I simply love Mood's neoprene fabrics. It is vibrant, soft, and beautiful. You can easily sew up a dress, top or even pants. For this project I chose this
leafy stained glass window digitally printed stretch neoprene and used nautical blue stretch rayon ponte knit for the contrasting yoke. Both fabrics are super easy to work with. Mood has
an assortment of prints and solids to chose from.
The pattern I used is
Sandra Betzina's Vogue 1429.
It is described as: MISSES' DRESS: Close-fitting, pullover top and dress have self-lined upper front extending into standing back collar and stitched hem.
A: self-lined yoke and sleeves in two lengths.
B: purchased bias tape to finish armholes.
The pattern is available in sizes A through J. I used a combination of sizes D and E with a few additional adjustments.
Mine dress looks more like the top than the dress because I wanted a contrasting yoke. The basic silhouette is the same. So there are no surprises in the style illustrated on the envelope and the actual drafted pattern.
The dress is not difficult to sew. It is important to follow steps 10 and 11 to ensure that the two yokes meet as pictured in the illustrations. In my dress they do not abut as intended as I was attempting to reduce the bulk at the center chest area where the two yokes meet.
What drew me to this pattern was the yoke, dart placement, and the slim silhouette. The yoke offers an alternative neckline; the dart placement helps create a slender look.
I did make a few changes. No FBA though. I used size D through the shoulders increasing to size E in the armholes through the bust area. Other changes were:
- Lower the dart about an inch.
- Added three inches to the length of the dress.
- Added an inch to the length of the sleeve.
- Added a center back seam.
- Made a sway back adjustment (tuck in the lower back area and curve out the lower center back so that the dress touches my back below the shoulder blades to the waist area.)
- Added fish eye darts for shaping.
I may or may not sew it again. I have so many other patterns that I want to try. But I do recommend it. It is easy to make. I was able to sew my dress up in a few hours after working out the fit issues.
I love the neoprene and recommend that you try one too.
Happy Sewing!
C
