Cute Sassy Little Cold Shoulder Dress - V1674

I don't mind making multiple garment for the same pattern.  It's an opportunity to use a different fabric or make design changes.  Both can result in a totally different look.  

This is the second time I've made Vogue V1674, view B.  Once again I made it using a knit print fabric.  For this version my fabric was purchased at Vogue Fabric warehouse a few weeks ago.  I was in a big hurry to make sometime out of it, and this pattern fit the bill.  My fabric was pre-washed and dried. 

There was no real fit issues.  I simply added a little width along the side seams just in case.  Everything workout fine.  The dress fits same as before.  Here is the first version that I made a few years ago. 

That's all for this posting.

Happy Sewing!

C

Simple Wrap Knit Dress - M3648

I love a simple wrap knit dress.  Don't you?  With the re-release of the iconic Diane von Furstenberg wrap dress, almost everyone in the sewing community snatched up a copy and made their lovely version of the 1970's dress.  And of course, you know I had to have a copy as well.  I just haven't made it up yet. Lol.  So, I added it to my already BIG collection of dress patterns.

Anyway, what I did make was a McCall's dress pattern released in 2002.  It's a simple everyday dress that sews up in about three hours.  I made this one before, before I started blogging.  So it's been over 15 years ago.  

It was perfect for a quick no-fuss sewing project.  

Pattern Description:  Misses' dresses:  A-line wrap dress has tie variations and long or cap sleeves; dresses A and B have dropped shoulders; dresses A and D have a collar.  I made view D with a few minor adjustments.

Pattern Sizing:  When I used it last, I was a size 12.  So, I graded it up to fit.  

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?  Oh yes,  it did.

Were the instructions easy to follow?  The instructions were typical, but nothing confusing or difficult in them.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?  I like that it is a simple wrap dress, in my opinion, that fits me well.  No real dislike.

Fabric Used:  My fabric was purchased at Hobby Lobby.  It is a textured knit that I got on sale in the Spring.  I really make a practice of pre-washing my fabric almost as soon as I get it home.  So, the yardage went into the washer the same day I purchased it along with several other knits.  No problem sewing it.

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made: You'll find this surprising.  I didn't make a FBA!.  Same as before.  I did make a slight broad shoulder adjustment.  And I added a few inches to the length.  That's it!  This was a super easy sew.  No other changes.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others? I think I will.  When, I don't know.  And yes, I do recommend it to others if you have it.  It has great bones and it so easy to sew.

Conclusion: I love how this dress turned out, again. Lol  A quick and easy wrap knit dress.  On trend with something old. Lol

 

Happy Sewing!

C

 

Soft Crepe Dress Simplicity S9820

Hello Sewing Friends,

I finally have something to share with pictures.  This Simplicity dress was made immediately after I finished my Chicago Frock tails dress.  In fact, I made it the morning before the Frock tails Saturday evening affair.  I really needed something to cleanse my palette.  Because I devoted many hours to making my Frock tails dress which in the end lack luster.  The truth is I made two dresses.  One trashed and the other a substitute for what I really wanted to wear.

Anyway, Simplicity S9820 helped me feel better about all the hours that I spent on the party dress.  To start, I had already made the pattern adjustments.  Anyone who has similar adjustments knows that this takes quite some time with every new pattern to use in a sewing project.  It was so satisfying to go right to the cutting table.  Sewing time was about 3.5 hours plus time to hand stitch the hem.

Pattern Description:  As usual, Simplicity gives the vaguest pattern descriptions.  My description:  Misses's knit dresses and shrug.  View A dress is an A-line mid-calf knit dress with shoulder and neckline drape details.  View B dress is a floor length A-line strapless dress with a front knotted long sleeve shrug.  Both dresses close with an invisible zipper at the back of the dress.

Pattern Sizing:  This pattern is available in  sizes 8 to 26, which is very nice.  I used size 16 with modifications.

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

Were the instructions easy to follow?  The instructions were typical.  Nothing difficult or confusing in them.  

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?  I love the shoulder and neckline drape.  The A-line silhouette was a plus too.  I was mostly interested in making view A.  But after I finished it, I considered making view B at a later date.

 

I don't have any real dislikes.

Fabric Used: My fabric is from New Rainbow Fabrics on Roosevelt Road in Chicago,  It is a blush, crepe knit with a soft hand.  The stretch of the fabric is more than 25%.  It has great recovery.  I think it is perfect for this dress.  New Rainbow has this crepe knit in a variety of colors at a very reasonable price of $7.00 per yard.

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:  I have quite a few changes that I made.  I begin by examining the measurements on the pattern front for the finished dress.  The finished bust measurement is only 34 inches.  

 

• FBA - Often, for my size it's around 39 inches.  So, I feel this pattern runs a little on the small size.  Because the front and back patterns are designed sleeveless, I had to think about how to make the FBA adjustment without distorting the shape of the dress.  Below is an illustration of the FBA.  I simply slashed through the neckline down to the bust area continuing the length of the pattern.  This had to be done twice because the front pattern piece was for the entire front body instead of half the width of the body.   This adjustment produce a dart.  I decided to angle the dart slightly.  I hate darts that are straight across from side to apex.

• Added width to the two back pieces - When I make a FBA, the front is sometimes much wider than the back.  Particularly, below the bust. Often, I end up sewing larger side seams to slim down the rest of the dress.  This sometimes causes the back to be even smaller.  And the side seams are off center along the side.  So to balance things out a bit, I added some width across the back.  Note:  My usual prominent shoulder blade adjustment was not needed because the back of the dress falls well  below the shoulder blades.

• Swayback - There are two back pattern pieces.  I suspect the reason is not to confuse the sewist with the markings for each shoulder and neckline attachments.  Tucks were made on both pieces.  Note:  the amount of the tuck has to be added back at the hem to balance out the hem.  

• Marking the Lower dress pattern pieces - I decided to cut the pattern pieces at the hem for view A.  Each piece is label with the respective pattern number plus the letter "B".

• Front and Back Facings -  I adjusted the width of both to match the adjustment that I made to the front and back.

• Elastic Around the Top of the Dress -  To stabilize the neckline of the dress, elastic is added.  I measured the elastic by first stretching it to relief any added tension.  Then I measure it like I would to take an upper bust measurement.  This is how I determined the length of my elastic.  Next, I divided it into four sections.  Starting at the right back for section 1.  Sections 2 and 3 for the front.  Finally, section 4 for the left back.  I stretched the elastic to fit each section.  The elastic was attached after the facings were sewn on.
• Shoulder and Neckline Drape - I added about an inch to each.  I didn't need it.  So, I had to remove the added length to those pieces.

These are my adjustments/changes.  I hope this is clear.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?  I think I will make it again.  Probably for a holiday dress.  There is always a holiday party to go to.  And this dress is a quick make with great results.  And, yes I do recommend it to others.  

Conclusion: I am very pleased with how this dress turned out.  It was the perfect antidote for recovery from a "not so great" sewing experience.  Lol

Parting Photos:   Me wearing Simplicity Combo S8735 and S8637.  The pattern review is:   Easy, Breezy Summer Dress.  It is perfect for the 90 degree temps we are experiencing right now.

 

Super Easy Knit Dress with Vogue V1929

Pattern Description:  Vogue V1929 - Top and dress are loose-fitting through bust and have asymmetric off-the-shoulder necklines. Both top and dress include extra-long sleeves with thumbhole cuffs and stitched hems. Below-waist pull-on pants have elasticized waist and stitched hem.

Pattern Sizing:  It comes in two size groupings (8-16) and (18-26).  I used size 16 with very few modifications as I sewed.

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

Were the instructions easy to follow? Typical, but the instructions were super easy to follow.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?  I love the draped neck/shoulder and the seaming on the top and dress.  It was so easy to make this dress.  It only took about an hour and a half to sew.  

Fabric Used:  I purchased this texture knit from New Rainbow Fabrics on Roosevelt Road in Chicago.  It was on sale last Friday.  The fabric has a spongy knit texture/feel, like Liverpool knit.  I washed and dried the fabric.  It came out of the dryer wrinkle free and ready for me to cut into.  

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made: I didn't do alterations.  I didn't serge any seams, it knit.  No raveling.  For the hem of the sleeves and dress, I simply made a small hem.  Because I want to wear this dress to church, I did a little tack of the drape at the shoulder show that the entire shoulder isn't exposed.  I made one design change of omitting the lower half of the sleeve.  

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?  Oh yes,  I'll make this dress again.  Also, I have a pair of pants cut and ready to sew.  And yes, I do recommend this to all level sewists.

Conclusion: I really love the way this dress turned out.

 

 

Simplicity S8992 A Simple Easy Dress

 

Pattern Description:  Misses' front buttoning dress or cardigan, with options for pattern hacking. Garment length and sleeve length variations. Designed and sized for stretch knit fabrics only. Can be constructed using an overlocker/serger. I used size large with a few modifications. 

Pattern Sizing:  It's contains Sizing XXS to XXL.  I made view A, the dress with belt loops and belt.

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?  It does look like the drawing. I decided to contrast the belt and create a contrasting band much like the inspiration dress. Note:  I made two belts: one in the floral knit and the other in the contrasting ribbed knit. 

Were the instructions easy to follow?  The instructions were easy and typical. There was nothing confusing in them. A beginner should be able to make this.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?  There is much to like about the pattern. It's a great template for designing your own cardigans and button- front knit dresses. That is one of my favorite elements about the pattern  I like the fit and the style of the dress. This is a great silhouette for me, A- line. Third, the in-set pockets and the front and back facings doubling as a band to add some more interest to the dress.  That's what this pattern is about, having the option to create personalized look.

Fabric Used: This ponte roma double knit is from Minerva Fabrics. I love the vibrant colors and the feel of it.  These colors are so me. And who doesn't love a floral print.  It was easy to sew. I prewashed it and it came out of the dryer soft and fluffy. It's a great piece of textual.

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:  Lucky for me I didn't have to do major fit adjustments. The fabric had a fair amount of stretch, but it's not stretched out when I'm wearing the dress. It just rest nicely against my body. I only added a small amount of width at the bust area. Nothing more.  I was amazed at how well it fits. My other change was in the design. See previous post for that and a few tips.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others? Yes and yes. I want to make another dress and a cardigan. This pattern can be used again and again. All level sewists can craft beautiful pieces using this pattern.

Conclusion:  I am very pleased with how my dress turned out.  It sewed together with no problems and it wears like a dream. The colors of the fabric are spot on for me. And the texture of the is lovely.  Happiness.

Happy Sewing!

C

Vogue Cold Shoulder Knit Dress - V1674

I pondered whether or not I could wear an off the shoulder dress. Because of my full bust I shied away from them despite my love for the style.

So Vogue V1674 reminded me of an off the shoulder outfit that the late Whitney Houston wore during one of her concerts.  I wanted to try the pattern but felt that it may not be a good look for me.  Then months ago I saw a really  cute version of the Vogue dress made by a fellow sewist. So I decided to try it.  This is my wearable muslin.  I think I want to make it up in some stretch velvet.

Here is my review of my first try at Vogue V1674.

Pattern Description:   Lined, close fitting dress with invisible side zipper and bodice variations.  For two-way stretch knits only. 

Pattern Sizing:  It is available in sizes 6 - 22.  I used 16, View B, with a few modifications.

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?  Yes, my dress looks like the drawing of view B.

Were the instructions easy to follow?  The instructions were typical and easy to follow.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?  There are quite a few things I like about the pattern.  They are:

• The cold shoulder design.
• The drafting of the entire dress.  I like the tapered skirt.  Also, I love that the length of the shoulder was not super long like many of the other big 4 brands.  
• The easing along the bust area.  I didn't even need to make a FBA.  How great is that?
• The entire dress is lined.
• The easiness of making the dress.

Dislikes:

• None

Fabric Used:  The dress fabric is a jersey knit from FabricMart Fabrics with about 40 percent stretch.  I used a beige tricot knit from JoAnn's for the skirt.  The bodice lining is the same fashion fabric as the dress.

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made: I made a very few minor changes:

• Added 1" to sleeve length.
• I didn't line the right sleeve; not enough fabric.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?  Oh yes, I plan to make view B at least once more.  This one is my wearable muslin.  And yes, I recommend it to others.  

Conclusion: I'm happy I decided to give it a try.  This dress is a easy make. It sewed up much like a t-shirt with a skirt attached.  The difference is the off one-shoulder, elasticized neckline. Oh, and it's fully lined.  Love it.

Happy sewing!

C