At last ! Simplicity 1080 is in the house and has now had all its pieces sewn together. So without further ado may I present to you my very first Dottie Angel Frock…
Simplicity 1080 the first Dottie Angel pattern.
Thanks must go to Chrissie from Chrissie Crafts blog, because originally this pattern: Simplicity 1080 could only be acquired from the states. Chrissie got together with her IG friends and very graciously ordered the patterns to be sent to her Mum in the US who then posted them to Chrissie, who then with only hours to spend before her vacation, posted them all to us… Thank you Chrissie and your Mum!
The Details:
The pattern says you will need bias binding and contrasting fabric (0.30m for a contrast pocket)
I did not use any shop bought bias binding. I made my own in the contrast fabric and only used it around the neck and arm holes as a decorative trim that showed. The pattern uses it for binding the seams, as a decorative trim around the pockets, and instead of facings for the arms and neckline.
Dottie Angel Pockets, an alternative to bias binding.
I used crochet lace as a trim for my pockets, not bias binding, and I double sewed my pockets (I cut four) for a stronger pocket and a neater finish. Those pockets will be holding a phone and goodness knows what else so they will need a bit of strength!
Be careful that you sew through the pocket and the bias binding when you sew the pockets to the dress or else the pocket will pull away from the dress.
I also lowered the position of the ties so they were under my chest rather than flattening and sitting on top of my bust!
The only other change I made was making a smaller contrasting panel and only putting it on the front panel a bit like patchwork, I then added some wider crochet lace to look like a petticoat.
You may recognise that the style of these photos are an ‘homage’ to the lady herself!
Bestest sewing wishes
