Simplicity 7715 has got to be the cutest pattern that I own. Look at that ruffle version in pink- isn’t that the greatest Carol Brady dress ever? I bought this pattern thinking that I would make it up in a brown menswear fabric for work to wear with a great pair of slingbacks. Sophisticated! It would be a great spring dress in bright yellow doubleknit. Or wedding guest ready in emerald or turquoise dupioni. Or a go-anywhere-and-look-great dress in black wool crepe. How many of these have I made? None. The pattern is just way too big for me (hello, 29″ bust in the house!) and I’ve decided it would be easier for me to draft this in my size from scratch than try to grade down that crossover top. So I want to give this to you.
The Selfish Seamstress, however, is not one of those gentle souls who will request that you leave a comment such that she can pick one lucky person at random. Nor is she interested in banal popularity metrics like getting you to become her Facebook friend or follower. No. She wants to incite cutthroat competition and dirty infighting in which she will be the sole judge using unfair and inconsistent criteria.
So if you want this adorable dress pattern (vintage size 10, bust 32.5, partially cut, complete, envelope in unfortunate condition, instructions intact), I want to see an essay of no more than 100 words. Tell me why I should give it to you. Dirty tactics such as sucking up, snarking, backstabbing, brainwashing, flattery, and lying are strongly encouraged. I’ll give you until Thursday at 11:59PM Pacific time. Make sure you include you indicate how I can contact you for your mailing address if I pick your essay.
And oh yeah, here’s the super cute second prize:
Ok….. GO!
The Selfish Seamstress 
45 comments
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February 10, 2010 at 10:48 am
Kessrien
You must be wearing this teacher’s dress right now, aren’t you?
February 10, 2010 at 10:58 am
jen coyle
I would totally submit my most vicious, snarky plea, but I have a 40 inch bust, and have no desire to look like a p*rn star, so no dice for me. super cute pattern though.
February 10, 2010 at 11:05 am
julie
ok, i just want the awesome second prize… how cute is that shirt!!!!
love it!
February 10, 2010 at 11:12 am
amber
As a new sewist I’ve only had the pleasure of working with current patterns, but I think it’s high time to start my foray into the world of vintage designs. This pattern is especially perfect for me as it features ruffles, a bow and most importantly, it’s shown in a sugary sweet pink, which as you know, is my signature color! While it make take some alterations to fit my bust and my birthing hips, I think that, in the words of Tim Gunn, I can ‘make it work!’
February 10, 2010 at 11:16 am
Meg
I love that dress, and it is the perfect size for me. I would make it and wear it every single day, except that I tend to procrastinate with my sewing projects. So, I would love to have it so that I could hoard it, and stash great fabric to make it with (in all three versions, they are just so cute!), at some point in the future. Is that not the definition of a selfish seamstress? I want it so that nobody else can have it! I have learned so much from reading your site, and have been inspired by your proclamation to sew for yourself alone (though your sewing gifts have been quite beautiful as well). If I win the pattern, I will keep it forever and never share it with anyone else. And maybe I’ll eventually sew it up.
February 10, 2010 at 11:39 am
Ellen
That pink ruffle dress would be perfect for a bride to be at one of her showers. And I know the perfect one who is that perfect small size. No, it’s not me, and I know how you feel about sewing for others, but when I sew for my perfectly figured daughter, it takes me back to a time when I really was that size, too. Or, maybe, I’ll just grade it up to actually fit me, and I’LL wear it to one of the showers. Yeah, that sounds right.
February 10, 2010 at 11:49 am
Sue
I am no good at sucking up but I really want those patterns. The selfish seamstress is my idol. You say all the things I wanted to say but can’t. I am trying very hard to be a clone of you but I am not succeeding. I am still being pestered by ungrateful people to hem and mend and to sew clothes for them for free. You should give me at least one of those patterns so I can have an excuse to start sewing for myself which I haven’t done for more than a year!
February 10, 2010 at 12:26 pm
Jenny
You should give it to me because I want it, I promise to sew it this summer for ME, and I want it. Did I say that already? Well, it’s a good reason.
February 10, 2010 at 12:34 pm
joanner
I want that pattern
Just for me and me alone
No one else will do
(apologies to the master of selfish haiku.)
and to the sucking up portion of this essay: i am jealous you can wear a high waisted pencil skirt. i would be all rear end walking down the street. you wear it well.
February 10, 2010 at 12:40 pm
mollymolly
Need need need these patterns and here are several reasons that I feel I would be the best owner of one of these patterns (I’d take both if that was an option!): a) they are already my size! b) I have that boyish figure that is the style of these patterns c) I would defiantly sew it within this year then show it off and gloat to all the world about how fantastic I look and d) I strive to be like the selfish seamstress more and more every day (especially after a recent and horrifying incident involving a shirt sewn for my boyfriend)!!!
February 10, 2010 at 12:46 pm
Brigita
I went all the way to the other end of the world (i.e. Sydney) to buy some Tessuti fabric for a wrap dress. This pattern would be perfect. Good enough reason? ;)
February 10, 2010 at 1:04 pm
pobadmin
That is the first vintage pattern I bought, I haven’t dared to try it yet though! It reminded me of the J Crew taffeta ruffled wrap dress.
February 10, 2010 at 1:37 pm
sue
I will keep this short, sweet and to the point. I want it because you found it first. The girls (all 33 inches of them) want it because they are all about making themselves look better. The fact that you claim this pattern is “way too big for you” is a little tough on my ego…I am usually the one making that claim…but the girls and I will find a way to cope with your cast-off. Did I mention my birthday is coming and I would totally rock that dress?
February 10, 2010 at 2:45 pm
Len
I need those patterns because I hope that in receiving something from the mighty selfish seamstress that somehow a fraction of your impeccable taste, humour and mad sewing skillz will inexplicably transfer to me via osmosis. Hopefully then I’ll be able to sew auf Deutsch without a problem! I think either one of those patterns would look KICK ASS on me, so much so that I shall reduce the citizens of Dortmund to DUST with my newly-gained Selfish Seamstress powers.
February 10, 2010 at 2:49 pm
Dei
“Why should I give it to you?” she asked.
“Because I want it.” I replied.
“What will you do with it should I part with it?” she sniffed.
“Cherish it for the magnificent vintage find that it is. Craft a glorious garment in its honor. And laud the giver for her gracious ways and immense talent.” I sang.
“Ah. Well said.” she smiled.
“Your Highness.” I bowed.
February 10, 2010 at 3:04 pm
Amy
I think you should pick me for it. Why? It would fit. How lucky is that? That and I’m totally feeling sorry for myself right now and think I deserve it. I fell trail running on Sat, and ended up with 8 stitches in my left knee, and still have had to go to work and cart kids around this week. If I ever get to leave my Percacet induced state, I will be sure to make it and share. I deserve some selfish time. Really, I do. Of course, now I might have to make a longer version to hide the 2 inch knee scar I’m going to have.
February 10, 2010 at 3:06 pm
lsaspacey
Wow, I actually wrote a post about my love for this pattern a few years ago. Unfortunately, this one is too small for me. Alas.
February 10, 2010 at 3:51 pm
Kerry
Hey Everyone:
I’ve got this same pattern in a size 12/34″ bust. I bought it with the same intent the Selfish Seamstress had…and the size 10 would be a closer fit for me (although I am basically SS’s size, so the 10 will still be too big).
If someone who is NOT a size 32 but IS a 34 or wants to grade up a 34, I would be willing to exchange with you for the 32 if you win it and find that it is too small.
February 10, 2010 at 4:29 pm
Liz
Elaine, I must have one of these patterns, simply because there are others who want them, too. I want to be the victor, rather than the poor schmuck watching her ‘automatic bid’ smashed to oblivion with 2 seconds left in the auction. Plus, the dress reminds me of the cute plaid one that your mom wore, =] and the top is just plain adorable.
The Selfish Seamstress
Pitied ME so give up, gals,
I am the winner!
LOL!
Liz
February 10, 2010 at 5:17 pm
Christie
I’ll pay the postage.
February 10, 2010 at 5:37 pm
Lisa
I deserve the pattern more than the other sewers because I, like you, am a selfish seamstress. I sew for my pleasure, not my husband’s or daughter’s. I will sew for others ONLY when I am in the mood to create a masterpiece for some fortunate peasant. Who then receives my gift on groveling knees for I have bestowed upon them a gift, my sewing mastery. Thank you for putting in words what I am to shy to write. Your sublime sewing creations, eloquent posts and clever haiku give all of us something to strive towards – sewing perfection.
February 10, 2010 at 6:31 pm
juebejue
I think as a fellow shortie, we’ve all got to look out for eachother. do you think any one else out there are as close as i am to you… in height? i dont think so. sure, maybe they have a more masterful skill in converting the patterns to the most gorgeous dress or the cutest shirt; sure, maybe they had been following your all these time; sure, maybe they also know how to write a cool haiku; sure, maybe they had been eyeing the exact pattern for maybe forever; sure, maybe their girls are EXACTLY the same size as the pattern. but if you give it to them, you are just helping them become one of your other nemesis.
listen to someone who sees you eye to eye without stooping down, give it to a fellow shortie selfish. I will make sure that its displayed nicely on my shelf (or even framed!), while i attempt to draft one that is just perfect for my size :)
heehee, yeah, i dont really need it since i am trying to learn drafting my own pattern and this one (the shirt) seems easy enough. but look at the nice resting place your pattern will have in my sewing room:
February 10, 2010 at 7:19 pm
fangaroni
I solemnly swear to use the second prize for very selfish reasons. I’m working on a sailor collar dress by grading up a child’s pattern, but sadly lack the glorious skills of the Selfish seamstress, so it is looking a little funky right now… and 31.5 is actually my size. You know, this pattern is just taking up room in your house, you need room for all the other patterns you’ll sew and draft- creations which clearly will result in your COMPLETE and TOTAL DOMINATION over your nemeses!
February 10, 2010 at 8:42 pm
Digs
Yuk! What a pair of hideous has-beens – no wonder you’re trying to get rid of them. If they were mine, I’d be stoking the fireplace. (honestly, this isn’t a plea to join up: I genuinely think they’re awful).
February 10, 2010 at 11:05 pm
selfishseamstress
Heehee, your opinion is noted. But I’m not getting rid of them because I feel that way. I actually love the ruffle dress pattern and paid quite a bit for it on eBay. I think it’s a very current style I have every intention of making a version of it, but just not with the pattern. As for the sailor top, I think it’s a cute classic, but I can’t pull off a sailor top. It would just look like kids’ clothes on me.
February 10, 2010 at 9:25 pm
peter
Ix-nay on the ess-dray, but I WOULD like the hair on the blonde in the green dress, in exchange for which I will send you brownies. Or bagels.
February 10, 2010 at 11:06 pm
selfishseamstress
a pity, since I think Cathy would be a stunner in the ruffle dress. beyond that, i imagine you’d write n excellent essay.
February 11, 2010 at 9:13 am
Meredith P
If Cathy DID want this dress, slap a ruffle on a current wrap style dress and you’ve got it! That’s what I’m going to do, now that I’ve seen this wonderful inspiration.
February 11, 2010 at 6:30 am
Jennifer
Oh, Selfish Seamstress, you really got me with this one! The sleeveless variation of the dress looks just like a dress my mother wore to my cousin’s wedding in the summer of 1977. Hers was apple green cotton pique. And that frosted pink lipstick on the model absolutely kills me. My mother was always searching for the perfect shade of frosted pink lipstick, and had a bathroom drawer filled with the rejects. I always thought the pale color and sheen were hideous, but now that she’s gone, the sight of it overwhelms me with tender memories of my sweet mommy.
February 11, 2010 at 9:46 am
dana
I have selfishly just started into the personal-wear sewing foray, and am just getting past the can-I-really-wear-this-in-public-where-people-will-see-me phase. I’m selfishly looking to make a dress for a friend’s wedding this summer, and the retro style fits the bill: obviously, I need that pattern. Since I found you via Burda, I’ve been silently, jealously, watching your blog for your seemingly unending grace and damn fine construction talents, not to mention the fabulous snark factor.
And if the above weren’t enough, I knew you and envied your cooking/tatting/painting/Scherenschnitt/IM mad skillz in a previous-Atlanta-life.
February 11, 2010 at 1:24 pm
selfishseamstress
OMG! Ms. Dana, have you been hiding this whole time??? Where’s my kiss??
February 12, 2010 at 1:43 pm
dana
Actually just recently found you, thought I recognized you in one of the Burda pictures, and… hey, how’bout that?! Unfortunately, my sewing skills seem much more attuned for non-clothing-related things so far, but I’m trying it out.
*kiss!*
February 11, 2010 at 9:56 am
sigrid
Elaine, you have amassed the most awesome collection of patterns in the world! I suspect you have superhuman online auction tactics, (I won’t tell anyone that I also suspect that you use Snipe.) But, I know that your pattern making skills are probably even superior to your bidding, and that anything that comes off your drafting board can easily beat this darling frock! I have some vintage fabric that would look so cute in this design and to respect it’s vintage I would sew it up on my 1972 Viking. Plus, I haven’t been so excited about my mini bust size for some time! In return, I would search through my collection of vintage patterns for something with the elusive 29″ bust! Really I think I have some . . .
February 11, 2010 at 10:04 am
sigrid
I suspected I might be lying (see above) but, I have this (http://www.sovintagepatterns.com/catalog/item/3760181/6862723.htm) in bust size 30.
February 11, 2010 at 12:39 pm
The Slapdash Sewist
Having a 31.5 inch bust (I round to 32, but I’m not really 32) is an asset only when it comes to selfishly hoarding vintage patterns. I have many vintage patterns, but not that particular wrap dress and therefore I need it. It will keep my other vintage patterns company.
I have a wedding to go to soon. I’m 35 and have been to an endlessness of other people’s weddings. Always the guest, never the bride. I deserve to look as fabulous and unspinsterly as possible and having that pattern will help. Even if I don’t sew it.
February 11, 2010 at 2:04 pm
Allison Moehlis
When I win I will
A) have a contest of my own to give it to the nicest contestant
B) keep bragging about winning in the comment section on your site
C) construct it in avocado polyester with an orange ruffle
D) show your nemesis’ how generous you are… -or-
E) demonstrate my gratitude by making it for myself and wearing it beautifully (and maybe writing a haiku about it)
You choose just give me the d@#$ amazing pattern that is in my size
February 11, 2010 at 2:30 pm
katy
oooh! forget the first prize, I’d like second place, please :)
Why should you give me this pattern? Because I absolutely need it! I haven’t had spending money in months, and I miss it. Vintage patterns are my favorite, and I don’t have any top patterns – and a sailor top pattern? From my favourite era – How perfect would that be – right size, too.
A sewing pattern form the hands of the Selfish Seamstress would most definitely be imbued with good selfish sewing vibes, and I’d have to make something for myself (I could use a mid-winter pick-me-up – our financial woes + nasty snow every week is making for an awfully sad me…). And of course it would turn out perfectly, because your good sewing vibes would come along with it :)
You should also give me this pattern because I’ve never won anything, (aside from winning a toilet at a local homeshow – but what can you do with a toilet? nothing as amazing as what you can do with a vintage sailor shirt pattern, that’s what!) and I just really need a sailor top!
February 11, 2010 at 3:10 pm
mimi
if you give to me I’ll kick your nemisis’s asses!
February 11, 2010 at 7:50 pm
Lisa
Selfish throws contest
Vintage pattern is the prize
I want to win it!
Entry is easy
Write 100 words or less
That’s like five haikus.
Sew hale to the Queen
I envy all of her shoes
I want that pattern!
Sewers love your blog
Your pattern designs are free
But I would pay you.
Please choose me to win
Wrap dresses are my best look
Just ask DVF.
February 12, 2010 at 1:41 am
Hana Marmota
This would be the perfect thing to inflict pink ruffled pain on all 32,5-busted people around me. That MIGHT be the case of my oldest, best friend. Who’s certainly not a pink ruffles kind of girl.
(And I’m late, and that’s all right, because I have 36 bust anyway.)
February 12, 2010 at 2:18 am
Estee
Firstly, I like your style of competition and being a first time reader its made me bookmark you. So, I guess thats #1 to you.
Actually, I’ve just put my sewing machine in for a service because as a beginner/inter sewer, I’m going to really perfect my sewing techniques and start sewing for myself (as opposed to kids). I love this dress pattern, can totally wear this on a summer cruise or down dress to take the kids to school. I love it. If I dont win, I’m going to hunt for it on Ebay or something.
Here’s hoping, fingers crossed. P.s. I’m in the UK and will pay shipping.
February 12, 2010 at 9:53 am
Michelle
Frances died in 1968. She was 73. Frances’ daughter, also named Frances, kept a lock of her mother’s hair with the funeral card and put them in a box with sympathy cards, photographs, letters from her mother, and graduation announcements from 1924. I found Frances’ box at the bottom of a bin of fabric that I purchased from an estate sale exactly two months ago. Tucked neatly away at the bottom of the box to watch over Frances’ treasures was a stack of vintage pattern envelopes, including Simplicity 7715. There were no pattern pieces inside any of the envelopes.
February 12, 2010 at 3:38 pm
Pattern giveaway winners and post-game recap « The Selfish Seamstress
[…] to the challenge in the name of free vintage patterns, and you do me proud. Your essays had it all- mean-spirited backbiting, gross exaggerations of the truth, elite-level ass-kissing, tearjerking sob…. Truly, you are all very selfish seamstresses and you are ALL winners. Well, except that […]
February 16, 2010 at 4:14 pm
jenny kim
omg. i love love LOVE that pattern. you want to give me the pattern because…i will bribe you! he! any bag on my shop 10% off! AND free shipping!
http://www.etsy.com/shop/jijis
May 25, 2010 at 1:59 pm
Elan bra pattern giveaway/beat-down-a-thon « The Selfish Seamstress
[…] 2: Judging by how glacially slow I was to send out the prizes from my last giveaway, the winner is expected to nag me repeatedly until they are sure that I have actually put it in the […]