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SEWING MY STASH | SIMPLICITY 8909
Have you ever made a garment and knew immediately you would sew another one, or two? That’s exactly how I feel about this version of Simplicity 8909. I love it so much and it’s perfect for the sweltering heat we’re experiencing in my town right now. And, this is pattern #9 of my personal challenge to sew 22 patterns that I already have in the year 2022. That means I have 13 more to go. You can see Pattern #8 HERE. So EXCITING! But, before I get into the pattern, let me share some good news and where I wore this dress last weekend.
5 YEARS WITH BABY LOCK SEWING
I just celebrated my 5 Year Anniversary as a Baby Lock Brand Ambassador! Yaaayyy!!! I remember the days when I used to dream and drool as I watched other creators sew on Baby Lock sewing machines. So, when the company reached out to me in 2017 and asked me to join their Ambassador team, I wasted no time accepting the invitation. Hahaha!!! It’s been nothing but a beautiful partnership ever since. They’ve been good to me and I can’t imagine a better company to represent than Baby Lock.
To celebrate the occasion, I did a TAKEOVER of the Baby Lock Instagram account for two days. I had so much fun sharing with the Baby Lock community. On my closing post, I wore Simplicity 8909, threw confetti, took a huge bite of my pink cupcake (lemon-raspberry), and shared my heart of gratitude with the company. If you’re on Instagram, check out the posts and enjoy the tips I shared.
PATTERN INFORMATION
SIMPLICITY 8909 is a loose fitting, pullover dress pattern with four different design options. I sewed View D because I like the asymmetrical design and longer length. All views have a center back seam and a keyhole opening button closure.
- View A: Knee-length, raglan sleeves with ruffle
- View B: Knee-length, raglan sleeves with peek-a-boo opening and double ties
- View C: Maxi-length, short sleeves with tie belt
- View D: Asymmetrical hem, ankle length, sleeveless
The pattern is currently available on the Simplicity website in printed copy only. The company rates the pattern as Average, which is a step before Advanced (according to their descriptions). However, I believe you can complete any of the options on this pattern if you have basic sewing knowledge.
The sizing was good for me. I cut a size 12 on the top, merging to a size 14 at the hip. I didn’t make any other adjustments. Oh, how I love it when there are minimal alterations needed before sewing a pattern.
I scanned through the pattern instructions for the other views and everything seems straight forward and simple enough for a beginner with basic skills. Sewing the straps on View D require that you pay close attention to transferring the markings from the pattern to the fabric. These markings are crucial for placement when sewing the neckline.
The peek-a-boo sleeve on View B requires precise marking also to ensure that your ties are aligned properly. The asymmetrical hem calls for careful pressing before stitching.
I used bias binding to create the loop for my button because I didn’t have the elastic cording suggested by the pattern.
Inside the Garment
Here’s a peek at the inside of the dress. I like to pay attention to the finishing details on my garments so that they look just as nice on the inside. I teach my online students to do the same.
I used my Baby Lock Vibrant Serger to finish the armhole facings, the center back seam allowance below the keyhole opening, and the raw edges on the hem. Then, I hemmed the dress with my Baby Lock Euphoria Coverstitch machine. The pattern instructions suggest a double-folded hem for the facings, and narrow hems for the bottom hem and center back seam. Whether you use a serger or narrow hem, both options provide a beautiful, clean finish.
Take care not to skip under stitching the armhole facings, and stitching the facings in the ditch at the side seams on View D. These steps help to prevent the armhole facings from rolling out onto the garment.
I snipped the seam allowance below the keyhole opening in order to serge the allowance below that area.
Fabric Options
I used this gorgeous Rayon fabric that I purchased from Style Maker Fabrics. The print and colors grabbed my attention and I knew I had to wear it. If you were at my Tea Time Live last month on YouTube, you saw me share about this fabric. It’s called Atelier Jupe Colorful Tropical Leaves Rayon (Cream/Greens) on their website.
Styling Options
The dress speaks on its own, so I didn’t have to do much accessorizing. But you know I had to add a hat. I wore a pair of pink, low heel sandals, a pair of hoop earrings, and a simple bracelet. I tried it with two different purses and it looks great with both. My green crochet purse is one of my favorites that I made several years ago before I got back into sewing. Hmmm… I think that played a big part in me coming back because I started using my sewing machine to sew linings into my purses.
Styling Option #1
Styled with pink low-heel sandals, crochet purse, silver hoop earrings, and silver charm bracelet.
Styling Option #2
Styled with pink low-heel sandals, silver hoop earrings, silver bracelet, crossbody bag, and green sun hat. My big pink hat would look great with this dress also.
How would you wear the dress?
Would you wear this dress? Do you have the pattern? How would you style it? Talk to me in the comments. I would love to hear from you.
Don't Forget your Sewing Project Checklist
Did you know that I created a Sewing Project Checklist to help you stay organized while sewing your garments? If you missed the video where I shared 3 Steps to Time Saving Sewing for Beginners, check it out to learn how you can streamline your sewing process. Tap the link below to get a Free PDF copy of the Checklist.
Thanks for stopping by,
Remember: When you live in your DESIGN, it is from there that God SHINES!
Links to Products, Posts & Tutorials
Here are links to products, blog posts, and tutorials mentioned in this post.
- Pattern
- Sewing Project Checklist
- Fabric Option 1
- Fabric Option 2
- Fabric Option 3
- Learn to SEW
- Baby Lock Soprano
- Baby Lock Vibrant
- Baby Lock Euphoria
(DISCLAIMER: This blog post may contain affiliate links, which means that if you click on one of the product links, I’ll receive a small commission on qualifying purchases. All opinions in this post are my own.).)
This Post Has 31 Comments
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Anita,
As always, I am more than proud, happy, and excited for you.
It is great to see how fast and beautifully your ambassadorship with BabyLock is growing and thriving.
I am asking Our Father God for many more blessings ahead for you, and His best for all of your ventures.
Very Sincerely,
Brunella BR
Oh, Brunella, thank you so much for your beautiful support. I appreciate your prayers and blessings. Have a wonderful weekend.
Congratulations and thank you for all you do to spread the joy of sewing – your happiness and delight in what you do is a gift to all who follow you just as much as the sewing skills you teach! Just found your work a few weeks ago and I am enjoying it so much because you are so positive and encouraging. I love, love, love this dress on you, and also that adorable crocheted bag – if you had only stuck to crocheting, however, we all wouldn’t be getting the pleasure of seeing your sewing projects, so that was a lucky transition for you and for your audience!
Oh, Mary Jean, I’m so happy to have you join me here. Thank you so much for your kind words. I really do feel encouraged when I hear messages like this because I really want people to feel encouraged, inspired, and safe in my space. Yes, I’m happy I came back to sewing because it’s been a beautiful therapeutic gift in my life.
I love the print! As always you did a a great job with the accessories.
Thank you, Linda! I love the print too. It’s perfect for this dress.
Anita, this is a beautiful summer dress, and appears easy enough for a beginner. Congratulations on your 5-year anniversary with BabyLock!
Thank you so much, Devoria
Hi Anita I love this dress I made it last year and I love it. I’ll send a picture on Instagram
Oh, yay! I can’t wait to see your dress, Gladys!
Happy 5th Anniversary! Love the dress.
Thank you so much, Jaenine!
Also. Congratulations on your 5th year Anniversary with Baby Lock!!
Such a Pretty summer dress! You look Gorgeous!
Thank you, Dara
Anita . have a FIESTA five year CELEBRATION!!!! CONGRATS!!! Since and AWESOME dress to represent your celebration!!!! ENJOY all of the scenery 🙂
WooHoo!!!! It was a fun CELEBRATION!!! Thank you, Monica!
Congratulations again as a Baby Lock Ambassador; the party last weekend was so much fun. This dress is gorgeous and the fabric print is perfect for it. I remember it from the tea party. Thanks for showing so many sewing possibilities. You model clothing that is definitely you; sew garments that are well constructed; and select garments that are unique. Your blog is better than a printed magazine; you offer beautiful pictures, product info and sewing tips. This is an ideal sew and you look great in it.
Oh my goodness, De! You’re making me blush! Thank you so much for your beautiful, encouraging words. Thank you for ALL your support.
Congrats on being a five year rep/, when I saw the material at your tea party I fell in love with it and love what you made from it. The dress and styling is beautiful especially the one with the green bag. Congratulations again.
Agatha!!! Thank you so much, my SEW Sister! I knew the fabric would look good with the pattern design. I’m glad you think so too.
Do you sale industrial sewing machines
Hi Angela! Baby Lock only sales home sewing machines.
This is beautiful. I absolutely LOVE your blog posts! I am an advanced beginner and would usually work on one project per month. As a result of reading your blogs, my confidence has increased a bit and I dug into my stash and have made 5 garments this summer and am about to begin #6. Thank you for sharing with us! ?
Lisa!!!!! Oh my GOODNESS! Look at you!!!! Now this just makes my heart smile REAL BIG!!! That is amazing! CONGRATULATIONS, my SEW Sister! You are on a roll. WooHoo!!! And I just KNOW you’re having a blast. ?
What a beautiful, simple dress. I think I would style it with some flats & a crossbody bag. I too should chalkenge myself & sew the patterns I already have. But maybe I’ll buy this one too – (lol). I Love reading all your posts. They inspire me. And congratulations on your 5 year Baby Lock anniversary.
Hey Carmen! Oh, yes! It would look so cute with flats too. I’m so glad you enjoy reading the posts. Thank you so much.
Gorgeous dress Anita! Beautiful fabric. I’ve been wanting to make a dress with rayon but I’m afraid it might not be fully washable. Have they improved rayon? I haven’t had a rayon garment for years.
Mollie
Hi Mollie! Oh, I’ve been washing Rayon fabrics for years. They are fully washable (at least the ones I’ve purchased). Just check the care instructions before buying to be sure.