S2281 - Cynthia Rowley Dress

I bought this Cynthia Rowley pattern when it first came out because I loved the cut out shoulders and the neck strap that ties in the back.  It sat for awhile in my pattern stash until I could find the right fabric.

I wasn't really sure what I even wanted to make it from until I was surfing around denverfabrics one day and came across this ikat cotton lawn.  It has teal, black, light gray, and white making up the design.   Cotton lawn is my new favorite fabric.  It is so wonderful to work with in that it is not too wrinkly and sews so easily.
    I cut my normal size, but if I had it to do over I would cut a size smaller.  I think this pattern runs big.  I did my normal folding out of fullness in the front and back bodices, but then I had to do an inch seam on the sides as opposed to the 5/8 in.  Then to correct for a little fullness in the back, I tapered in from a 5/8 in seam to a 7/8 in seam towards the bottom of the back bodice.
   Also, I was so disappointed because the instructions for the view D that  I sewed did not have the instructions included.  They only give instructions for View A/B.  I had read a review of this pattern already that had indicated these instructions were missing, so I was prepared....but still disappointed.  I basically just matched up dots and followed my nose.  It wasn't too difficult, but just aggravating.   I only lined the bodice as the instructions indicated so I just serged the seams in the skirt.  I omitted the applique at the waist.  Overall I am happy with the way it turned out.

I am trying to come up with ways to style it for Fall/Winter.    I am thinking of incorporating some coral colors into it.  Until next time, Happy Sewing!!