Simplicity 8484 was copyrighted in 1988 which is when, I think, I first made this dress in a Lemon & Grey abstract print crepe de chine. I remember it as being ultra-smart and comfortable to wear so was delighted when it came up on eBay in the right size range. It has taken a lot of communication to receive the pattern as initially the seller sent the completely wrong pattern! Now it is here I plan to make in a lightweight cotton print – just as a tester on sizing and fit. Bearing in mind the really puffy sleeves on the previous dress, I shall re-draft the sleeves so that they have only a small puff at the shoulder, but will keep the tie feature. The dress takes roughly 4 metres of 114 cm fabric and as this is the usual amount that I buy “on spec” I should be able to find something to use.