The Ever Popular Vogue 8787

I still have quite a few pattern/project reviews to post. There are a few from Dec/Jan and April. So the next few entries will be on reviews. I do have some inspirational posts that I'd like to share before the end of the month.

Today's review is on Vogue 8787. Here again, this one has been reviewed several times. I hope I can help by sharing my adjustments or inspires you to give it a try. It's very popular and some sewing fashionistas have sewn it more than once. This dress offers seven options as illustrated on the pattern envelope. I came up with another option on color blocking the sleeve and midriff.

Here is my review:  

Pattern Description:
MISSES' DRESS: Lined dress has fitted bodice variations, midriff, tapered or flared skirt and back zipper. C and E: side front and side back seams, and side pockets. A, B, D and F: semi-fitted skirt and back slit. D, E and F: bias front bodice with fold-back facing.

Pattern Sizing:
6 - 22; I used 14 with several modifications.

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

Were the instructions easy to follow?
No problems with the instructions of the pattern. They were pretty straight forward.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?
I have several likes about this dress.
 - Options. That's always a plus. Having more than one skirt and bodice choice gives me a reason to sew it again sooner.
 - The drape neckline. This is a good look for me.
 - The straight skirt. Again, I think this silhouette is good for my body type.
 - Easy, easy to sew. Lately, that's all I want is something easy to sew. No dislikes.

Fabric Used:
I used Ponte Roma knit for both dresses from Vogue. Both fabrics were remnants that cost less than $20.00 total. The red fabric is straps for my Vogue 1205 project.

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made: I made my usual changes.

Cream dress - FBA; adding a dart on the right bodice. Used red fabric for sleeves and midriff.  Added brown piping above and below the midriff.

Blue dress - FBA - Step 1 I folded the pattern in half then folded it again. Step 2 Next I cut a square from the folded pattern. Step 3 I slashed from the waist to the armhole then spread the desired amount of width. The spread is filled with tissue and the rectangle is placed accordingly.

Both dresses
 - Added a few inches to the length of the skirt.
 - Raise the armhole 3/4 inch
 - Prominent shoulder blades and sway back adjustments.
 - Somehow I lost the midriff. Maybe I threw away the pieces by accident. I guessed the length and made it 3 1/2" long and measured the bottom of the front and back bodice to determine the width; then added the 5/8 seam allowances to all sides.
 - I only lined the bodice and midriff. The weight of the ponte roma was enough for the skirt portion.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?
I don't think so. I may use the full skirt with a bodice from another pattern. Yes, I do recommend it to others.

Conclusion: I now have to nice dresses that can be worn three seasons out of the year. This dress was easy to make and gives the sewists several design options.