Vogue 8631---Pretty Paisley Dress

 OK, as you can see from my last post, I changed my mind again!!! I wanted to make something with a little more drama. After doing a little pattern & fabric digging I came up with this look. I've had this fabric in my stash for a few months and was looking for the perfect pattern. I'm happy with the results. I can't tell you how excited I was to be sewing again. I had another crazy sewing dream the night before I made this dress. It's too crazy and slightly embarrassing to share but fortunately it doesn't involve any of my fellow seamstresses (wink)!

 (Front View and BIG Hair!!! Gotta love steam rollers LOL!!!)

Vogue 8631

Pattern Description:
Wrap dresses A, B have extended shoulders, front pleats, back darts, side seam pockets, inside ties, sleeve variations, hook and eye closure and bias tape finish. A: short sleeves in one with bodice. B: three-quarter
length sleeves. Length is 2" below mid-knee at center back.

Pattern Sizing:
I read from the other reviewers that this dress ran pretty big. So I went down a size and made a muslin using cotton muslin.

 ( Back view- muslin)

 (Front view- muslin)

After looking over the muslin and taking into consideration that I would be using a moderate stretch knit (crosswise stretch only), I went down another size. I ended up making a size 8 for the bust and 10 for the skirt. Just to give you some perspective, I'm a size 8 RTW and normally make a size 12 (top) and 14 (bottom). So this pattern did run a bit big!!!!

 (Back View)

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?
Absolutely!!!

Were the instructions easy to follow?
Very much so!!!

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?
I loved the simplicity of the pattern--being only 5 pieces. There wasn't anything really to dislike! The neckline was a little lower than expected so I wore a cami with it. I actually like it better with the cami!

Fabric Used:
A polyester, moderate stretch knit in a great paisley print in yellow, blue, red, tan, etc.

(Fabric up close)

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:
*I lengthened it by 1.5".
*My back length is shorter than my front so I ended up taking 1" out the   base of the bodice, tapering to nothing at the side seams.
*I nixed the pockets.
*I did a baby hem.
*Stabilized the shoulder seams with clear elastic.
*I cut the back and bodice piece on the fold.

(And I got to wear my new Nine West sandals---Yayyyyy!!!)

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?
Absolutely!!!! It's a SUPER easy dress to sew. I made it in a few hours. The bottom of the skirt is pretty and reminds me of a tulip. It's really flattering on all types of figures.

Conclusion:
Beautiful dress! A+++++ Results! It's definitely a Winner.