Pattern Name: Simplicity 1561
Size Range: Bust sizes 30″-46”
What size did you make? XL
Body Stats
• Measurements: 47″-39″-48″
• Body Shape: Celloish
• Height: 5’7″
• Bra size: 38F
I thought I would hop on the lingerie sewing bandwagon this month. I have a bra pattern I’m working on fit wise. I’m also waiting on some bra supplies to ship. If I could purchase more findings locally it would make my life so much easier. In the meantime I thought I’d pick a simple stash busting project. I’ve had this pattern for quite awhile, one of the 99 cent pattern sales, I’m sure. The view I was able to make from the tiny bit of mystery super slippery fabric was view E, the sleeveless nightgown.
It’s super simple, and basically an adult version of a pillowcase nightie. Tube shaped with some armholes cut out, and gathered using a drawstring. I used a ribbon instead of the self-fabric drawstring and it turned out fine. I choose to use this fabric because the pattern was so simple. I hate using slippery wovens, with a passion. There’s only one way to get better at something like that, and it’s to actually sew with it!
I used lots of starch, a rotary cutter, and fine weight pins. It’s no masterpiece technically, but it’s certainly better than the last time I attempted to sew anything so finicky. I used a pin hem technique which worked very well on making the hem easier to manage.
Will you make this pattern again? If so, what fit or design changes will you make?
It’s so simple and instantly gratifying I can see myself using this pattern over and over again. I often have two yard lengths of leftover fabric from larger projects. It’s the perfect amount to try and stash bust my scraps.
Do you have any advice on this pattern for other curvy sewers? Are there any resources or materials that helped you sew this piece up?
It’s an easy sew, and something that, with its forgiving fit, would be a cinch to grade up! It’s also a good way to practice with tricky fabrics.
Pattern Rating (1-5):
• Size range: 3
• Instructions: 5
• Construction process: 5
• Final fit: 5
• Overall rating: 4.5
Lovely! Pretty fabric with the perfect drape for that pattern!
That’s a lovely nightgown! I love that fabric – beautiful colour on you. Thank you for that link to the pin hemming video. That was also hugely helpful! I’ve seen Sandra Betzina do something similar but she doesn’t trim the excess before sewing the second and last row of stitching on the edge – Sandra uses a very small zig zag which also looks quite nice. i was thinking about trying basting thread to sew the first row so when you press it for the second fold the basting thread would hold that tiny hem in place nicely 🙂
Beautiful! Looks great.
I like it alot! Wow, all these lingerie sewing posts are seriously tempting me to give it a try!
it’s intimidating for sure, but nothing is better than sewing something slinky.
Excuse the blurry rear view, taking selfies of my butt isn’t my strong suit.