Sewing For My Sanity

Simplicity 9846: A Vintage-Inspired Make

My Vintage-Inspired Make with Simplicity 9846

Whenever I feel the urge to create something timeless, I always find myself reaching for a Jiffy pattern like Simplicity 9846. I love Jiffy patterns by Simplicity and Simplicity 9846 is no exception.  I liked it so much I sewed Simplicity 9846 twice in one weekend.  Well, that’s not exactly true.  

The Ugly-ish Muslin of Simplicity 9846

I thought I was making a muslin out of some fabric I brought back from a trip to Ghana and then had second thoughts about it.  We’ve all done that.  The ideas are flowing in the fabric store, creative juices flowing, then the fabric gets bagged, tagged, and added to our stash and forgotten.  Later, you are reminded that you all of a sudden hate the fabric. This was me on one hundred thousand levels, but as I started sewing the musllin, I reimagined what it could be and how I could wear it out in public.

This Jiffy pattern, a classic from Simplicity patterns, is like a blank canvas for endless sewing possibilities. Today, I’ll share my journey of crafting a vintage-inspired dress with a modern twist.

Pattern Overview

I love Simplicity 9846 because it’s only three pattern pieces.  This is that dress pattern when you need a dress made yesterday but you working on it today.  I also love sheath dresses so it hits all my fashion buttons. The instructions are clear and well-organized- though uniquely vintage and not what we ar used to in the modern sewing world.Nevertheless, the minimal number of pattern pieces and notions making it a great choice for sewers of all levels. The pattern features a straight dress with back darts and darts at the waist and bust for fitting. It also offers several variations, including different sleeve lengths and collar options, allowing for plenty of customization.

Fabric Choice: Black Brocade and Sewing Tips

For this project, I chose a sumptuous black brocade fabric from Joann Fabrics from my stash. Yay for stash busting. Its intricate golden patterns added a touch of elegance and sophistication that I just couldn’t resist.

Brocade is a booger to work with.  It’s slippery, and it shreds in your hand as you sew.  I recommend serging as you go.  Don’t save it for the end to prevent extreme fraying.  It also snags on everything, so cut and file your nails and be cautious with sharp areas in your sewing space.  Fortunately, I avoid any permanent snags with Simplicity 9846, the brocade version. 

While it is a beauty, working with brocade requires a bit of extra care. I made sure to use sharp scissors and a rotary cutter to prevent fraying. I also used a new, sharp needle (size 70/10 or 80/12) to avoid snagging the delicate threads. To add stability and prevent stretching, especially in areas like the neckline and armholes, I used lightweight interfacing.

Before sewing the main pieces, I tested my stitches and seam finishes on a scrap of fabric to ensure they looked neat and didn’t cause any puckering. I opted for a French seam finish, which gave the seams a beautiful and durable finish.

Modifications

While his sewing pattern includes a thin tie belt, I decided to skip it. It was too skinny and didn’t add much to the look of Simplicity 9846 in either of the versions. Instead, I used a tie from the KnowMe 2027 pattern, creating a subtle contrast and a unique design element.

Styling: 1960s Chic

To get into the spirit of the 1960s, I accessorized the dress with a pillbox fascinator, block heels, and pearls. The fascinator dones a touch of vintage chic glam, while the timeless suede block heels and pearls provided a classic and sophisticated glimmer.

My Sewing Tips

Here are a few tips I always keep in mind when sewing:

  • Pre-wash your fabric: Prewashing feels wrong sometimes but it helps prevent shrinkage and ensures the finished garment fits perfectly. I did a little YouTube video about it here. Beware though, some fabrics are not designed for your washer. 
  • Take your time: Sewing is my happy mental place. Hence “Sewing for My Sanity”. I don’t rush; I enjoy each step and savor the process of creating something beautiful. Turn on some music, grab a glass of something lovely and put that foot on the pressor foot.
  • Use the right tools: Having the right sewing tools can improve the outcome and durablility of your makes. A machine in good repair regardless of how old it is, sharp scissors, and my least favorite tool–a seam ripper. 
  • Be bold and ask for help: If I ever get stuck, I’m open doing some extra reasearch or chatting it up with a sewing buddy.

Conclusion on Simplicity 9846

Simplicity 9846 is a truly versatile pattern that can be used to create a variety of stylish garments. With creativity, it’s easy to transform this pattern into a vintage-inspired dress that’s perfect for any occasion.

I hope you enjoyed reading about my sewing adventure with Simplicity 9846. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to leave them below. Happy sewing!

Let me know if you have any further requests or modifications!

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