Subtitle: Never Give Up; Never Surrender!
(Can anyone name the reference? 100 points on the nerd scale if you can!)
What is with the pigeon toed stance?
Several people have made this dress. The version that inspired me most was Cennetta’s fabulous version from late fall. I’ve had it in the back of my mind since she reviewed it. When the forecast called for yet another snowstorm this weekend, I decided it would be the perfect time to work on it.
Pattern Description: From the Vogue Website “MISSES’ TUNIC, DRESS AND PANTS: Pullover tunic or dress has front extending into back collar, fitted, front pleated bodice, raised waist, tie ends, two-piece sleeves with barrel cuffs, and stitched hem. Fitted, straight-legged pants (below waist) have elastic waist”
I made the dress.
Sizing: 8-24. I made a 12.
Fabric Used: Bright Nights Floral ITY Jersey – Multi on Black from Gorgeous Fabrics. Check it out! Two projects in a row with current fabrics!!
Needle/Notions Used: Stretch 70/11 Needle. Thread. That’s it!
Tips Used during Construction: Sewing With Knits, Press That Bad Mama Jamma.
Did it look like the photo or drawing when you got through? Yes.
How were the instructions? They were good. This is a pretty straightforward pattern, and it goes together well.
Construction Notes: I made an FBA (cribbed straight from Cennetta’s review). I don’t have short arms, but Vogue sleeves are always at least an inch too long on me, so I shortened the sleeve.
Because this fabric has a bold floral pattern, I decided to use a single layer layout to place the pattern pieces exactly where I wanted it. To avoid the chance of getting a “bullseye” effect of blossom on boob, I marked the bust apex on my pattern piece:
Marking the bust point can save you a world of embarrassment later.
I was able to get a pretty good match across the CB bodice seam.
Not too shabby!
I didn’t have enough fabric, though, to get an exact match on the skirt backs. Oh well. The print is busy enough that the eye doesn’t notice it.
My choice was to match the skirt backs at the CB, or have enough fabric to make the sash. The sash won.
Speaking of the sash, as drafted, it is looooooong! If you look at Cennetta’s version, the sash reaches down to just above her ankle. Cennetta has about 5 inches of height on me, so I knew that it would be dragging on the floor if I went with the as-drafted pattern piece. I cut the size 8 sash instead of the size 12, then I trimmed another 3 inches off the wide end. That makes it a much more satisfying length for me.
One thing worth noting is that the pattern envelope calls for 3 1/4 yards of fabric for a size 12 dress. Even with the pattern matching, I used significantly less than 3 yards of fabric. So if you have a smaller piece than recommended, don’t despair. You may well be able to economize on the layout and get a dress from as little as 2 1/2 yards for a size 12.
Once I started sewing everything went fine at first. But then… near disaster.
My wonderful Juki home serger (I have an industrial at the office) started chewing up my fabric. It would not cut the seam allowance off, and the fabric would get caught in the seam and everything would be a mess.
Ruh-Roh Rastro!
It was even worse on seams with a lot of fabric coming into it. You know, like barrel cuffs on the ends of sleeves, and raglans at the top? I was pulling seams out, and I wanted to pull my hair out along with it! I just had my Juki serviced, by a really good place. They replaced the blades and overhauled the entire machine. What you also must understand about my Juki is that I bought it in 1991. That means that it’s old enough to be served alcohol, and it has been a trouper for 22 years. I think it might be telling me it’s time to retire it.
I finally gave up on the serger and sewed the seams on my Pfaff. Once I did that it went together just fine. But there went four hours of my life that I’ll never get back.
Likes/Dislikes: I love that this pattern is so flattering on so many different bodies. I love the ease of it and I like the neckline. No dislikes.
The finishing touch!
Would you do it again? Would you recommend it? I may do it again, but maybe not – too many other patterns beckon to me! I definitely recommend it.
Conclusion: A real winner! Here’s the front on Shelley. DH’s birthday is this Saturday. We’re going out with BFF Barb and her husband, whose birthday is the week after DH’s. I’ll try to get a picture of me in it then.
Happy sewing!
