I had already decided that the belt would go all the way around instead of the buttonhole belt holes. I may or may not add sleeve cuffs. I kind of like them how they are right now so I might now add the cuffs. I cut off about three inches off the top of the sleeve. I'll show all the alterations in a later post when I figure out everything. I'm usually an above the knee kind of gal but I like this length too. This is the first Big 4 pattern that I've ever worked on that really has potential. Maybe I'm just getting better at fitting my body and figuring out what works for me.
The original Simplicity pattern has quite a bit of gathering in the back under the yoke. I did that originally but then I took most of it out. I had to take a 1" tuck in the back yoke. But I realize now, they added seam allowances because they put a zipper in it. I should have taken out the seam allowances on the pattern pieces before cutting it out. Duh. I also took out most of the gathering. I may take out a little bit more. I know the Hot Patterns dress does have gathers but I like this better.
You can see how the the gathers puff out a bit.
It was my birthday yesterday. Not only does my husband buy fabric, he buys me shoes for my birthday. Eat your heart out ladies. He bought this pair and the red patent leather pair I've been coveting.