As autumn rolled around this year, I realized I have a gap in my wardrobe of casual cool-weather dresses. I'd been wanting to try Simplicity 2246, so I ordered an autumn-hued plaid shirting from Mood Fabrics and got to work.
I used view C, but switched out the sleeves from views A and B. I also used the collar from view B, but added a ruffle of my own. I lengthened the skirt by two inches so that it would hit me below the knee. I also cut the button plackets on the bias to take advantage of the extra interest that the bias plaid would create. Oh, and I cut out the pattern a size smaller than I normally would choose, based on the finished garment measurements (included in the pattern) and other pattern reviews floating around the Internet. The fit turned out fine!
By the way, I've needed corrective lenses since I was 10 years old, but I usually wear contact lenses. The last time I got new glasses was about 13 years ago, so my frames were a little out-of-date. I recently got this new pair for free, courtesy of my ophthalmologist uncle, so I've been wearing my glasses a lot more frequently. I think they fit the academic look of this dress, don't you? ;-)
Another off-topic note. The first time I wore this dress I managed to get French fry grease on two separate spots on the skirt. I have tried rubbing the spots with Dawn dish detergent and then laundering as usual, which I think helped fade them, but they are still there (probably only noticeable to me, but still!). If you have any great methods for removing grease stains, lay them on me!
I'm a 31-year-old Christian. My hope is to live a quiet life filled with home and hearth, family and friends, loveliness and simplicity. I'm wife to Douglas (married October 2008) and mother to Edmund (born November 2009), Lavinia (born May 2012), and Rosamund (born February 2014).
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Your dress is precious!
ReplyDeleteI haven't encountered a grease spot that is stronger than Shout gel stick with the little rubber scrubby on top. It will get just about any stain in fact, with the exception of permanent ink perhaps.
We have had success getting rid of grease spots by first hitting the spots with Spray 'n Wash stain remover, letting it sit for a few minutes, and then soaking for a few hours to overnight in a normal-strength OxyClean solution.
ReplyDeleteI love that dress, the cut, colours, details - everything! Great inspiration :) Too bad with the greese stains though.....
ReplyDeleteBeautiful work, as always! The only grease spot (or any stain, for that matter) remover that works for me is called Citra Solv. It's orange. :) Don't leave it on for too long though, a few minutes will do the trick, or it could leave an orangish tint behind. It did once on a white fabric I let sit overnight.
ReplyDeleteThanks, ladies! I have a whole list of things to try now. I'm confident something will work. Grease stains are the bane of my laundry life, so I'm happy to have some new ideas on how to battle them.
ReplyDeleteLove the dress, Laura! Very feminine, preppy, and Fall-ish!
ReplyDeleteHope you can get that stubborn grease stain out -- they're my worst laundry enemy, too, so I'll have to remember some of these tricks :-)
Blessings,
Shannon
Hi Laura,
ReplyDeleteI love the dress. I am seeing shirtdresses everywhere now. I am in love with the look of them, but they are usually a little short for me because I would like to wear them year-round and sometimes with just sandals. My legs aren't what they used to be, so I would like them a little longer. I don't sew quite like you!
You can remove greasy stains by immediately putting flour on it. Wash. I have been able to wash it several hours later and still removed it. If no access to flour at the time of stain, I have liberally rubbed lye soap on the stain, and then wash with a good amount of soap and that has worked. Lye soap will get out most anything. I bought mine at a state park, but I am sure you can find it on an internet search. ~pam
Grease stains are a bane of mine since I persist in cooking without an apron far too often.
ReplyDeleteIf I have a stubborn grease stain that I don't want to work too much, I sometimes sandwich the garment between light towels...even paper towels, and use a cool iron...the towels tend to soak up at least some of the grease. I use this method on some dry-clean only garments as well.
Thank you for all of your posts! As a fellow-lover of sewing/creating I thoroughly enjoy your blog.
~Emily
Stanley Home Cleaner Degreaser! It never fails me. (It's the only "stain specific" cleaner I buy. Everything else gets a soak in oxygen bleach.)
ReplyDeleteWhat an adorable dress! It is so perfect for this time of year, and the style details are wonderful.
ReplyDeleteI have enjoyed reading the tips about removing grease stains. I seem to always get a few on garments I especially do *not* want grease stains on, and unless I immediately wash the garment with dawn soap, they usually stay. :( I will have to try some of these great ideas! I hope you are able to get your stains out!
Love the dress and I also love your glasses!
ReplyDeleteI know this is a little old, but I just read this post. I love the dress! Have you tried Felsnaptha? I like to use it for grease stains.
ReplyDeleteThe colors of this dress are so lovely on you, and I like that little ruffle at the neckline.
ReplyDeletePerhaps the grease stains you wrote of in October are gone by now, but if not, try scrubbing a bit of cornstarch or arrowroot into them with a dry toothbrush, and repeat each time you prepare to wash the garment. This is not a one-shot-wonder method, but a few applications do the trick, and without chemicals.
Best regards,
Carrie