Meet My Twin

I was happy to receive a hand-me-down dress form awhile back.  She is adjustable at the neck, bust, waist, hips & height and has a hemming tool...pretty cool!  Unfortunately,  I am broader, thicker and wider than her in every direction. 

My hubby made a sturdy new stand for my twin and I enlisted the help of my oldest daughter to turn her into a plus-size like me!  We added 4" to the shoulders, 2" to the bust, 5" to the waist and hips and made her my height.  I was able to use batting and fabric in my donation pile after cleaning my sewing room over the weekend.  I'm excited to have a twin dress form just my size! 

While I'm bearing all...Here is my Easter dress.  The girls both had dresses, so I was the only one to sew for this Easter.  I used Simplicity 2444, a vintage-feel knee-length dress with collar and sleeve variations.  I made the boat neck with short sleeves in seersucker and pique as my wearable muslin.  I was a size 18 by the pattern but ended up taking in 2" at the waist and lower back.  Next time I'll know where to adjust and go down a size on the top.  Darts at the waist make for easy adjustments.

I constructed the bodice and skirt separately and also lined the bodice.  I think it was easier to fit this way, rather than make a front & back like the pattern directed.  I highly recommend this pattern if you're looking for a retro-style dress with fun options.