October is a month of dress-making for me - literally making dresses. I've started the spring season with my version of the Vena Cava dress Vogue 1258. I've used a very soft, drapey knit jersey - a rare quality find from Spotlight. A little too drapey on reflection as the weight of the front ties drags the neckline to dangerous depths.There are a few things to remember if you are making this dress.
1) read the instructions
2) read the instructions and
3) read the instructions!
Seriously, this pattern is a pleasure to sew and cleverly crafted, but it is not an 'intuitive' pattern. You need to follow the map or you will veer off the road very quickly. The other thing to remember is that the neckline from the pattern is very very low. It isn't too much of a problem to adjust. On advice from Alison who made the dress before me I took the neck up about two inches.
If I were to make this pattern again (maybe... but with sleeves for winter) I would also take a little of the taper from the hip to knee. As Erica Bunker warned Alison, the results are very "body conscious". I certainly don't want the answer to the proverbial "does my bum look big in this?" question.
Frocktober no. 2 is the Tracy Reece dress Vogue 1224 in black and white jersey. It is coming along nicely. I can see that I need to seriously work on my blog photos. My daughter takes them and the attitude is no care, no responsibility. DD 1 who is away at university was much more accommodating.
Nice dress! I've seen this fabric and love it but haven't purchased any as I don't want to add more neutrals to my closet.
ReplyDeleteIf you feel the neckline is too low pop a cami under. It's a quick fix I use often ;)
Frocktober - I love it! And I love your dress too, it is super flattering on you. Those ties are incredibly long aren't they?!
ReplyDeleteGreat dress. Dresses with pockets are a bonus! I have bought this pattern so thanks for the heads up on reading the instructions! Perfect fabric choice.
ReplyDeleteI have to agree with Allison above, this dress looks really great on you. Why can't we have pockets in all our dresses???
ReplyDeleteWonderful dress and pockets, too. Sewing dresses in October is a great idea. I need more dresses in my wardrobe.
ReplyDeleteMy 16-year-old son is a complete clown when it comes to taking photos of me, and my husband can't take an unblurry shot if you paid him.
ReplyDeleteI do like this dress on you, though!
A great and classy start to Frocktober... you look very shapely and definitely no big bum here! Can you get hold of a tripod and work out how to use the self-timer? Seriously, you'll never look back...
ReplyDeleteThis style is very flattering on you. I like all the versions of this dress so far. Adding sleeves sounf like a great idea
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely dress! Love the pockets.
ReplyDeleteI really love this dress on you, but can't imagine a neckline 2 inches lower - yikes!
ReplyDeleteMy best photographer is my husband, but I mostly want to take photos when he's at work so my photographer is usually me, with the aid of a tripod and timer. Suits the control freak in me :-)
A great start to Frocktober. I've got a bunch of dresses planned for this month too so maybe I should hop on board. Taking photos is always the hardest part of blogging.
ReplyDeleteFabulous Gail, very flattering. You did well with your Spotlight find too, its great fabric :)
ReplyDeleteThe dress looks great - imagine a neckline 2 inches lower ?! . I now wish I had bought that fabric too - I had thought the same thing - nice quality for Spotlight.
ReplyDeleteGlad my comment finally worked - I tried several times last night and the comment kept on disappearing !
ReplyDeleteI just trimmed this pattern yesterday. Thanks for the "heads up." Hope mine looks as good as yours.
ReplyDeleteElegant, and what unSpotlight fabric! I like your Frocktober plan, it is rather inspiring.
ReplyDeleteTHis style is so flattering. Love the design.
ReplyDeleteThat is awesome fabric. The dress looks so comfortable and wearable.
ReplyDeleteVery pretty dress. I like the cut with all the draping in the front. Looks great on you.
ReplyDeleteIt's a very flattering dress, and it looks super-comfortable!
ReplyDeleteAnother nice dress! This looks casual and dressy, a win in my opinion. And the fabric is a brilliant score! I must say I am craving some dresses at the moment, so might join you in your Froctober project.
ReplyDeleteVery nice dress! You look great in it!
ReplyDeleteThis pattern must be on my list.
Outstanding! You look fabulous! My pattern list is growing. I'm definitely going to make this one soon.
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