Simplicity 8229

Sundress Simplicity Pattern 8229

Dressing Your Truth, Simplicity Pattern 8229, DYT Type One
Dressing Your Truth, Simplicity Pattern 8229, DYT Type One
Dressing Your Truth, Simplicity Pattern 8229, DYT Type One
Dressing Your Truth, Simplicity Pattern 8229, DYT Type One
Dressing Your Truth, Simplicity Pattern 8229, DYT Type One

{My DYT Type One Style   Sundress  Simplicity Pattern 8229
Trilby Style Hat  Joe Fresh  
Shoes  Kenneth Cole Reaction and last seen here
Polish  Zoya LC}

Hello my lovely readers.  Remember this post?  I rambled on for a bit about a little gray cat and her ever widening girth. There I was, a first-time pet guardian…I say first-time because Puss stepped into my life without ever really needing a guardian.  He came with purpose; step into human’s life; leave paw print on human’s heart…Anyways, I had a newly adopted kitty in my care, and she was having wee kits of her own.  So, I did my homework and dutifully read  various books and magazine articles. {was there even an internet in 1993?}   I scholared me-self on all things feline pregnancy.  Sixty three days…just nine weeks…and Oscar would give birth to her little babies.  The mister and I; we not so secretly hoped she would have just two littles.  We would keep one, and a fellow cat loving friend, {who had five already} was eager for a kitten to add to her brood.  So the days ticked by, and then the weeks ticked by.  Nothin’.  Nada.  It was our intention to be home when she did have her kittens, but when exactly was that going to be?  April was beginning to draw to a close. We had adopted her on March 1st and she had been in the shelter for just two days prior to her coming home with us.  It was becoming apparent that Oscar had conceived only hours before being handed over to the shelter.   The SPCA had no knowledge of her pregnancy. Finally the anxiety of waiting came to an end in the early hours of May 1st.  We were awakened by a large squawk and felt a thump on the bed. Um, we’d prefer you had your babies in the nice cardboard box, rather than the bed, sweet Oscar.  Fortunately, said box was beside the bed and we gently placed her in among the towels.  The kittens came one by one.  I was next to useless.  I won’t go into detail, but suffice it to say that the combination of anxiety and excitement left me a wobbly mess.  The mister, having been raised on a ranch, rallied to hand and helped Oscar out as needed.  Every so often he sent me off for clean towels.  Everything went swimmingly…well, with the exception that the kittens kept coming and coming and coming…turned out Oscar was housing five littles.  Four males and one  female.  Little Emmy came last.  She was a breech baby, and Oscar absolutely benefited from the help of the mister.  Late coming, more than a few hours after the robust boys, and butt first.  Whew!  But all was well.  Suddenly our little household had swelled from three to nine in a matter of mere hours, but everyone was happy and healthy and blissfully unaware of the comedy that was about to unfold…
 
I got so much pleasure out of sewing my turquoise dress a few weeks ago, that once again, I eagerly put pedal to the metal, and sewed up this easy to wear sundress.  The thrift goddesses bestowed upon me, a very pretty piece of thrifted fabric.  It’s a stable knit, and although not listed as a recommended fabric for my pattern, I think it worked well.  Keeping in the spirit of thriftiness, I used Simplicity pattern 8229…yup, a thrift store purchase as well.  And… like a warrior, I twiddled and tweaked, and made the pattern my own.  The original pattern calls for a zipper up the back.  But I recently became fixated with the idea of using several colours of buttons on a garment.  I wanted to create an element of playfulness.  A big thank you to the ever lovely Judith of Style Crone  for her recent blog post here, the source of my inspiration. I also found it necessary to alter the skirt part of the pattern.  I wanted the design on the fabric to line up horizontally across the skirt, so I followed the design lines of my yellow, pleated skirt.  My only slight dissatisfaction with this pattern is with the armhole.  For those that sew, you know that front and back bodice pieces generally have a slightly different armhole design line depending on whether a sleeve is being sewn on or not.  With this pattern, the same pieces are used for the sleeveless version as for the option with sleeves.  The instructions suggest that you may need to take in the side seams when sewing the sleeveless version; which I did need to do.  But I think, in future, I will slightly alter the armhole at the shoulder a little bit as well. All in all, I’m very happy with the outcome; it’s swingy, and fresh, and summery.  All we need now is some summery weather!  

Linking up with:

Justine of Sew Country Chick for Sew & Tell SaturdayHeather of Feather’s Flights for You Flew Tuesdays
Andrea of The Train To Crazy for Make It Wear It ThursdayPatti of Not Dead Yet Style for Visible Monday
Karen of Sew Many Ways for Sew Darn Crafty


{Oscar and her 5 kittens}

{All asleep on my lap}


39 Comments

  • Reply Melanie June 23, 2013 at 5:22 pm

    Five wee kitties? I can't begin to imagine both the love and the practicalities involved.
    Your sundress reminds me of my mood this morning. I just love it. The fabric pattern is spectacular, and I love the added hat band to match. Great backdrop too, couldn't be better.

  • Reply Suzanne Carillo Style Files June 23, 2013 at 5:47 pm

    Oh my! You are a Grandma now : ) Five times over. How exciting and scary. I would have been like you…a big mess. Glad it all turned out well. They all look adorable. You are really the crazy cat lady now! LOL

    This is such a gorgeous bright dress. It suits you perfectly, cute, colourful and quirky. The buttons and pockets are fabulous! Once again I am totally jealous of all your sewing talent. Making the matching band for the hat is super cute.

    I love that you took the photos by the Canadian mural backdrop. Almost perfect timing for July 1st : )

    bisous
    Suzanne

  • Reply The Style Crone June 23, 2013 at 6:14 pm

    Congratulations on your new family members and thank you for the sweet and beautifully written birthing story.

    Bring on the color! You light up the screen with you new creation and the background couldn't be more perfect! Thank you so much for the mention.

  • Reply Carelia Moran June 23, 2013 at 7:00 pm

    Congrats in your new family!!! What a surprise and it looks like you are taking it better than I would. I could probably go nuts thinking what to do with so many kitties…lol. I am still debating whether to get a kitty for 1st time (my bf isn't crazy about the idea) or a third dog, but smaller like a Teacup Chihuahua. Anyway, you look so colorful and happy with your new beautiful dress, I personally love your belts and shoes in every single outfit you post. You are so talented Sue!!

    Mysmallwardrobe.com

  • Reply Val Sparkle June 23, 2013 at 7:15 pm

    Aren't you just too cute! I love that bright and cheerful fabric and the lovely dress. I'm glad you mentioned the different colored buttons because I wouldn't have noticed them otherwise. The matching hat band and the setting just tie the whole post together like a complete story.

    And then there's the cat story too! Kittens!!!!

  • Reply Ariane Lasalle June 23, 2013 at 7:50 pm

    Sue you are so darn cute i shared this wonderful, lovely post on my Facebook!

    Hugs

    Ariane xxxx

  • Reply sabine June 23, 2013 at 9:10 pm

    Oh, Sue the kitties are so awesome! Luckily Oscar found you for caring.
    Your vintage style dress is wonderful. I love the bright colors and the feminine shape. You found a perfect backdrop for this beautiful dress – or did you paint it particularly to make it matching?! You look so fantastic, I love your pics.
    Sabine xxx

  • Reply amy mayen June 23, 2013 at 9:44 pm

    Sue, you always find the best places for photos! So glad to see your beautiful dress, I love the colorful buttons:)

  • Reply Sacramento Amate June 23, 2013 at 10:14 pm

    Wonderful dress, Sue and perfect backdrop.
    You britten my day.
    XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

  • Reply Lisa June 23, 2013 at 10:26 pm

    I'm loving your Oscar story.
    There you go again with that magic sewing machine! What a gorgeous summertime dress. Love the shoes and belt with it and also the fabric on the hat. How on earth can summer resist when you're beckoning in that colorful little number?

  • Reply josep-maria badia June 24, 2013 at 1:40 am

    A beautiful dress, it looks great. The hat is fantastic. A very beautiful look.

  • Reply dan June 24, 2013 at 3:14 am

    First of all to the babies:they are so cute and sweet! A bit more work for you but they will soon give you extra love…and now to your beautiful new dress which suits you so well and seems to be confortable. It was a good job, girl!!
    And the hat adds a touch of personal style…

  • Reply Patti June 24, 2013 at 5:08 am

    Congratulations on the new family! How adorable and what fun you'll have. Love your sewn-up dress, and you're amazing in thrifting all the ingredients. Thanks for sharing all the joy with Vis Monday xoxoxo

  • Reply cindy the cottage chick June 24, 2013 at 5:23 am

    AW…my mom bred cats for awhile when I was growing up. LOVE the new wee kitties!

    And your dress? Uberfab. You are cuteness itself. I don't have the patience for garment sewing, but do attempt a pillow cover or drape now and again.

  • Reply Trina Grandinetti June 24, 2013 at 8:15 am

    Thanks for the wonderful update on (our) feline friend. You did a great job, grandma.
    And, this post is Sunshine, Happiness, Playfulness, and Style all wrapped in to one complete package. You never cease to amaze me with your petal to the metal talent. Where is that amazing street art? Wow!!! Sue, can't thank you enough for the bright spot you add to my life.

  • Reply Trina Grandinetti June 24, 2013 at 8:15 am

    Thanks for the wonderful update on (our) feline friend. You did a great job, grandma.
    And, this post is Sunshine, Happiness, Playfulness, and Style all wrapped in to one complete package. You never cease to amaze me with your petal to the metal talent. Where is that amazing street art? Wow!!! Sue, can't thank you enough for the bright spot you add to my life.

  • Reply Kathleen Lisson June 24, 2013 at 8:30 am

    Love the matching dress and hat band!

  • Reply Renae Simple Sequins June 24, 2013 at 8:49 am

    Ok you had me at “Simplicity”! Oh and cute new baby kittens. OMyGosh! Stop it. This post is so fun; the dress up against that wall. Genius, I say, genius. I love your happy spirit and blog.

  • Reply Shirl June 24, 2013 at 9:32 am

    Well done, my friend, on the dress (amazing) and being such a good cat mom……I am impressed with the Mister's skill as well…

    I think you should be tapped by some magazine for the amazing backdrop and dress display!

    Shirl

  • Reply Carley Lee June 24, 2013 at 10:53 am

    Yay for kittens! Congratulations, Oscar, and to you as well, Sue! How exciting 🙂
    I can't wait to hear more.
    These photos are so fun, Sue! You definitely succeeded in creating a playfully beautiful summer dress – I love it! The fabric is beautiful, and you look so great in those bright colours!
    -Carley
    xx

  • Reply Marla Robinson June 24, 2013 at 12:06 pm

    I really wish I could sew well. You are so talented.

  • Reply pastcaring June 24, 2013 at 2:06 pm

    I LOVE the dress, Sue! Bright and colourful and flirty and fun. I think you enjoy wearing it, too!
    But really, the star of the post is Oscar. She did well, didn't she, proud mum to five gorgeous kitties! Oh I wish I could give them all a little cuddle! xxxx

  • Reply Ofelia June 24, 2013 at 5:28 pm

    Congrats on the family addition!
    Love the dress large flowers, the smaller flowers and other details, how you incorporate the fabric on the fedora, the red shoes and that fantastic mural where you took these photos.

  • Reply Ann June 24, 2013 at 9:47 pm

    I just found you a few weeks back and just to look at you brings joy. You look so filled with happiness in all your photo's! Thanks for the wonderful clothing inspiration and reminder that no matter what we're wearing on the outside our true happiness will shine through and make everything look fab!

  • Reply Flo June 25, 2013 at 3:11 am

    The dress is awesome, that fabric was perfect, great score!

  • Reply Jan Graham-McMillen June 25, 2013 at 9:24 am

    Awwwww…. not enough w's to add to that to express my joy at your kitteh nursery. So glad of a successful outcome for all. Best accessories ever!
    Sue, you really need to get over your fear of color and brighten up. Your shyness is tragic.
    Seriously, you work it beautifully, and I'm so in awe of your sewing skills, design taste and complete gorgeousness! And you gots pockets!!!!
    Every time I begin to slip and feel a little like crap because I'll never look like Ines de la Fressange, you remind me of a higher aesthetic. So happy to know you.

  • Reply Zalina Walton June 25, 2013 at 9:34 am

    Very pretty dress. It's so happy and you look great.

  • Reply highlandfashionista.com June 25, 2013 at 1:03 pm

    Great pics! the dress is fab! So alive!

  • Reply Emalina June 25, 2013 at 2:37 pm

    You've created such a lovely summer dress here, which looks great on you as you smile beautifully against that amazing backdrop! As for the story of the kittens, how adorable, you must feel very proud of Oscar and your little kitties.

  • Reply Franziska June 26, 2013 at 1:24 am

    This looks amazing on you! How can I convince you to move to Wisconsin and sew all of my clothes for me? I will pay in puppy kisses and cheesecakes.

  • Reply Megan June 26, 2013 at 4:40 am

    Kitties!! So cute.

    Love this cheery outfit on you, and the background is so fun 🙂

  • Reply Renae Simple Sequins June 26, 2013 at 9:32 am

    Thank you Sue for your fun comment! (hug)

  • Reply Nicolene Richards June 27, 2013 at 11:43 pm

    What a spectacular blog, beautiful outfits, interesting content!
    I adore the full skirt and the colour combination of your dress, flare skirts are so flattering on most of us, and I can hide by pear shape behind it!
    FF

  • Reply Heather Feather June 29, 2013 at 2:13 pm

    It's a beautiful dress! I can't believe that's a stable knit! It looks like a woven, but it turned out great!

  • Reply PippaMAC July 1, 2013 at 6:42 am

    Ha … loved your story about the babies! THAT dress is sooo awesome and plus the background painted wall!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 🙂 you are so much fun Sue! xoxoxo pippa

  • Reply Tamera Beardsley July 1, 2013 at 8:36 am

    This dress plus location…. perfection!!

  • Reply ann wood July 3, 2013 at 10:34 pm

    Beautiful pictures Sue! The dress looks great on you and even better with the matching hat. Fun and happy feel to the post. Sweet kittens, love them!

    blue hue wonderland

  • Reply Malina Tysonh July 3, 2013 at 10:35 pm

    Regarding all aspects the blog was perfectly nice. Breathing Color

  • Reply Olivia Lane July 11, 2013 at 7:59 am

    you are too cute!

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