Sunday, September 4, 2011

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.


22 comments:

  1. Very cute. I like the print. It looks very comfortable and since it's made in knit.

    ReplyDelete
  2. What a lovely dress , I wouldn't of given the pattern envelope a second glance but your dress is lovely. Your fabric is really pretty too.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Love, love, love those shoes too!!! Perfect for that lovely dress!

    ReplyDelete
  4. It works, Victoria! Sing the praises of making a muslin!!!! It looks great on you.

    ReplyDelete
  5. I just love it. There is nothing like an easy project! So glad you made t back safely from you trip!

    ReplyDelete
  6. Your dress is so gorgeous - it's both pretty and hot looking! I love the fabric - the colours of the print are wonderful and I always love paisley. I love your sandals - they complement the dress perfectly!

    ReplyDelete
  7. Love it!!! Great fit and perfect fabric pairing. I think you should make some more of these - it is really flattering!

    ReplyDelete
  8. Very nice dress and the fit is great. I want those shoes!

    Do you own a cover stitch machine, if so? I did a post on my blog yesterday asking for opinions if you have a minute to spare I would appreciate your opinion.

    ReplyDelete
  9. Victoria, Victoria! You are totally rockin' this look! The shoes, your hair, the DRESS! Amazing!

    ReplyDelete
  10. Very pretty, love the big hair and shoes.

    ReplyDelete
  11. Cute dress! And very flattering on you, too! I love your sandals as well.

    ReplyDelete
  12. This is such a gorgeous dress, the print is stunning and the shoes are just right to complete the outfit.

    ReplyDelete
  13. I agree with all the above comments, this just works for you and thank goodness for muslins right? this dress look really good

    ReplyDelete
  14. Very pretty dress! And love the shoes, too!

    ReplyDelete
  15. Such a pretty dress and perfect fit! I gotta say, "I love the shoes too!"

    ReplyDelete
  16. What a lovely dress! Beautiful! You look great with the big hair!

    ReplyDelete
  17. I love that material and the shoes are gorgeous!! I love big hair--I am an 80's girl-HA!

    ReplyDelete
  18. You look fantastic in it! the cut is perfect on you and it goes so well with the shoes!

    ReplyDelete
  19. I love the fabric and the dress... And you gotta love it when something runs big...LOL!

    Glad you're back in the saddle.

    ReplyDelete
  20. I like your fitted version so much better than the pattern envelope. I have repeatedly considered and then passed up this pattern because it looks so baggy. But yours is great!

    ReplyDelete
  21. It is a winner. Love the fact that it's easy and quick. BTW- Big Hair is in and you look great.

    ReplyDelete

Thanks so much for taking the time to leave a comment and for following me on my 10,000 Hour Sewing Challenge:)

LinkWithin

Related Posts with Thumbnails