
Simplicity 8103: A Valentine’s Day Dress
I started working on my daughter’s Valentine’s Day dress way back in October of last year. But then I decided that I was going to sew some Christmas presents and I put it off to the side. Well, I finally got back to sewing on her dress in January and was able to finish it with the help of my mom.
To make this dress I used the Simplicity pattern 8103, which is a vintage pattern from the 1950’s. I’ve purchased a couple of the Simplicity’s Vintage patterns since I stated sewing, but this is the first one that I attempted to sew. There were parts of this dress that were really easy and there were also parts that I found to be very difficult. And I also, used some new sewing techniques for the first time.
Let’s start with what I thought was easy about Simplicity 8103. Making the bodice (the top portion of the dress) and attaching it to the skirt was pretty easy. I didn’t have any trouble attaching the lining to the bodice either. So I was very happy about this.
There were a lot of things that I did for the first time while making this dress. First off, it was my first time sewing scalloped edges. The neckline for the dress is scalloped along with the collar and sleeves of the jacket. Making the scallops wasn’t that hard, but it’s definitely something that I will have to practice more to get better at. My scallops were not a well formed as they should have been, but I’m sure I’ll get better at making scallops the more I do them.
It was also the first time that I made buttonholes using my new sewing machine. For Christmas, I got a Brother CS-600oi computerized sewing machine that has a one-step buttonhole making feature that makes adding buttonholes to garments super easy.
There was also quite a bit of hand sewing called for in the directions of this pattern. I don’t have a lot of experience of sewing by hand, but this pattern definitely helped me to practice this skill.
It was also my first sewing a jacket, which brings me to the most difficult part about making Simplicity 8103. Adding the lining to the jacket was difficult for me. I thought I had did it the right way, but when my mom looked at it she said it was all wrong. I completely misunderstood the directions. But once she showed me how to do it I was able to fix it.
However, adding the collar was impossible for me. I tried it over and over again, but I could not get the collar sewn in the correct way. I finally, had to just give it to my mom and ask her to figure it out for me. Evidentially, the directions for adding the collar is not the way that a collar is sewn to a garment most of the time these days. I guess since Simplicity 8103 is a vintage pattern it explains the difference in the method for attaching a collar. I’m just glad that my mom was able to sew it onto the jacket and that it turned out nice.
Overall, I think this is a good pattern for someone who has intermediate sewing skills. Simply because it is a vintage pattern and the methods are a bit different. But if you are beginner looking to increase your skills or want more of a challenge then this is a great pattern to try. However, if you are a beginner and you don’t have someone to help you out then this pattern may just be frustrating.
15 Comments
Oh my goodness, she is such a cutie patootie! Glad to see you are still sewing like a champ – #ProductReviewParty
That’s a pretty little dress! I have a cute scarf that has lips on it that I’ll probably wear on V-Day.
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She’s so pretty! Wonderful job sewing her dress I’ve been saying I was going to learn to sew clothing for years but still haven’t . #ProductReviewParty
I totally do have a special Valentine’s Day outfit! Scarlet generally has a dress to wear for it, but this year it’s leggings. And me too!
That dress is adorable! She looks great in it.
Tamara recently posted…A Room of Balloons
I am still busy with Valentine’s embroidery designs so no special sewing! I love the dress and jacket, really something different for a change!
Darling dress Sonya! Shared #ProductReviewParty
Wow Sonya! You sewing is improving every day. Your daughter Valentine’s Dress is sweet and charming, and she looks like she loves it
Mary recently posted…Challenge Monday
It turned out cute! 🙂 Your daughter makes a darling model. I recently made dresses for my little girls in honor of Chinese New Year.
Shecki recently posted…Our Week Learning About Birds
Your model looks so cute. I think you did and excellent job. You are so talented.
NERLINE GERNAIN recently posted…Pairing A Short Dress With A Long Cardigan
So adorable! Excellent job Sonya! I didn’t wear anything special on Valentine’s Day, I normally don’t. I just wear my regular causal clothes.
I hope you had a wonderful Valentine’s Day!
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I don’t usually dress up for Valentine’s Day either. I usually don’t even think to wear red or pink, but I think it’s fun for kids to have holiday inspired clothing.
We had a pretty good Valentine’s Day. We took our kids to a party at the library and they had a great time making crafts.
Your daughter is so adorable and what a cute dress!
Thanks Victoria!
SONYA, This is such an adorable dress, I love that your mom tag teamed with you 🙂
I think that makes the dress extra special and made with all the love.
XOXO
I’m so glad my mom was able to help me with the collar on the jacket because I could not get it on right. You are right this dress is special because we both worked on it. 🙂