Vogue 8593

(Excuse my squinting, the sun was in my eyes!)

Pattern Description:
Fitted, tapered dress, mid-knee length, have pleated front neckline and darted back with zipper.
Pattern Sizing:
I used the size 12
Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?
It sure did! That's always a great thing!

Were the instructions easy to follow?
Yes! There was only about a page or so of sewing instructions.
What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?
I loved the pleated neckline. To me that was the WOW factor!!!
I also loved how fast this dress came together. It literally could be a 2 day dress if you really needed to churn it out. Since I had alot going on I was able to sew it up within 4 days and that's with alot of distractions.

Fabric Used:
I believe it's a poly knit. It's a two way stretch and I think it has  20-30% stretch. I actually made this dress before but used a really stretchy, thin knit (see pic) and I wasn't exactly happy with the outcome.  I was actually inspired by Amanda S. (thanks Amanda!!!) to give it another go after I saw her recent post. I realized that I needed to use a fabric with a little less stretch. So I checked my stash and found a winter-worthy poly knit.

(Dress originally made back in November.)

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:
  In patterns I'm always usually a size 12 on top and 14 on the bottom. I usually will do a 12 for both bodice and skirt when using a knit. Mainly because I'm lazy and I know that knits are more forgiving. Well the knit I used for this dress had less stretch so I ended up reducing the seam allowance (s.a.) from the waist below to get some extra circumference. I also reduced the s.a. in the center back where the zipper went. I was able to get the extra "wiggle room" I needed. The only drawback to the back s.a. reduction that is I have a narrow back. So to add width there isn't always a good idea. I was able to get away with it here by taking in some of the upper bodice seam allowance but I know better next time. Since I minimized my s.a. I didn't sew darts down to the hem as instructed. Instead I sewed my darts down to to right above my rear end.
  Originally I made the dress up with the long sleeves. I ended up adding 2" to the sleeve since I have really long arms. I tried the finished dress on and decided that I didn't want to look like a piece of furniture. The print of this dress combined with long sleeves was a little much. Thank God that I had the idea to whack the sleeves to just below the elbow. It definitely looked a whole lot better.
Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?
Yes, I will sew this again! I think I'll finish the one I started. After trying it on again it's not all that bad. I think it will make a nice sleeveless dress for the summer. I recommend it wholeheartedly to others:)

Conclusion:
Great dress! Spectacular neckline! Easy to Sew! This dress gets an A+++!

FYI: For my Jan/Feb goals I posted that I have both plan "A" & plan "B" garments. This is definitely a plan B garment. I needed a winter dress and couldn't resist the urge to sew this.I'll sew a plan "A" piece next.