This is a modern pattern, Simplicity 2180. (You might remember my rant about the trouble I had trying to buy it as a downloadable pattern.)

I did eventually buy the pattern (in a regular store) and make it, like so:

It’s fabric I bought about ten yards of (at $1/yard) down in LA years and years ago. I really like it, because I don’t REALLY like it, if that makes sense. It’s great fabric for making trial versions out of, because I am happy to wear the end result but not depressed if I have to wad the whole thing up and throw it away. (I should have bought 20 yards …)

I was slightly overambitious with this first trial version. You can read the original blog post about it here.

 

I do love the lines of this pattern, although I didn’t realize the top part of the bodice would be so stand-offy from the neck:

Here’s the side zip:

And a closer view so you can see I still have basting thread I haven’t pulled out:

 

And the back piping, which I’m not happy with at all, but which is usually hidden under a cardigan, anyway.

 

Here’s the full back view:

 

I did make the dress one more time (just to be SURE) but on the whole I’m a bit “meh” about it. The skirt isn’t quite as full as I like (for full range of movement) and I ended up not liking the neckline as much as I thought I would. Oh well, live and learn. Maybe I need to make it one more time to be ABSOLUTELY sure. In pink gingham?