V1100 Black and Red

V1100

I finally finished this outfit. The dress took the longest. During the process of making it I had a few pitfalls. For one, I should consider the possible issues with the neck band and the fabric weight. It would have been better to use a light weight fabric. It was a challenge to create a smooth neck band. A few months ago I got this bright idea that I needed to go up a size for a little more room (easier fitting). Wrong.., This is the third dress cut at size 16 that turned out to be too big, especially above the bust line.

The good thing is; I finished both pieces. Now I can finally wear them to work. I know it's summertime. But I live in Chicago. One day it's 95 degrees and the next it's 70. So I will have opportunities to wear it before the fall season comes.

Pattern Description: MISSES' JACKET, TOP, DRESS, SKIRT AND PANTS: Loose-fitting, lined jacket A has two-piece collar, two-piece, three-quarter length raglan sleeves with cuffs, front princess seams, mock welts, inverted back pleat, slightly flared back hemline and single buttonhole and button closure. Semi-fitted, lined top B or below mid-knee, straight dress C has neck band, front pleats and back zipper. C: center back hemline slit. Straight, below mid-knee skirt D has raised waistline, back zipper and back hemline vent. Straight pants E have back zipper, waistline is finished with grosgrain ribbon. Purchased belt.

Pattern Sizing: Sizes 6 to 20. I made size 16 scaled down to a 14 with modifications.

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it? Yes.

Were the instructions easy to follow? The instruction were okay. Vogue did not provide instructions on how to finish the neckband. I slip stitched it closed. The next item is not a change in the construction. The jacket has a back pleat and it's lined. The instructions are to leave the lining separate from the hemline. I connected it. Then I noticed that the lined opened pleat looks a little wonky, but it hangs well.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?
Dress - I liked the neckline; keyhole and the pleats. I dislike the bulkiness of the neck band. It hard to get a smooth finish.
Jacket - I like the pleated back, the cuffs, and the two piece collar. Having two separate pattern pieces for the collar is great; the upper collar slightly rolls under to create a nice finish. This is not really a dislike of the style or pattern, but I wish there were instructions on how to attach the lining to the jacket with pleats.

Fabric Used: Red wool and lining from New Rainbow Fabrics. Black wool from Bubby's. Jacket lining from JoAnn's.

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made: I did my usual adjustments plus cutting at a larger size. Then scaling the dress back down to size 14. For the jacket, the instructions say you should top stitching the entire hemline. I only top stitched to the seam line of the front side. I also sewed the lining to the hem of the jacket.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others? I probably won't sew this again. I have a lot other patterns I want to try. The dress is a silhouette that is common in many of the dresses I sew. The jacket is somewhat different for me. It's a good compliment to my current wardrobe. I like the look of both garments. If this is your style of dress and/or jacket, try it. Be careful with the neck band. You want to achieve smoothness. It is a focus point and a less than polished look will draw attention. Also, I don't think many people can make this straight out of the envelope. It may be a good idea to make a muslin.

More Pictures Here.

Conclusion: This pattern has good bones to it and is worth a try. This five piece wardrobe is a good choice for complimenting your work gear. The jacket can be worn over other similar styles.