Ice Cream Social – Vintage Simplicity 7715

22 Apr Ice Cream Social – Vintage Simplicity 7715

 What would Kate Spade wear to an Ice Cream Social?

……..

A new silk dress, of course!

 I had a Kate Spade moment and took the plunge into this Simplicity pattern one more time.

Ok, it wasn’t just any Ice Cream Social.

It was an evening with ice cream gurus Ben & Jerry, and a new dress was in order for the black tie event!

I knew what I was getting into this time, but I am always amazed at how one pattern can sew completely differently the second or third time around. For instance, when I ran the 10-foot ruffle through the ruffler, it came up a foot shorter than the last one.
   

Why is that?

My darts seemed higher, and even though I cut the belt at least a foot longer than the pattern piece, it seemed no longer than the last one…..and this time the skirt sweep  was a better fit for me…….I expect subtle differences due to the fabric selection but am somewhat puzzled by the ones just mentioned.

 

Last night I realized I’ve come a long way from the self-conscious will my homemade dress be good enough days. Many women donned beautiful dresses filled with details mine lacked,  but there were none I wanted more than the one I was wearing.

While I’m not close to the 10,000 hours level of proficiency, the process of developing my sewing skills brings me self-confidence beyond the sewing machine. I gave up something I loved (shopping for expensive clothes) in exchange for something much better – freedom.

Here’s to sewing,

ice cream,

and

Ben and Jerry’s entrepreneurial spirit for the greater good!