Clockwise from top left: Detail of lining showing polka dot facing at neck edge, pattern matching on bodice back, a hint of polka dot in the pockets, and a closer look at the darts on the bodice front.   This dress!!! Excuse my poor manners for not beginning with a gentle good day…but this dress is demanding a Look At Me! intro. Ahem, not just look at me, but wake up, look at me, skip the coffee, and go directly to paradise! Yes, I do love me my new dress. And I made it just for you Roisin…my little way of saying congratulations to you and Nic on your upcoming wedding! Now, for those not in the know, please allow me to fill you in a wee bit. You see, Roisin blogs at Dolly Clackett Blogspot; she’s endlessly cheerful, always modelling her latest make, and forever fond of the fit and flare dress and a great pair of sassy heels. Her good news…she’s engaged and on the verge of being married, and the bigger, if not better news is that her good friend Sarah of Rhinestones and Telephones has masterminded the cat’s meow of wedding gifts…a Sew Dolly Clackett Contest! Yeppers! Sew a dress that will have Roisin swooning, or at least making her a little giddy. Roisin loves fun, flirty fabrics, and she doesn’t shy away from colour. Yeah-uh…my kinda gal! How could I not join the party. For my version of a Dolly Clackett Dress…I used one of her favourite patterns, Simplicity 2444 {Yes, the same one as my Betty Draper Roses Dress, seen here}. This time round, I followed the pattern pretty closely; the bodice is a match, but I admit to swapping out the skirt’s pleats for gathers. Although it’s nearly impossible to see, there are four nifty darts on the bodice front that give lovely shape to the fit bit of the fit and flare. The fabric…well the fabric had me at hello! It’s a big, beautiful mash-up of birds and flowers. I bought a little extra to be sure to get that bee-yoo-tiful bird on just the right spot on the bodice, and I, rather cleverly if I may say so, matched up the pattern on the bodice back. I also nested a bird on each sleeve. The zipper…gah, another story…let’s just say I wasn’t pleased with that chapter, but I’ll share later. … Continue reading SEW DOLLY CLACKETT |SIMPLICITY 2444