This dres is Simplicity 1638 and only about 50% completed. I fell instantly in love with this pattern. I made all kinds of alterations to make the bodice fit the way I like it. I think the big mistake was to muslin only the bodice and not add the skirt. I loved the bodice muslin. All together, I feel like it makes me look thick and frumpy. So, what went wrong? Should I keep trying to fix this or toss it and make another Macaroon, in which I know I’ll look smashing in?
The New Vintage Wardrobe 
Maybe it’s because it’s all one pattern/colour? I know the front cover of the pattern shows this version all in the same fabric…tough decision, is it a top and a skirt or a dress? Wonder if you’d feel better with a different skirt/top with each part? Don’t give up just yet!
I’d keep, but shorten the skirt and take some serious width out of the hem! Also, have you tried shortening the peplum? with the a-line of the skirt and the longer peplum a lot of the focus is drawn from the waist toward your feet!
I can see why you love it! it’s adorable!
I have a rule that I try at least *1* refashion to anything before I throw it out. Because I have made some cute stuff when I put my mind to it. I never liked long peplums on women with curves because they hide them, IMHO. So try a short/cute peplum on that first! I believe in accentuating your *assets* ahem… and also this might pop more with a white skirt, and i’m not sure about that drape it has going on in the CF area. That might need to be moved to either side of the CF to make it more balanced?
Have you tried it with a wide belt? And a corsage or big brooch? jsut to break it up a bit! I think it could be really cute – don’t toss it yet!
I think it would be better as separates, but if you don’t want to do that, I would still I take some width out of the skirt to eliminate that strange drape in the front; shortening the peplum; I’d also consider making the neckline deeper to show a little bit more skin there; and a belt will really help it if you get to that point 😉 I think it’s worth refashioning!
I love it, but I do think the skirt seems a little too wide…if you got rid of that extra fabric in the front of the skirt, maybe more of a pencil skirt shape? Even just a smidge less width at the hem would make it seem more cohesive, imo. I think the bodice and peplum are perfect, though.
Hm, I can see why you’re conflicted as it does not present your lovely curves in a very flattering way. I would take a serious look at the neckline as a first step. The fabric may require something lower, I’m thinking. Judging by your photo, the neckline is definitely hitting closer to your throat than on the pattern photo.
And consider taking some of the flow out of the skirt. It seems to be between a more snug fit (pencil?) and a full flowing skirt, and I think either would be an improvement.
I say play with it some more, you’ve already done so much it would be a shame to give up when you may be able to fashion it into something you love.
I think this has possibilities still! The ladies above gave great opinions. I also think maybe a v neck might help? If it would cut too low maybe you could add a cute lacey little insert? I think with the square neck, peplum, and hem combined with the print there’s a lot lines going in the same direction- so maybe something just to catch the eye first (maybe even just a contrast trim?). But I still think it’s super cute 🙂
Andrea.
I love it. the pattern is awsome..Know wonder you chose it.. I am going to see if I can find it too..so pretty..
Please try to fix it, so you will like it. I think the style is great for you. I think you look nice.
Maybe the skirt is a little big on you.just decrease it?????? anway..it is so pretty,hate to see you discard it..
Good luck and look forward to see what you decide?
Happy Sewing. Judy
Lower the neckline by several inches. It’s too close round your neck. The high ncekline combined with your large bust is making you look very prim and blocky. Lower the neckline into a nice flattering square well below your clavicles. The rest of it looks fine to me.
could you just make it into a top? But you should also make another macaron cause you looked awesome in the last one!
The color is so pretty on you, and I just love green… It’s such a cute pattern, but does it look like the neckline might be a little high? I lower neckline would be more flattering. Also, I agree w/ the other comments about shortening the peplum, and it looks like the skirt is too big or something… I can see from the pattern envelope that it’s supposed to be an a-line shape, but something about yours looks a little too big… Anyway, whatever you decide about this dress, I definitely think you should also make another macaroon! It looks soooo cute on you… Have fun!
Seams like we have a consensus, neck line to tight and to much fabric in the skirt.
Definently worth some more work. Wonder what it would look like in a really drapy fabric?
Thanks, everyone! I took off the skirt and tried the bodice on with another skirt and it looks much better. I think I’ll keep it as a blouse.
So proud you found a way to keep it.. Love,love the pattern.. Now..cant wait to see the next project.. Enjoy your blog so much.. judy
Andrea,
I loved the pattern so much..I went to etsy and ebay and tried to find it..but no luck..But……. I found one in a differnt pattern company ,that was almost Identical.. I am working on it now..will post it on sew weekly and my blog..next week.. Please check it out..if you get time.. Thankyou for sharing.. I am so proud I found it..
I think it would be better as separates, lower the neckline and make a dark color skirt.
I agree with the separates way. The skirt would look adorable with a cardigan set or a solid green shirt. Maybe even a black cardigan set. The pattern on both pieces is too much, in my opinion.
I have this pattern too! I’m glad to hear you salvaged it, because I really love the top and peplum on you. I agree that belting it might have been another option that might have pleased you as well, and that it might have pleased you more if it had a more pegged skirt at that length. You’re such a dish in a vintage dress!
Yes, the neckline is out of proportion with you. If you look at the pattern picture, you’ll see that the neckline width in the picture is about 1/3 of the distance between shoulder points and the neckline depth is about 1/3 of the distance between the “end” of her neck (the implied hollow of the model’s collar bones) and her waist. Already I’d widen it so that there would be at least 2 cm of bare skin at the base of your neck, and deepen it so that it would be 1/3 of the “visual distance” from the base of your neck and your waist – you may have to mess around with a piece of paper, your garment and a mirror to get the right proportion since you have a differently shaped neck and a large bust. Then I would also add some contrasting trim (such as a dark green ribbon) around the neckline – perhaps 3 cm away from the edge – to draw the eye to your face. It’s a great dress and I’d hate to see you never wear it or worse – toss it- because of a neckline issue. Good luck!