Lisette Copy Dress (based on Simplicity 2209)
I’m having a little ethical dilemma regarding this dress. So let me explain. Simplicity has a new line of patterns called Lisette. One of which includes this dress, a pretty simple design with a pleated a-line skirt, scoop neck and cross over pleats on the bodice at the waist.
Now, I intended to buy the pattern a couple weeks ago when Joann had their $1.99 sale on Simplicity Patterns but for whatever reason I didn’t. That sale ended and since I refuse to buy a pattern that isn’t on super sale (one of the reasons why 70% of my pattern collection is Simplicity) I wasn’t going to buy that pattern.
Instead I just made an inexact replica of it from scratch. I say inexact because I’m sure the actual measurements I made don’t match the original but still, it’s a copy.
With the pattern envelope drawings as a guide I used a basic bodice sloper I had, moved the front dart and extended it so the pleat overlapped when folded, and attached a skirt sloper that was originally for gathers but instead I made pleats. I even made a little facing inside for the arm and neck openings and a side zip (actually, my first ever invisible side zipper!).
So that’s why I’m feeling a little moral ambiguity. I’ve never straight up copied a pattern design before, though, in many cases I could. This is a sign of my strange laziness – I’m too lazy (or cheap?) to go back to the store and buy the pattern but strangely, not too lazy to make my own pattern and muslin from scratch. Doesn’t really make much sense, I know, but this design was so easy to make that I didn’t need the pattern.
I feel a little guilty about ripping of a design and not giving Mr. Simplicity CEO my $2 but obviously not enough to not share the dress with you. I think it turned out pretty good! I’m not sure what you’d call this fabric. I bought it at Joann the same time I contemplated buying the pattern but didn’t. All I know is that it is shiny on the inside and matte on the outside and it frayed so much I thought I’d pull my hair out. But it had just the right mix of structure and drape for this project.
I guess I can’t give much of a review on the pattern itself but the design obviously looks good! What are your thoughts on my devious design plagiarism?
I think when you buy the pattern sometimes you are paying more for the ease of having it already drafted for you and conveniently packaged more than you are paying for the actual design. I don’t know how many clothing designs out there are 100 percent originals. Clothing has been around for millions of years and it seems styles are constantly being recycled. You copied a version of simplicity they were inspired by someone else and so on. So get rid of that guilt and great job on a cute dress 🙂
Sooo cute! I love that you’re a pattern sewer, too. I’m glad I found your blog!!
Hi there. Don’t think I’ve commented on your blog before – I just came across it recently and I really love all the things you make!
This dress is lovely and, similar to what Montanachic said, I don’t think you need to feel any guilt for taking inspiration from Lisette. Many people take inspiration for RTW designs and they in turn take inspiration from the catwalk. To be honest, all I think when I hear your story is how impressed I am that you are able to look at a design and replicate it yourself! I hope one day to be able to have to skill to do that myself!!
By the way, what fabric did you use? It has such a lovely sheen to it.
🙂
thanks everyone, makes me feel better 🙂
suzie, I’m not sure exactly what it is but the brand is Simply Silky Prints and they sell it at Joann Fabrics. It’s 100% polyester but other than that I’m not sure what it is.
I wholeheartedly agree! If you have the time, talent and inclination to make your own version of anything, it becomes very decidedly your own. It’s lovely! Wear it with pride. Mr. Simplicity will be fine.
I have to echo what everyone else has said. There really is no such thing these days as an original design. It’s pretty much all been done before. Otherwise, every full skirted dress since 1954 is a rip off of Dior 😉
You’ve done a fabulous job on this dress both in terms of drafting and construction! Allow yourself to bask a little in the warm glow of achievement, you deserve it!
Px
Actually you shouldn’t feel bad at all. Where you have real pleats they have made darts so that the front of their dress is flat, so your dress is very different. It looks fab too!
Just found your blog and am busy reading all the sewing posts. I’ve been sewing clothes for my girls for a couple years, and just got into sewing for myself. I borrow design ideas all the time. If you’re smart enough to make something similar without the pattern, I think that’s to be admired. If you drafted a similar pattern to sell, that would be a completely different story. Ok, off to read more!