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Keeping it Simple…and Fabulous: Simplicity 9544

What started out as an entry for the KISS – Keep It Simplicity Sis challenge quickly spiraled into something so much better: my new favorite dress. The challenge was simple—make something from a Simplicity pattern—but somewhere between picking and cutting fabric this dress gave-Spotlight. And honestly? I’m not mad about it.

THE PATTERN: I used Simplicity 9544, Misses Dresses & Jumpsuits. It’s rated Easy to Sew and has three views. Each view showcases elastic on the sleeves, which I omitted to give it a loose, flowy arm which also makes it a bit less casual.

THE FIT: I had to shorten the bodice both at the waist and around the neck. This dress fitting gave me a bit of a challenge. Though, I cut my size based on the measurements graph. The bodice was extremely large, and the collar was touching my chin.

THE INSTRUCTIONS: The instructions were easy and simple. If it wasn’t for the fit being off, I would have breezed through this dress in just a few hours.

LIKES/DISLIKES: I didn’t like the idea of elastic in the sleeves which is why I omitted them.

I must admit that I skipped the step in adding the buttonholes in the front of the dress and didn’t realize it until I was almost finished with the dress.

MAKE IT AGAIN?: Certainly! I’d love to use a lighter fabric next time. Something really flowy and longer.

✂️ Different Ways to Make It Your Own

 

I’ve made a few versions of this tote, and each one comes out a little different depending on what I use.

 

  • Using one fabric for the whole bag

  • Make straps from cotton or canvas vs. using pre-made webbing straps

  • Adding a lining to the bag

  • Adjust the dimensions to make it wider to more reflect the inpiration

 

That’s one of my favorite things about this pattern—it doesn’t feel locked into one look.