Party Frock: Cynthia Rowley Simplicity 2472

I made this dress for my husband's aunt's Twelfth Night party this past weekend. 

It is Simplicity 2472, view B (the middle-length dress).  It appears to be a simple tunic (the muslin looked like a hospital gown!), but the neckline band, large band at the bottom, and gathered sleeves give it interest.  This is a shape I don't often wear, but I love it!  I think it's my favorite sewn item yet.

I *heart* the fabric - it's a navy and cream (snakeskin print?) satin from WinMil in Boston.  The fabric is very thick.  It was $5.98/yard, and the pattern takes 2 yards. Overall, this cost well under $20 to make.

Pear-shape girls beware: this pattern is designed for thin, straight up and down figures.  I usually sew a size 12 in dresses, but I made this in a 10 because I thought the fit would be blousy.  However, I had to go out an inch at the hip, so this is probably more like a 14 at the bottom. Seriously, save yourself the heartache and add some width to the pattern's bottom before you even make a muslin. I ultimately had to make 2.

I stitched-in-the-ditch to fasten the neck facing, something I am mysteriously competent at (the pattern says to topstitch).  I couldn't get the arm facings to pull in far enough to catch the edge to stitch-in-the-ditch, so I used 2 rows of topstitching to secure the band.  There is top stitching above the bottom band as well.

I think there is an error in the pattern instructions for attaching the bottom band; I could not figure out what it says to do.  So, I treated the bottom band like the neck or arm facing, and just folded the band into the inside.  Ultimately, it looks like the pattern picture.

I really love this.  I think the fabric has a lot to do with it, but I also like the modern, fun shape.  I'm pleased with my construction, too.  I can wear it now with navy opaque tights and strappy silver sandles, topped with a cream tuxedo jacket, and in the spring/summer with neutral heels (with accessories, of course, which are seriously lacking in these photos).