Edelweiss Patterns 
If you follow the new pattern collections that are released by the “Big Four” pattern companies every year, you were probably just as excited as I was when they released this new Simplicity 8051 design earlier this year! I feel like Simplicity’s retro reprint collection is hit and miss as far as authenticity and photo shoot styling go – (you’ll often have 1940s hairstyles on a 1950s dress and shoes from neither era), but this is one pattern and style that they totally nailed!
The style I really loved was View A on the pattern envelope, with its trapeze neckline, ruched bodice, curved cummerbund, and flared circular skirt. Talk about details! The only thing I didn’t love about the pattern was the cutout portion in back – I wanted this dress to be something I could wear to church, not just on a picnic or day at the beach. 😉 So I very easily adjusted it to be a one-piece back bodice piece by pinning the two back pieces together and cutting out as you see below.
The pattern came together extremely easily and quickly – I sewed most of it in about 3 hours flat. I didn’t run into any major fit issues at all, although I did have to take in the shoulder seams a bit as I have slightly narrow/petite shoulders. (You can see more sewing progress pictures on my Instagram page if you scroll down a little ways.)
I highly recommend this pattern! It is a dream to wear and I have a feeling this is going to be one of the most popular retro reproduction patterns in quite some time.
I added chiffon frilly trim to the neckline, (not part of the pattern), but it could be dressed down if you didn’t add trim. The fabric is a 100% cotton print which has a very subtle color-on-color polka dot. 🙂
I absolutely adore this pattern and it’s one of those designs where you want to make one in every color. It could even work for fall if you wore a sweater over it. Below are a couple shots of the dress worn with a belt and flower pin for my one year anniversary photographs! (How in the world has it already been one year of marriage to my sweetheart?) {Photos by Sarah Gale Photography}
Till next time!
Katrina
Beautiful! I love the fabric and trim that you chose, the colors look great together. And one year? Wow, times flies. Those pictures are adorable! 😀
I just might have to get this pattern myself. You did a wonderful job styling it. I just love the coral pink with polka dots! I also appreciate how you did up the back bodice for a more modest top.
Sarah
Hello Katrina–another beautiful creation- thank you for taking the time to answer my sleeve question in your last post –Happy Anniversary to you and hubby!
Happy sewing!
Stephanie
I am so glad I saw this. I was wanting to fix the back on this dress as well, but wasn’t sure if doing it this way would be best. But I can see that it was. Your dress looks absolutely darling!
Thank you so much, Amanda! 😀 It’s a favorite of mine for sure! Happy sewing!
Hey Mrs. Holte,
I just wanted to know I sent you an question in an email about a costume!