Sew: The Hotness - Simplicity 2580

After my successful sewing of the Vogue 8184 Diane Von Furstenberg style wrap dress with a beautiful black Sew Classics Ponte Roma knit, I immediately thought about doing it again. So, I went to Joann's with the image of making a red wrap.

Clearly, I forgot about my tendency to become uninterested in patterns if I make one right after the other.

So, I set the red knit away for a bit and pondered my choices while flipping through my pattern book. McCalls 240, look F?  Well... maybe. But then, my eyes settled on Simplicity 2580.

The result? The Hotness.

I really like The Hotness. Clearly, it is The Business. Just look at it.  I MADE THIS!!!

Did I spent $69.50 on this at Ann Taylor loft, with thinner fabric and unflattering to me side gathers? No. I made this.

And here's a view of the back...

I really have nothing more to say other than I am in such appreciation of my craftsmanship on this dress. It's seriously so easy that anyone can do it. As long as you visualize the cowl, explained more in my detailed review below.

But, the best parts about it? My mother, upon seeing me in it, said that it's "perfecto" and that I did a great job, which is her highest honor.

And, it's red. That's hot.

Pattern Review.com review here: http://sewing.patternreview.com/cgi-bin/readreview.pl?readreview=1&reviewnum=61530

Project:	Simplicity 2580
Medium:	Sewing
Description:	Misses formal dresses in 2 lengths with different top choices. I did the top of view D and the length of view B.
Pattern Sizing:	I made sure to check the final estimated measurements for my calculations. The bodice back and front / front facing were made at a size 20. I marked the waist at a 20 and graded out, using a French curve, to a hip of 22. Some sewers on patternreview.com stated that this pattern ran large. I did not find this the case at all.
Were the instructions easy to follow?	The cowl. It was all about the cowl. Understanding the cowl placement was seriously a 4 hour - off an on - endeavor. At first, I was horribly confused. Slowly after distracting myself with other things while visualizing how the cowl should technically be placed, I revisited the instructions and "got it". It came out perfectly. Technically, it was exactly how the instructions stated it. It just took me a while to get it.
Sourcing:	Fabric from JoAnn's Etc. Sew Classics Knits, Tango Red Ponte Roma. $12.99 per yard. Remember, DO NOT pay full price for your fabric at JoAnn's. Use your coupons!
True to Illustration	Beautifully so.
Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:	Size grading. Because the pattern's separate size lines are so convoluted at certain points, I used my pattern tracing paper. Shocked that I didn't need to drop the waistline. Vogue / McCall's patterns must scale differently than Simplicity.
Tips and Techniques:	STUDY THE COWL. BECOME ONE WITH THE COWL. You can do this. If I can, anyone can. It might take longer than you expect to study and "get it", but it's super pretty once it's all sewed up and cowl-icious. This dress totally makes your breast area look larger. With my already padded Fredrick's of Hollywood bra, the cowl's drape made me look like I'd gained another cup size. The arm and neck facing instructions are rather - interesting. Perhaps next time, I'll use seam binding and a double needle made for knits, if there is one made. I might have to just wait until I get a serger with the overlock feature before truly making this dress as a RTW style beauty.
Things I Would Change If I Made It Again:	I think I would experiment with color combinations. Perhaps a purple knit bodice and a black bottom that would go well with an under the breast stretch belt.
Conclusion:	Fantastic dress to look - and most importantly, feel - sensual and attractive in. A wardrobe staple.