I spent the better part of a weekend in February sewing up this Lisette Portfolio dress. I had been searching for the pattern for awhile (it's out of print) and finally found one at a price I was willing to pay so I jumped in. Kind of. I actually made a muslin of the tunic length to make sure it would fit. It did so I started cutting the good stuff. (Side note: I traced the entire pattern using dressmakers carbon paper and a tracing wheel for the first time. Game changer! Post forthcoming…)
The fabric is a Robert Kaufman Union Chambray that has been in my stash for a few months. This fabric is gorgeous, gorgeous, gorgeous. It has lovely drape and its dark indigo color makes it casual and dressy at the same time, if you know what I mean. I made a size 16 of this simpliciy pattern (I wear a 12 in the other Liesl & Co patterns and off the rack) and didn't adjust it a bit. When I was finished, I wish I would have added length (always the story) as the hemline is a little shorter than I'd like, but live and learn.
The construction of this one is a lot of fun! It's not hard, but not the easiest, either. Like all of Liesl's patterns, it has good tips and thorough instructions the whole way through, making it a true joy to sew. My only issue is that I did catch a bit of the side seam in the serger (when will I learn?) which left two tiny holes towards the bottom of the dress. I cried. Big tears. I really did. But then I gathered my wits, took Kerry's suggestion of reinforcing them with a woven interfacing on the back side and darning them on the front. Not perfect, but Fatty assures me that it looks like a flaw in the fabric instead of an Erin-created flaw. That'll do.
The closure on the back of the neck is two vintage buttons that I received from Julie many moons ago. I have been holding on to them, waiting for the right project, and this was it. I love how they add a little surprise detail, one you don't even see if I am wearing my hair down. It's like having a little secret. And they are green, which you all know I love. Happy, happy.
I haven't had a chance to wear it out in the real world yet – stupid, never-ending winter. And while I do think it would be super cute with tights, boots and a sweater, I am so over boots for this year. I'm holding out until I can be bare-legged, but maybe not so blindingly pale as above. Oy. I need spring.
And wouldn't you know that Liesl just released an updated version of this pattern? The Cappuccino Dress and Tunic has a slightly different neckline, but otherwise has the same slimming seam construction and the really cool pockets that make this dress. She also has lengthened the dress! Win for me! It's also a pdf download so you could start sewing it now. Or after you tape the pattern together. You know what I mean. Go! Sew!
Oh gosh…how many times have I caught a seam in the serger? arrrgggghhh. hate that. I love those Liesl patterns. Hopefully I can get around to sewing some this summer. Your tunic looks great and spring-y!
You look adorable, friend. Love it!
The fit is perfect on you! Been there, done that with the serger. And I cried too. But I’m sure it’s not noticeable.
So cute, Erin. You did a great job on it. I love the pop of green with the buttons. 🙂
You look so beautiful
I have had this pattern for a while and have been afraid to start it (beginner right here). When I saw what you called a flaw, I thought, “What a cool little accent in the pattern.” If you never called it out, I would have had no clue.
This is just the dress I’ve been waiting for. I think I might actually be able to accomplish this since it doesn’t require a close fit. It really looks fabulous on you and beautifully sewn – I was very happy to get to the bottom of the post and read that it’s been reissued! I’m sorry about the serger incident, but I bet no one will ever notice it.
Love the pop of green on the buttons.
You are beautiful! And so is the dress. But really– YOU.
What a gorgeous dress! Thanks for sharing SO MUCH! I would love to make one for me … soon. 🙂 And I love how you wear your hair, I really do.
This is a really pretty dress. If you wanted to make it longer, you could add a band of a print or different color and no one would be the wiser. 🙂
im in love with this dress! im using this fabric now in that baby quilt with your feedsack prints!!!!
ive never made clothing, but i do own this pattern…and i really should give it a try…
I like the button detail on such a streamlined pattern. The dress looks great on you and looks versatile also. How sweet of Fatty to be there to back you up and encourage you.
Here’s to springtime temps soon!
Oh it looks so fantastic on you!! I love the shape. Seeing so many fantastic versions of this pattern has me super tempted to pick up the new one.
Erin,the dress is so cute ! Looks really nice on you. Now I want to make one !!!
Hello. This is really lovely. Love your fabric choice, and also the buttons. It looks really professional, and don’t worry about the serger issue – it’s hardly noticeable at all. If it bothers you, though, I’d go over it in red thread, do the same on the other side and tell everyone it’s meant to be like that!
I have this pattern too, but it didn’t work out for me (thanks, post-baby body changes). My version ended up a cross between a hospital gown and a shop assistant’s overall. My boyfriend actually laughed out loud. Umm, slightly soul destroying!
That dress looks so comfortable and you did a great job on the sewing
Thanks for sharing
Gorgeous! The dress, the fabric, the buttons and especially you.
Ooh, I love it, Erin! The fabric is perfect. I checked out the new version, and I like yours more than the samples on that page 🙂
Lorna, if you are not happy with the pattern, would you consider selling it? I have been trolling the internet looking for a while now and would be very happy to purchase your pattern from you–I am size 14 so either size grouping should work for me. Please let me know if you are interested at [email protected]
Crossing fingers and toes (and eyes and arms and legs…..)
Cheers, Barbie O.
Would anyone be willing to share their pattern or copy it for me? I know they reteleased it but I prefer the old neckline
Shannon, I am in the same boat. I will happily pay for a copy:)
Hi ladies, me too!! Really desperate to get hold of a copy – and don’t mind what the condition is 🙂 Simplicity are bonkers not reissuing this pattern with the original neckline! x (ruthyspiller dot co dot you kay)
Has anyone managed to find a copy of the original pattern? I want one so bad. Thanks
I resurrected this pattern from my hoard and love it thus far. I can’t figure the neckline out!!! I have checked and checked but my facing is to short for the neckline. Do you have any ideas what I am doing wrong? Yours is darling and looks just precious on you!! Thank you! 🙂
I’m also in search of this pattern. I found one for sale on eBay for $59.95! I don’t like the neckline on the “updated” version. I’d be happy to copy it and return to you, too.
ohhhh, I want one too! Unless someone has found another pattern with similar pockets and such!
Looking too 🙁
Me too! Bring back the rounded neckline!
Have to agree! I love the old one…wish I could find it somewhere!!!!!M
Hello, I am late to this conversation. And I would love to purchase or copy this Lisette 2245 pattern in the larger size range. Anybody able to help me out? Please contact me at [email protected].
Hi, Do you still have the Lisette, Simplicity 2245 pattern? I’m interested in purchasing it from you if you still have all the sizes.
Thank you.
Hi Susan – I do have it, but I am not interested in selling. – Erin
I am also looking for this pattern. If you have it and are ready to sell it, I’d love to buy it!
Thanks!
I would also love to buy the pattern. Don’t care for the new one either! Email me at [email protected] Thanks!!!
Anyone interested in organizing to find a copy of the original pattern and share in the price? We can pool our money, pass it around and each make a copy. I can’t believe how difficult it is to track down this pattern!
Contact me and I’ll start a google group.
emdoubleu @ gmail
Count me in. I don’t understand the original can’t be re-released. I have contacted both simplicity and Liesel. Ridiculous! The new neckline sucks!
Hi Melissa did you ever do this? Id love a copy of this pattern.