pattern the sweetest person sent me…….
It would indeed 😉
Glad it arrived safe and sound…
You were too generous! Thank you so much!!!
Not at all…you’ve very welcome indeed.
I followed Gertie’s posts as she had brainlock on this pattern. If I had this pattern, I would be conservative and use a black fabric. Can never have enough little black dresses!
That’s the truth!
ooh i asked for 1609 for my simplicity patterns and got 1608 instead! i would make it up in red needlecord and wear with a poloneck and tights. or any one of several versions that are in my head!
Bless them for being so disorganised! 😉 It would look fab in red needlecord!
Cool you were approached! I wouldn’t have thought to make this dress but Gertie’s versions are so super cute!
Isnt’ it! I do think the major pattern companies completely miss a trick with their pattern covers. Oftentimes I’ll see a pattern made up that is so adorable and when I look at the pattern envelope I marvel that anyone could see the potential of it!
Good for you – can’t wait to see the top you’re making! Thank you for the giveaway. Judy’s comment above reminded me that I have a picture of myself in 4th or 5th grade ‘performing’ a clarinet solo in a shift dress made by my mom. You’re right that Gertie’s versions are cute (and very cool at the same time). I’m waiting on some polka dot fabric from Gertie’s online shop that would be perfect for this pattern.
I’m impressed by the clarinet playing…very cool. And I love a good polka dot!
I saw Gertie’s version, loved it and now I want one for me :-).
Ha ha! Her versions are fab!
Ooo I’m thinking navy with a white collar for contrast.
That would be very chic indeed.
Oh, one person’s mistake is another’s gain!! I love this pattern and have been eyeing it for a long time, but don’t own it. I would love to win it. I think, I would sew it in black with a white collar just to add some sophistication to it and tame down the ‘cuteness’ of it. I like version A, the best. Fingers crossed!!
I’m really pleased they let me share this pattern. Black and white is just so classic, very Audrey Hepburn.
Where can I download the pdf pattern please