Cynthia Rowley Dress Simplicity 2305

Pattern Description:
Simplicity 2305 includes Misses Dresses and Skirts in two lengths and purse by Cynthia Rowley. I made the dress which includes a waistband and a side zipper that you can't really see in the picture.

Pattern Sizing: Misses sizes 4-20.

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it? I made view A with the higher neckline, and it does look like the illustration. The one on the model has a much more open neckline, and I wish that I had made that view instead.

Were the instructions easy to follow? Yes, this is a really easy pattern to make. The neckline is bound with a self bias binding.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? I was intrigued by the quilted sleeves. The sleeve band has a layer of flannel in the middle that you machine quilt to give it more dimension. This sleeve hits me right where the elbow bends. I thought that it might be uncomfortable, but it isn't. I cut this part larger just because I knew it would drive me crazy if it was too tight.  

I'm still not sure that I'm crazy about the look of it. I mean, who wants their arms to look fatter? But I do like the texture that the quilting gives it, and it is nice and warm. If you didn't want to add any bulk, you could use just a layer of thin interfacing instead.   You just wouldn't get as much of the dimensional effect.

Fabric Used: Plum Tencel. This is a wonderful fabric with a beautiful drape. It feels like a heavy weight silk.  In fact, I do have some 4 ply silk, and I would say that I like this better!  

I did some research on it, and it is apparently a type of rayon, but the manufacturing process is more environmentally friendly. Here's some more info on it.

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made: I lengthened the dress a couple of inches. I didn't do a Full Bust Adjustment because the flat pattern measurements seemed to include enough ease for me. From looking at the photo though, I do think I needed it. It would have looked better with more gathers.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others? I do like the dress, and have gotten a number of compliments on it. It fits that need for a casual comfy dress that you can wear to places where you don't want to be too dressed up or dressed down.  

The belt is from Fossil.  I just discovered that they made belts- some really neat ones too.  I bought this one at a store, and within a couple of weeks, I got the Fossil catalog in the mail (I didn't ask for it!).  Is that a coincidence, or are stores possibly selling our information to particular manufacturers?????  I don't mind, as I really like their catalog, but I'm just wondering......Anyway, this dress needs a simple dress to frame it well, so I'm happy to have this dress to work with it.