Sunshine, Lollipops, Rainbows and Vogue 9112

Some clothes are fun and just make me happy. This week, for me it is Vogue 9112. This dress is a whole heap of interesting. It is strange and easy going while looking complicated.

Vogue 9112

                    
This was so fun to make. I didn't know how this would turn out or how it would look on me. I was delightfully anxious as I was putting it together. 

Vogue 9112

I love the interesting seam lines, the asymmetrical cuts and the curve of the hem.

Detail of the seams

Based on the bust measurement, I made the size small using a bright yellow linen from my stash. I made a mistake (I was distracted while watching Nurse Jackie) and cut the top of the shoulder seam to the XS. It however, made a marginal difference to the end result. The instructions are great on this simple dress. It is super important to transfer all of your markings carefully to be certain all the seams match up.  Because of my choice of fabric, I had to take care in making sure I maintained the right and wrong side of the fabric. The difference is subtle, but I didn't want any of the many segments off.

  

I altered the collar slightly because of the cutting error I mentioned. The pattern suggests basting the center front together and sewing the circle of fabric to the neckline.  I instead, pinned it to the neckline in a straight line letting it overlap where it would naturally. After sewing, I hand tacked the point of the collar in place rather than letting it fall. I also chose to omit the neckline facing. All of the interior seams are edge finished on the serger and I didn't think I needed the facing.

Love this collar!

Yes, yellow works. 

I really like this dress. It is fast to sew, has tons of character and is interesting. I will be making more.  I went shoe shopping and was stopped by a sales clerk. When I told her I made it, she instructed me to go home immediately and make a rainbow wardrobe of these for myself and one more for her!

Happy Sewing,

Bianca

*****Hairstyling Courtesy of So Sharp Salon Boutique*****

Vogue 1314

Vogue 1314

Pattern Description:
Pullover, close-fitting, lined dress has draped sides and narrow hem.
Pattern Sizing:
(6-14) (14-22) This was a straight size 12 with no alterations!

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

Were the instructions easy to follow?
Instructions were excellent to follow.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?

I liked the detailed instructions. I liked that there was a separate lining pattern with bust darts.
I disliked that the gathers were not as pronounced as I had hoped across the front. My fabric is super soft and stretchy, so that may be why.
 
Fabric Used:
It is a stretchy knit the contents of which I don't know, but it is butter soft and feels great on my skin. It was a clearance fabric from Joann's fabric. I liked it so much I bought some in blue for another dress.

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:
None

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?
Yes, and yes. I plan on using a sturdier knit to try to get the gathered affect better. I live in Texas, so I think I will also make it in a sleeveless or  a ¾ sleeve version. This would work great as a maternity dress (not that I have any plans to need one!).

Conclusion:
I like the designer and I like this dress. I have been stretching my sewing skills by trying patterns that appear intimidating. This is an "easy" pattern, so in terms of difficulty, this does not fit the bill. It does stretch me in that it is not my usual style because it is so clingy. I am glad I made it!

Review of Vogue 1312

I fell in love with Vogue 1312 and had to make it! I loved the full seamed skirt, and an opportunity to tackle my sewing nemesis, the invisible zipper and lining. Turned out this was a great project for giving the appearance of difficulty, but was surprisingly easy to make given the impact of the finished dress.

Vogue 1312

Here is my review submitted to PatternReview.com:

Pattern Description:
From the pattern envelope: Pullover dress has close-fitting, self-lined bodice, raised waist, seamed skirt, stitched hem and invisible side zipper.

Pattern Sizing:
Muti-sized pattern: B5 (8-10-12-14-16) and F5 (16-18-20-22-24) I cut my dress in a size 14.

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 Vogue instructions were easy to follow.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?
I like the unique skirt of this dress. It is easy to put together, but there are no bust darts in the bodice which I missed. (I feel like I could have made the 12 everywhere but the highest point of my bust. I feel that darts may have helped. I am a nursing mom, so that is probably more a function of my body and not the pattern.)

Fabric Used:
I used a cotton/ poly blend for the dress. It was a denim colored broadcloth that I bought on sale at Joann's fabric.

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:
None

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?
Yes and Yes!. Even though it is a unique dress, I wouldn't mind making one in a knit without the zipper in a smaller size. I am 5'8, so I think I would add about 5 inches to make it a maxi dress. I am also thinking of converting it to a skirt.

Conclusion:
Great dress to sew and wear. The zipper installation was super easy as were the instructions for the lining.