Pattern Description: From the Vogue website – well, there isn’t much. “MISSES’ DRESS: Close-fitting (through bodice), lined.” Thanks.
Here’s my description: Close fitting dress with bodice and skirt variations. View A, B and C have halter necklines. View D, E and F have gathered bodice with full back. Skirt variations on straight and semi-circle. I made view E.
Sizing: 6-20. I started with a 12 at the bodice, tapering out to 14 at the waist.
Fabric Used: Tra La, It’s Spring cotton seersucker (sold out, sorry) from Gorgeous Fabrics. The lining is White Bemberg
Needle/Notions Used: Universal 70/10 needle, Metrosene thread, clear elastic, Pro-Tricot interfacing from Fashion Sewing Supply
Did it look like the photo or drawing when you got through? Yes
How were the instructions? They were good. This pattern goes together very well, and the instructions are quite clear. There is one little mistake that I found. In Step 15, it says, and shows, to press the seam allowances toward the midriff piece.
Press this way...
But, in steps 18 and 19, the illustration shows the seam allowances pressed toward the upper bodice. A minor nit, but one that could cause confusion. Press the seam allowances down, toward the midriff for the best results.
Construction Notes: I made the lining for the skirt first, but as I was constructing the dress, I realized that the seersucker didn’t need lining at the skirt, so I decided to just line the bodice. I fell-stitched the bodice lining to the bottom of the midriff band.
Adding the lining...
... And the finished lining
I also did my standard FBA and adjusted the back. You can see those changes in this post.
I hand-basted the zipper to the outer shell, to ensure that the lines met properly:
Back midriff
Likes/Dislikes: I love the fact that this dress is bra friendly. It’s well drafted and goes together easily. Take a look at your fabric and decide if you need or want the skirt lining. I would recommend it for the pencil skirt, but you might be able to forego it in the circle skirt.
Would you do it again? Would you recommend it? I would recommend it. I may not do it again, just because there are lots of other patterns I want to sew.
Conclusion: I really like it! It’s a great pattern for advanced beginners or higher (for lack of a better term) sewists. Here’s a picture of it on Shelley:
I feel pretty!
ETA on 6/1/11
DH and I went to lunch today and I wore my dress. Here’s a cell phone picture of me in it.
Didn't have the good camera
Next up is the StyleArc Kim Dress. I’m working on a vacation wardrobe.
Parting Shot – His Lordship: Hoover, surveying his domain
Keeping the yard safe.... from squirrels
Happy sewing!
That’s the perfect summer dress. Great job as usual
This is the perfect summer dress and your choice of fabric is just right. This dress evokes a cool summer evening for me and makes me want a glass of champagne.
Love it! Seersucker is perfect in the summer and looks lovely with this pattern. Another fab dress! ~ Peggy http://peggyscloset.blogspot.com/
It’s gorgeous!!
I love swishy skirts. You’ve convinced me, its now on my pattern wishlist.
Ashley x
Loving the seersucker! Great dress.
Shelley is looking quite spiffy as usual. Ann – another gorgeous creation.
Makes me want a seersucker dress – that one in fact!
Great job the construction looks immaculate!
That is fun and pretty! I have a similar style maxi dress that I got grease on. I should recut it. Thanks for reminding me!
The full skirt with the stripes is just adorable!
Ahhhhh seersucker! SO comfy. Ann this is a perfect summer dress. The tie-back halter version is almost exactly the same dress Marilyn Monroe wears in “The Seven Year Itch”
Lovely dress. I may have to add this pattern to my (extensive) queue.
So cute! Love the seersucker!
Gorgeous dress, Ann!
Ann, it’s so pretty! I think I need one too. May I ask what you did with the clear elastic? I’m assuming it was for the neckline, but I’d love to know how you did it. Thanks!!!
Gertie, as I made this I was thinking it would be perfect for you! I tried to take a picture of the clear elastic, but it didn’t come out clearly (no pun intended). I used it in lieu of twill tape to stay the neckline. I cut it 1/4 inch shorter than the length from shoulder seam to center front on each side of the neckline. Then I sewed the neckline seam with it, stretching it to the full length as I sewed.
Is that clear as mud?
Your dress is so pretty. I love your perfect stripe alignment at the zipper, too. Do you think this pattern could be successful in a knit fabric?
Also, love the doggy pic. What breed is he?
Love the dress! In that beautiful seersucker this is the perfect dress for summer – cool, easy to wear and very pretty. I have this pattern and, having seen your version, I’m really looking forward to making it. Your dog looks adorable!
Great job, Ann! Very, very pretty dress.
So pretty and feminine and beautifully sewn. You will look fantastic wearing this dress.
Beautiful dress and so summery!
I wish I had Hoover to keep my garden safe from squirrels, they’ve dug up everything I’ve planted!
The dress is gorgeous, and just SCREAMS “Summer”!
Looks great! I never would have noticed that this has a “bra-friendly” view.
I’m going to make this dress for a friend, so your blog post is timely and extremely useful. It is beautiful in the seersucker (perfect choice of fabric) and your bodice lining is so pretty, too.
Nice dress, and based on your review, I got the pattern. However I’m planning on using it as a top. Maybe. And I agee – what’s up with the lack of descriptions now Vogue??? I really need to get busy with my camera and the internet and make up my photographic pattern inventory. I’m getting way too many very similar patterns.
WOW! You look great in this dress!
Ann – Happy Belated Anniversary! You look gorgeous: cool, stylish, and confident. Love, love it. Thanks for the excellent review on this dress. I purchased this pattern last month and plan to make it this summer. I’m to hear this pattern has good bones to it.
Ann- your dress is the perfect summer dress. You look marvelous and stylish in your new frock!! It’s always good to know of a good looking, bra-friendly dress.
WOW….that looks great. I love the color. Great for the summer.
It is a pretty dress! It looks perfect for Summer lunches and barbecues.
You look stunning!
just finished making the same dress, it is a gorgeous pattern, demanding for a novice like me but I learnt a lot. I cut mine lower at the front. But for any girl with substantial breasts (EE) this pattern is for you. A bit of fitting and refitting and It will hold you perfectly and never gape – it’s also comfortable. I used a 60s reto style heavy cotton and like wise didn’t line the skirt
cheers