This is one of the patterns that I bought the last time that Spotlight had a three-for-not-a-lot-of-money sales on Simplicity patterns.  It’s super simple!

Simplicity 1059 is from  Simplicity’s Jiffy range.  It’s a reprint of a 1969 pattern (so not quite as old as me, but nearly).  As per their website: Features 2 or 3 main pattern pieces. Pattern includes V-neck dress with long sleeves, or sleeveless and optional sash or scarf.

Oh, I do love that cover art!  I chose view A, the long sleeved option, which meant I was dealing with three pattern pieces – front, back, sleeve.  And at the last minute I decided to cut out the sash as well.

As you can see there is no zip in the centre back of my dress.  I eliminated it as I chose to use a poly knit that was in stash (yes, originally from the Darn Cheap Fabrics $2 table). I wanted something that had a bit of drape to it.  The pattern envelope suggests batik, challis, cotton types, crepe, crepe back satin, linen types, sateen, satin.  All wovens.  Ah well, good thing that I like to break the rules every now and then.

Now, that neckline. As drafted, it’s low. VERY low. It opened up to the top of that blue/white stripe. Although I don’t mind a bit of cleavage, it was definitely nowhere near work appropriate as it was, so I hand-sewed it higher once the dress was finished. Keep that in mind if you decide to sew up this pattern!

Construction was mostly on the overlocker, and it was very quick to sew. The back shoulder darts provide a nice fit, as do the front shoulder pleats. From memory this was a size 14. I chopped heaps from the hemline – it was very long on me as drafted. Overall I think that this pattern really shows that a few pattern pieces can go a long way if they are drafted well and include details and shaping.