I'm always late to the party when it comes to popular patterns and this time is no different.
The incredibly popular Vogue 1027 is one of my last summer sewing projects. I'm a bit skeptical when people say that a pattern runs big - too many times I've been left feeling enormous (because I've had to make my usual size) or with a garment that is too small. I usually make a 14 in Vogue patterns, but due to the stretchy nature of my ITY jersey I had planned on going down to a 12. Of course I'd bought the larger pattern range which started at 14. How big could it be?
I'm willing to admit I was wrong. This sucker has an enormous amount of ease. I took out over an inch from each side seam just to get a relatively close fit. It's only due to the weight of the skirt pulling the dress down that it looks as fitted as it does. I could easily have cut a 10, maybe even an 8.
I've started looking at pattern pieces to see if there's anything I can simplify. This time I cut the tie as one piece and sewed it in half angling the ends. I was very concerned about the neckline gaping or the shoulders stretching out, so I used seam tape on the shoulder seams and the front neckline edges which worked really well.
Mid length dresses and skirts look great on some people, but I'm not one of them, so I lopped 4 inches off the skirt hem. I usually like to eliminate facings generally top stitching with a twin needle instead. This time that didn't work - it just made the fabric look terrible - so I've used the sleeve facings and left the skirt un-hemmed (sorry Mum).
So how do I feel about this dress? It's nice, but it's not my favourite. It's a very feminine, swishy dress and I certainly feel very ladylike wearing it.. Maybe if I'd made it in the smaller size and used a less stretchy knit I would like it more. I think I'd give it a 7 out of 10. Maybe I'll like it more next summer...
9 comments:
tricky dress :-) and tricky fabric! I love ITY because the colors can be brilliant but it can be really heavy. I think you and I are about the same size, so I always appreciate your comments and tips. Good old twill tape.
I think it looks great in the pictures. I hope you grow to like it because I think it looks good on you.
I'm the last person to make this - just bought the pattern a couple of weeks ago. In the photos your dress looks wonderful! Thanks for the tips on the sizing.
It's very ladylike. You do look great.
A very pretty dress and love the colour on you. Now you are making me shiver at my cold desk in Sydney.
I think it looks great! I usually make a 12 in vogue patterns, but use an 8 in this pattern! Weird!
This is a wonderful colour, and I have to second Maria in saying that the dress really is very ladylike on you. I think the length is spot on and the skirt looks delightfully swishy. And I don't think anyone will think your skirt hem is anything but intentional - it's a trend at the moment isn't it?
But it turned out beautifully! I like the knee length look on you, and what a great colour for you too. Such a great looking pattern... good to know on the sizing!
I love it! I actually just bought this pattern...so I'm also late to the party. Not so great for you, but I'm really glad to hear that you usually cut a 14 but could've used a 10 or 8 in this. I bought the smaller range and I typically run from a 14 to 16, so hopefully the 12 will be just fine!
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