Birthday Dress Reveal! - Vogue V1672

 

I'm so happy to finally reveal my birthday dress!

Vogue V1672 is a great pattern design.  I love so many things about it.  This is another one I'm going to make again.  ;-)

My Notes on a Pattern post gave you some information about my initial fit adjustments.  And for the most part they were spot on.  For the actual dress, I still needed to make a few little tweaks.  Nothing major though.  And that is why it is so important to make a muslin.  

Today, it feels like summer all over again.  It's 88 degrees and very sunny.  So we took advantage of this beautiful day and decided to do the photo shoot outside.  I have to hand it to my photographer, my DD.  She is always so willing to help me with the picture taking of me actually wearing the things that I make for myself. I am so grateful to have her help me.

Anyway, here is the rest of my review of this lovely dress.

Pattern Description:  This dress is described as: Lined dress with fitted bodice, side seam pockets, back zipper, and sleeve variations.  It is available in two size groupings (4-14 and 14-22).

NOTE:  The pattern envelope indicates that there are side seam pockets and the back view drawings show pockets.  But there is no pocket pattern included.  This is no biggie, you can used a pocket pattern from another design.  Vogue should update this error.

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?  Yes, my dress does look like the pictures on the envelope.  I didn't to the top stitching as shown in view A, and my sleeves are shorter.  I was aiming for more of a 3/4 length sleeve.

Were the instructions easy to follow?  The instructions were typical.  Nothing in them was confusing or difficult to follow.  I omitted several steps based on how I wanted my dress finished.  I will discuss that in the design changes and alterations.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?  There is so much I like about this pattern.  It has great bones.  My likes:

• I love the full skirt.  It is very lady like.  I didn't have to make adjustments to the side on the dress.  Often with this type of skirt, I sometimes need to shorten along the sides of the dress.
• mock wrap dress.  This is one of my favorite necklines.  And the design/fit of it was perfect, even after my FBA.  No small tuck needed.
• Lined dress.  One of my usual preference.  

My dislike:

• I didn't like not being able to easily try on the bodice during the construction process.  I had to base the center back seam (zipper) to see how the fit was coming along.  Nothing else.

Fabric Used:  As stated before, my fabric is from Mood Fabrics.  I purchased it awhile ago and it is no longer available.  It is a cotton/rayon blend I do believe.  Easy to work with, easy to press and soft to the touch.  I tested a piece in the wash.  Just to see if it washes well.  It did.  But I will be sending this dress to the dry cleaners.

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:  My usual fit adjustments.  See Notes on a Pattern.  Additionally, for the FBA I shortened the Dior dart by half the length.  It looks better.  My design and construction changes:

• I only lined the bodice.
• I added hem tape to the hem of the sleeves and skirt.
• To eliminate the fear of the center front gap or opening, I tacked at the intersection of the front.
• Shorten the sleeve length
• Positioned the back shoulder dart on a angle.  It also looks better.  See back bodice adjustments.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?  Yes, and yes.  I will probably make a summer version. Also, I may use the bodice and/or the skirt with other designs.  I love this pattern, and recommend it to others.

Conclusion: Love, love making this dress and how it turned out.  The design is classic and I think it looks good on me. ;-)  

Happy Sewing!

C

Mood's Jersey Knits Always A Winner

One of my favorite types of fabric to order from Mood is jersey knits.  They have an amazing selection of colors and textures.   

For my birthday this year, I chose to use Mood's Blue Abstract Burnout Jersey and their Spruce Green ITY Jersey. I purchased both several months ago.  The blue burnout is no longer available, but there are four other colors that still available.  As for the Spruce Green ITY, it's still in stock and is also available in a few more colors.

I was inspired to put these two colors together after looking at several different Azurite and Malachite crystals/stones.  The crystals are amazingly beautiful possessing two of my favorite colors.  So why not use this inspiration to create something special for myself.  So off I went to search for fabrics that were the same colors are my inspiration stone.

The marrying of the two fabrics was perfect.  The difference in stretch did not pose any problems with combining the two.  This dress came together beautifully.  I started and completed it all in the same day.

Only last month, I decided to use the fabric to make Butterick 5672.  This pattern is not new to me.  The first time I made it was in 2011.  You can find my review here.   And the second make here.

Given that this is the third time around, I didn't need to make many changes to get the desired fit.  I just lengthen the bodice about an inch and added a few inches to the skirt and sleeves.  Of course, I upped the size a little bit too.  This simple knit dress is a winner just like the fabric combination.  I love the fit, skirt waist, and the draped front.  The print/texture of the burnout knit coupled with the draped front adds a whole other element of interest, distracting away from any body imperfections.

Another thing that I like about how this dress turned out is how well the spruce green jersey shines through the mesh of the burnout.  Both fabrics are well noticed and neither out shines the other.

Overall, I am well pleased with this third version of Maggy London's Butterick 5672.  Great fabric and great pattern combination.  You can count on two things:  I will purchase more knits from Mood.  Not because I am Mood blogger, but because their knits are of great quality.  They sew, wear, and wash very well.  Wearing this dress feels like I have very little on.  Great for comfort.  Secondly, I will make this dress again.

Parting Shots:  Hear is a look at all three dresses.

Happy Sewing!
C

It's the Holiday Season - Time for Parties and Fancy Dresses

I'm a little bit behind schedule for posting one of my latest dresses. This one was finished in September.  It posted on the Mood Sewing Network on Wednesday.  Here, I want to share more of details on the construction process and my thoughts on this pattern and dress.

Long, long ago back in... July, this beautiful brocade caught my eye. The rich jewel tones sparkled against my brown complexion. I saw a holiday dress.  Perfection.  I bet you're thinking, holiday dress in July? Yep. I wanted it to be ready before the first big holiday event rolled around.


Typically, I make myself a birthday dress, which is usually white or off-white because my birthday falls on the week of our annual Women's conference. This year I wanted to change it up a bit. No white dress for me. I finished it a few days after my big day.

I like this brocade's bold print. It turned out so well that I think I'll continue with the boldness for future birthday dresses. Mood has a huge section of brocade fabrics. There is something available for every complexion and style.

I used Palmer/Pletsch McCall 6464. It was the first time I used this particular pattern. The empire waist and the center front panel are what drew me to this one.  I made several changes for fit and style/construction.

Fit changes:

I first mentioned this project in a September post for Notes on a Pattern. My biggest hurdle was the FBA. The first step in the FBA process is altering the tissue pattern to include a bust dart. When I sew the bust and waist darts, it created a "cone boob" effect. That's not a good look for me.  So I divided the "big" waist dart into two darts. This made the bust area smooth. Sorry I don't have a illustrations. I made this change as I sewed. For the back I made a broad back and sway back adjustments. I think I achieved a good fit; it would have better even better if I added about an inch to the length of the bodice.


Construction changes:

• Trim along the bodice and front seams of the dress. Shown in above pictures.
• Hong Kong finished seams on the skirt of the dress.

•  Silk organza to shape the sleeve cap.

•  Hand picked zipper with beads (You can hardly see the beads because of the fabric print.).

I can't say that I will sew it again. I have so many patterns.  But it is incredible.

So, this is my first holiday dress of the season. I may make two more. We will see.

Happy Sewing!
Cennetta

Happy Birthday To My One and Only DD

DD at 3 years old

Today is my DD's Birthday. She turns 21 at 12:35pm. I can't believe it! It doesn't seem like it. I'm very proud of her and glad God gave her to me. DD will start her fourth year of college and has enrolled in the UIC internship program. It will take DD five years to complete the BA requirement, same as most student in her college. The internship program will teach her how to develop good resume and how to interview well. It will also serve as a networking base for potential employers.

I'll probably make her an interviewing wardrobe within the next year. Once she completes the program, hopefully she'll gain employment in her major. It's my hope that DD completes the master's program. Anyway..., the decision is hers to make and I'll support here decision.

So tonight the family will be celebrating and dining at Chez Joel on Taylor Street. DD will be celebrating with friends for next two weeks. What fun it is to be young.

DD at 17 years old, Graduate of Queen of Peace College Prep School

Happy Birthday, Suga'

What Happens in Vegas Stays in Vegas

We had a fantabulous time in Vegas, where I celebrated my birthday with friends and family. It's been over fifteen years since I last vacationed there. Everything is so new and so big, it was like the first time. One my friends graciously volunteered the use of her time share (Grandview Resort). There is much to do about Vegas; you don't have to be a gambler to have a great time. There is a show to see in every major hotel. You can schedule an excursion to the Grand Canyon (day long trip), site seeing, and SHOPPING.
..,what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas.

The Luxor Hotel
New York, New York


If you plan to vacation in Vegas soon, there are a few tips that might help make your stay even better:

- Book your show tickets before arriving in Vegas. We planned to see Toni Braxton at the Flamingo Hotel on Friday, but the tickets were sold out. The recruitment for time-share buyers is fierce. Some recruiters offer premium show tickets to prospective buyers if you are willing to listen to their sales pitch.
- If your hotel is not in the heart of the strip, rent a car.
- Don't over pack, there are two shopping centers on the strip (Fashion Show Mall and Las Vegas Outlet Center).
- Print your airline ticket 24 prior to departure (departure tickets can be printed at the hotel internet station). You can check your luggage at the curb avoiding additional charges for over weight luggage.
- Do see one of the Cirque Du Soleil shows.
- Do visit Bellagio and Venetian hotels, beautiful.






Members of the Cirque Du Soleil-Zumanity cast.

We are planning our next excursion to the carribean. Can't wait.

Break Time!

Break Time! Week long Birthday Celebration! God is good!