I love a pattern that gives me options! Period. While multiple style lines means more pattern pieces to cut, it also means I have more options to easily switch up the fabric type & color!
Inspired by a birthday brunch in Queens, NY... I needed something classy, something that would be a head turner BUT wouldn’t be a show stopper because after all it wasn’t my birthday (& it wasn’t a fashion show… (this is the pattern I used to make my, self-proclaimed, show stopping dress for the DC fashion show).
Simplicity 9010 showed up for me once again! Classy, versatile, & a really quick sew!
This pattern has three options (views) which gives you sleeve & length options, as well as, an option to have the back of the dress open or closed. I went with View B which was the option with the longer length dress, open back & longer sleeve.
Difficult? Not So Much
With only 5 pattern pieces (4 excluding the tie which I eliminated), no zippers, no buttons, & a single piece of elastic to cinch the waist, this pattern is definitely beginner friendly.
Whether you choose View A, B or C. The level of difficulty is the same.
The Process
I went with View B so let’s dive into the process.
As mentioned, I was working with 4 patter pieces: Front Bodice (Cut 1 on the fold), Back Bodice (Cut 2), Skirt Front (Cut 1), Skirt Back (Cut 2). I used my sewing machine (Bernina B790) to stitch the entire dress. I used fusible tape to hem the edges of the sleeves, the bottom of the dress, the neck line & along the raw edges of the back bodice. Here are the steps I followed:
Bodice
Stay stitch around the neck of the bodice back & front pieces.
Stitch front to back at the shoulder seams with right sides together.
Instead of using bias tape, use fusible tape to create a narrow hem the raw edge of the neck line & back bodice.
Stitch front to back under the arms (making sure right sides are facing).
Use hem tap to create narrow hem to the raw edge of sleeve.
Turn top right side out & with left back bodice over the right, baste stitch the lower edge (between the two dots) which aligns with the ends of where each back piece overlaps.
Skirt/Bottom
With right sides together stitch skirt back pieces together.
The pattern calls for a back slit, however I eliminated the slit & stitched all the way to the raw edge.
With front & back right slides together pin & stitch at the side seams.
Use hem tape to create a narrow hem at the raw edge of the skirt bottom.
Connecting the Top & Bottom
With right sides together pin & stitch the skirt to the top (bodice) at the waist. Be sure to stitch 3/4” from raw edge so you have enough room to add a second row of stitching to create a casing for the elastic.
The create a second stitch 1/4” from are edge to create a casing, leaving open a small area to insert the 1/4” elastic.
That’s it! Your Done!
What’s next?
Im not sure, I am toying with using this pattern to create a romper short set or a romper skirt or a two piece mini skirt & crop top… honestly I just can’t make up my mind… who knows I may make them all!
Pattern Highlights
1. Difficulty: Easy
- 3/10 (10 = most difficult_
2. Prep
- Cut pattern = 15 min
- Cut Fabric = 15 min
3. Sizing/Fit: True to size
4. My Measurements
- Bust: 38”
- Waist: 36”
- Pattern Size Cut: 12
5. Modifications
- Gradual taper 1/2” at the side seam from the knee to the edge of the skirt.
- Use of fusing tape to hem edges in lieu of bias tape.
The Wrap Up
Simplicity 9010 is slowly becoming one of my favorites! Having made this dress twice & used the pattern bodice to make a jumpsuit twice, I continue to find more ways to take this pattern to the next level!
Interested in sewing along or watching a live sew-along? Follow me on TikTok @SewSophisticatedDesigns. I do live sew alongs several Fridays a month from 7pm - 10/11pm EST.
Yessss girl this is so detailed and such a fun read. I will be remaking this pattern again because girl you doing the damn thing 🤩🤩🤩