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.
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Using one fabric for the whole bag
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Make straps from cotton or canvas vs. using pre-made webbing straps
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Adding a lining to the bag
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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.