Simplicity Jiffy 4977 – at the Lighthouse, this is only a few minutes from my home… I really do sew by the seashore!
When I said I’d be with you in a Jiffy… I really meant it!
In November I won a Pattern Pyramid on Made by Trisha’s blog. I managed to keep quiet about it as I knew it would take while to arrive from USA. Trisha was off at a conference, check out the dress she made to wear to it here.
The pyramid arrived this week… and you will be pleased to know that I’ve already made two things! Hey don’t look so shocked, I’m not SewBusyLizzy for nothin’! LOL.
OK I know that you ain’t so interested in my sewing as you are in the Pyramid itself, huh? *sniff* After stalking many a Pattern Pyramid I understand, really I do *sniff*.
And yes, it’s a pretty good one.
The jury is still out, I can’t decide what to keep. At the moment I’m a little bit in love with the very simple Jiffy 60s number. And yes, that’s the Jiffy that I’m wearing at the top of the post 🙂
Simplicity Jiffy 4977
I made the Jiffy on the spur of the moment. I was digging through the stash looking for something else and stumbled across this vintage fabric (you know how that happens) I picked up at an op shop for $3 for 3 meters. I suspect it’s a 70s print. I have no idea what it’s composed of… but it’s quite heavy, a twill weave and has a fabulous drape. It just felt ‘right’ and in a jiffy – or a few hours – the Jiffy was born. Miss 9 and ELH decreed that I should make the sleeveless number so I obliged. I even had some vintage hooks & eyes to close the back (it’s supposed to be a button & loop but this felt ‘right’). So total cost (excluding electricity and cotton etc for those auditing types) was $2. I have enough fabric left to make an Alma with this 🙂
My modern cheating touch was to use my brand new overlocker/serger to finish the seams – this fabric is a ‘frayer’.
Simplicity Jiffy 4977 – interior
Verdict? Jiffy = lots of fun and a very comfortable dress!
Now I had thought I would keep Simplicity 4687 – the shift, jacket and overblouse. So cute! It seemed the perfect solution to my Christmas dress dilemma. I thought I would make a red dress with a green lace over blouse.
Simplicity 4687 Pattern Pyramid fail
Glad I muslined this. It’s too big. Yes, yes, yes. I could grade the pattern. I could make alterations. And I really admire people that do that. However for me… there is a world of patterns out there that fit me and I’d rather fritter away my time with those 🙂 This was nice enough to sew but a major sewing/fitting fail. I could not even be bothered to tidy up the hem for the pictures 🙂
Simplicity 4687 Pattern Pyramid fail – back view – it’s huge!
Verdict? I’m not a vintage size 12. Lesson learnt. It’s staying in the Pyramid.
I’m still dying to try the 6512 pants… they might be too small though. And trust me you don’t want to see my stretch marks in that crop top. I am a small person and had two babies around the 9 pound mark – scarred for life I tells ya. I’m sticking with the dresses.
What am I keeping? I don’t know!!! Decisions!! I thought about tracing off the pattern but decided I will just throw a few more in. I have plenty of vintage patterns and I actually love seeing how the Pyramid morphs and changes with every blog it passes through. At the moment the Jiffy is definitely the front runner. I can see myself making this up many times…
What should I throw into the mix? A jacket? A Vintage Vogue? An 1980s fashion crime?
Excited? Wanna win? You can find the rules of the Pattern Pyramid here – when it was started by the lovely Karen of Did You Make That? In a nutshell you must have a blog to participate (sorry non-bloggers!). Leave a comment and let me know if you are in!
The Pattern Pyramid winner will be chosen by a lucky draw on December 23, 2012. Good luck!
JIFFY DRESS
Pattern: free
Fabric: $2 op shop.
LOCATION
Tacking Point Lighthouse, Port Macquarie
Tacking Point Lighthouse is Australia’s third oldest lighthouse. It was built on a rocky headland about 8 kilometres south of Port Macquarie in 1879 by Shepherd and Mortley, to a design by the New South Wales Colonial Architect, James Barnet. It is classified by the National Trust of Australia (NSW). Tacking Point was named by explorer Matthew Flinders in 1802 during his 1802–1803 circumnavigation of Australia
(source: wikipedia)
Oh and if you have read this far it was WINDY today. Really windy… we were lucky to get these pictures… some of them looked like this…
I’ve been nominated for some blog awards – more on that later… oh and I made the Sewaholic Lonsdale dress. Verdict: sewing WIN! Photos soon.
Sew Busy Lizzy 
That lat pic is fabulous!
6512 would look great under a sari! And the 9563 overalls make me laugh. I think you should definitely add a 1980s fashion crime! Bummer about the shift dress.
Count me in – I’ve always wanted a pair of overalls! (I’m not kidding. I missed out as a kid.)
You are in the draw – that’s criminal, no overalls as a kid?? I had multiple pairs!
Loving that Jiffy. Count me in!
The Jiffy is gorgeous. Reminds me a bit of a Cynthia Rowley pattern.
I love that jiffy dress on you. You look like you had some sort of epiphany in the last photo…! I’ve had a little close up peek at the patterns – can you believe some of them only cost 50 or 65 cents back in the day?! Wow! I’m going to pass on the pyramid this time (the only pattern I truly like from the pile is the jiffy) but I do like seeing what others make from it! Also can’t wait to see your Lonsdale x
The Jiffy had a 5c sticker on it – I’m guessing that was its second hand price. The Simplicity retro pattern is also cute and multisized! I also like the Simplicity pattern right at the bottom of the pile. It would have been miles too large on me though. For me the fun of the Pyramid is sewing something you might not of tried & vintage patterns are quite interesting I discovered. Slightly different construction, patterns marked differently… I’m weird like that though!
5c???! Crazy! I love the idea of sewing vintage patterns (especially all those gorgeous dressed from the 40s and 50s) but I think I’d have to see something that I was really attracted to before taking the plunge…I will one day, I promise! I like your weirdness tho, it makes for great reading and great photos!
Love the new dress! It was the first one my eye was drawn to too! What a beautiful setting for your photos too, I love lighthouses, even if the wind did mental things to your hair! I bet you’ve knocked the Lonsdale out of the park, can’t wait to see it!
Thanks Vicki. I tried the Jiffy as it was the smallest vintage pattern there!
The Lonsdale is great, I wore it on Friday night.
The jiffy dress looks so great on you and I cannot wait to see your Lonsdale!
Are you in for the Pyramid?
I’m still working on the Burda jacket plan, I found that interfacing, thanks for the tip!
Yep count me in please, I’ll have to do a lot of grading up but I like the look of the shorts 🙂
That’s great you found the interfacing, I use it everything now, have 3 different weights and it fuses and drapes so much nicer than the woven interfacing (Plus you can pick it up quite cheap in the sales)
I’ve started a list so I can crash Spotlight at one of their big % off everything sales.
I haven’t decided what to put in from my stash. I think the size range needs an increase at both ends.
I’m in! I love the western-y Simplicity 6400 (?) – did you know I have this weird, life-long affliction that draws me towards tacky western garments and “Little House on The Prairie”-like ruffly, dainty things?
Looking forward to seeing you Lonsdale, I’m sure you’ll look fab in it!
Now I’m seriously tempted to find something ruffle-Kerfuffle in case you win!
Love the fabric you’ve used for the Jiffy. Shame about the shift dress being too large. Even though it would clearly provide a bit of extra room for Christmas lunch, it would equally clearly provide rather too much extra room. Nice pattern, though. And, no, please don’t include me in the Pyramid. I’ve already been lucky enough to win a stage already.
I love the Jiffy dress. I’ve had it on all day!
Did you win the tap dance pattern outfit? Oh my goodness I want to make that! I’d even wear it on the blog 🙂
I don’t know what I’ve won – I could chase up the blog post, of course; but the actual parcel hasn’t arrived yet, so I’m not thinking about it too much. It will be an even nicer surprise then, I think. (Besides, to be utterly truthful, at the moment life’s a bit busy, so I would struggle to find time to do justice to anything.)
Oh your haul is particularly fabulous… is it bad form to want to win a Pyramid twice??? You have several I want to make…. including the fab tap dance outfit!
In that case, I shall be sure to alert you when the parcel arrives! No, who cares about from anyway. I think of it as enthusiasm.
Don’t blame you on the whole fitting thing… sometimes it really gets me down. Especially when I’ve got the urge to sew and nothing but half-fitted muslins laying around. Exactly my circumstances right now 😦 The Jiffy dress is gorgeous 🙂
Ditto. I know there are certain pattern brands that fit me outta the envelope. It makes sewing fun and isn’t that what it’s meant to be? 🙂
I’m rooting for you to try 9414- I love your Jiffy shiftiness!
*sigh* it’s so good we didn’t go to school together as I’m quite sure we would have been BFF and always ended up at the headmaster’s office! Tempting…
Looks like a super simple dress to wear, no fuss, but classy impact. Love the pics and thank you for the windy version! Us short haired peeps miss out in such fun!
Please enter me!! Just ‘because’ and ‘ why not?!’
I can think if no better two reasons!
It’s a fabulous dress. It’s a major sack without a belt but it’s so comfortable, I wore it all day!
I’m hoping to take a prim ‘fancy’ shot after my hair cut/colour this week. I am hoping it will be suitably ‘coiffed’ and fabulous!
Love the windy shot! Absolutely envious of your view and weather. Am contemplating on dragging husband to Australia next Christmas, so we can experience some of that summer-ness 🙂
ANYway. I’d like to be in the Pattern Pyramid – as Scruffy says .- just because and why not!
You are in!
Aussie Christmas is all about prawns, oysters, the beach, wine, beer, cold meats! And often hot hot weather. Always welcome in Port Macquarie Maria! You will discover that I don’t colour alter my blog photos … because I don’t need to 🙂 it really is that blue and that pretty here.
Ahhh, that Jiffy dress is so cute on you! Too bad about the Simplicity– it’s such a great print! I can’t wait to see your Lonsdale! I was thinking of that pattern when I picked out fabric for the Christmas swap! 🙂
Oh, and don’t count me in the Pattern Pyramid drawing– I’ve sworn off new patterns for at least a few months!
Oh now I’m wiggling with excitement! I got your present last week. So far I’ve managed to wait 🙂 I keep finding more fabric for you, I will probably end up sending you a New Year pack too!!
I got your package yesterday and now it’s under my tree tempting me to open it! Naughty present! I can’t wait ’til Christmas!
You’re so fun to shop for, too! You’ve got such a cute, defined style!
Count me in, you know I am stalking these!! Not sure on my favourite for me, but loving the Jiffy on you. Pity about the fail, but I totally get where you are coming from, sometimes I totally bypass vintage patterns that aren’t my size.
I am most bummed as I thought I would be a 12. I have several! I’ve also got some that I thought would be too small, now I think they will be fine which is a bonus!
I’m in!!! Maybe 5th times the charm?? I instantly fell for the hip huggers and crop top pattern…is it finally my time to win???
You never know your luck! Fingers & toes crossed?
I am definitely in! The Jiffy is gorgeous!
Just checked out your blog – love your Lonsdale!
your sunny seaside photos are gorgeous – and your new dress is very cute. Sign me up for this drawing on the pattern pyramid. (contact me via my blog, should I be the luckly one)
Hi Beth, consider yourself signed up for the lucky draw! It’s such an easy dress to wear, a complete sack without the belt of course.
Hooray! I can’t believe that you already had the time to sew up two contenders!!! I’m impressed. Please don’t enter me in the drawing–I just wanted to comment on the loveliness.
Thanks Trisha, I’ve had lots of fun with the Pyramid already. Thank you!
I’m in! I love the Jiffy — it caught my eye as soon as I saw your pyramid. Your version is so cute. Bummer about the shift dress. I probably am a vintage size 12!
It’s funny, I don’t think anyone noticed the Jiffy in previous rounds. I think the vintage fabric and beautiful lighthouse backdrop is really selling this pattern. It’s a huge sack with the belt 🙂 but a comfy one.
The Jiffy looks splendid on you! It’s such a simple shape, but somehow it just suits you beautifully! Brilliant move stitching up the pyramid patterns before they go on to a new home, btw. It never occurred to me when I had the pyramid in my possession. I promise if I get a crack at another, I’ll be more productive! 😉
Oh I’m a bit crazy which probably helps. I did think if was gong to be the shift dress that I would love but once I spied the vintage fabric in the sewing room it just seemed like kismet and it had to be the Jiffy
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I am totally in! You have some great patterns, there!
It is a fabulous selection!
Count me in too, please! I’m a dedicated stalker of the pyramid. 🙂
LOL me too!
Ohhh how cool! I’ve never heard of the Pattern Pyramid but what a fabulous idea! I’d love to take part if I’m so lucky 🙂
Oh the Pyramid is fun! It’s become some bloggers’ obsession to win one…
Love the Jiffy- and your photos are always great! I like the windy shot! I’d like to part in the pyramid as well!
The windy shot is a bit mad! I will pop you in the draw 🙂 good luck!
oooh count me in please 😀 loving your creations xxx
You are in the draw! 🙂
loving the new jiffy! the fabric is gorgeous and the last pic is hilarious! you always look so serene so it was funny to see how windy it was! 😛
Thank you, I love this fabric, it feels lovely to wear. I couldn’t resist the windy picture, it’s ridiculous!
My mum used to have Simplicity 4687 but i gave it away before i got into sewing!!!! :-(((((
Unfortunately, I don’t have a blog – or else I would be entering just to win this pattern back :-))
I could trace it off for you?
Oh count me in – that Jiffy number really is very cute!
It’s is cute. Although my husband pointed out without the belt and amazing backdrop, people might realise it’s actually just a floral sack LOL
I’m in! Thanks for doing this!
Good luck!
Thanks!
I’m in! (You should see to it to fix that muslin, that fabric is amazing and would be quite a waste in my humble opinion)
I might be able to cut it off into a skirt, the top and shoulders are just too wide to fix. It’s just a $5 piece from the bargain table fortunately.
OOH gorgeous! I think I have a few Jiffy patterns… am tempted to raid the stash now. And please count me in, I can never say no to more patterns!
I love this dress. It’s a sack without a belt but it’s just lovely to wear! I’m on the lookout for more Jiffys now.
I think you should reconsider the pants pattern y’know. You don’t have to wear a crop top with it …. it is possible to do longer …. I had twins so I know what you mean about covering the midriff!
Please don’t count me in for the pyramid cos I’ve a load more patterns coming from the Vogue etc sale. God I have to speed up my makes LOL.
I’ve had a few new pattern indulgences too!
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