Sunday, October 31, 2010

Vogue DKNY 1194

Well I finally finished my dress and was able to wear it to church today. Overall I was really pleased with it (it's so comfortable) and received a good deal of compliments. That's always a nice ending when you begin a project not sure if your fabric choice will work for the project. In those moments, as I've learned, you just go with your instincts and hope for the best. Fortunately my instincts were good.

After church we went out for Japanese food and on the way back to the car I saw this cool stairwell where I could take a few dress pics. Yes, don't laugh at me, but this is my feeble attempt to change up my background scenery. I'm no photography expert but sometimes doing things differently can be pretty fun. Here's my review.......

(Full View)
Vogue 1194

Pattern Description:
Pullover, mid-knee length dress has loose-fitting, front pleated and gathered bodice, bands (twisted front), raised waist, A-line, front pleated and back gathered skirt, side pockets, stitched hems and long sleeves.

Pattern Sizing:
I made the size 12

(Up close. Please excuse rail shadows on my dress. My photographer (Hubby) didn't warn me about these)

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

Were the instructions easy to follow?
Super easy! Only 30 or so steps. I cut this out a week or so ago and finally was able to sew it up this week. It went together in 2 evenings time:)

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?
I loved the style. From the pleating to the bodice and twisted band it was a really cute dress. Hey it's DKNY, what's not to love.

Fabric Used:
I used some mysterious red polyester knit blend. It either has some cotton or rayon in it. It was prone to a little wrinkling which concerned me. But fortunately some fabric sizing fixed that issue. I wasn't sure if this knit would absolutely work for the project since it was a lighter weight and I don't think it have the suggested spandex blend. But fortunately it worked just find and felt soooo comfortable. I originally didn't want to make this dress in red but since it was the only fabric in my stash I thought would work, I went with it. I'm glad I did, it's a great color on me.

 (Back view: Excuse lower seat & hem wrinkles from sitting at dinner)

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:
I did a few and they are as follows:
1. I used clear elastic to stabilize the shoulder seams.

2. I also used clear elastic to stabilize the neckline (the interfacing wasn't doing the trick and the neckline was a little too droopy). That did the trick.
Since I used the elastic I had to topstitch the neckline. I would have done that even if I didn't use the elastic, so the neckline facing wouldn't invert.

3. I raised the neckline 2" since it was way too low for my taste. This was an easy fix. I just sewed the neckline higher than they recommended. But be sure to do this before adding the elastic to prevent bulk in that area.

4. I omitted the pockets. Since I weren't sure the knit I picked would work I didn't want to add the pockets. Turns out my knit worked great and I wish I had added them. I love pockets and I'll just add them to the next one.

5. I chopped the sleeves down to 3/4

6. After looking at the pattern envelope pic I assumed the dress would be short on me (since I'm 5"9) so I added 4". Turns out it wasn't so I ended up chopping it off to the original length.

7. FYI: Unlike alot of people who reviewed this dress, I actually used the elastic in the band and the back of the dress. Since my knit felt a little lighter I thought it could use the help of the elasticized band and back band to help stabilize it. So since my knit wasn't heavy it worked well.  But if I had a heavier knit I'd rethink using the elastic to cut down on bulk.


 (Side view)
Would you sew it again?
Absolutely! I want one more, but with pockets.

Would you recommend it to others?

Wholeheartedly!!!!!

Conclusion:
Great dress! Great design! Great fit! This gets A++++++


Well on to the next project. There's a dress and cardigan pattern just ready to be cut out and sewn. Happy sewing to you.....

38 comments:

  1. Its a beautiful dress - it looks lovely on you!

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  2. I gorgeous dress and the colour is lovely on you. I've nearly bought this pattern so many times and now I think I will!

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  3. Love it!!! I pulled out this pattern just the other day, but couldn't decide what knit to use. I was afraid the ITY I was considering was too lightweight, but I'm glad to hear you had good results with a lighter weight knit.

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  4. Victoria you'd better be glad that that pattern is already in my stash. Otherwise I'd have to blame you for the pattern anxiety that I normally experience when I see a great looking dress displayed. That is so pretty on you!

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  5. It's beautiful! Drat, I now have to buy another Vogue pattern as I had passed on this one. I have some knit that's I've been debating which pattern to use.

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  6. This turned out REALLY nice and cute! The color, the fit. I'll have to wait until the next Vogue sale to get mine - lol. Great job!

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  7. Cute dress! I love the colour too.

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  8. Very cute! I love that you made it in red!

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  9. Ainda não tive coragem de fazer nenhum vestido vermelho, sempre penso duas vezes. Está lindo, parabéns!

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  10. I really love your dress. Your instincts were correct.

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  11. Very nice dress! Love the color.

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  12. I love your version with the shorter sleeves! I made mine with the pockets... definitely add them next time, you'll love it even more!

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  13. Really great dress Victoria! I have to get this pattern! It looks really nice on you and I love your necklace too! I have a ahort torso (long legs) and this dress looks like something I could adjust easily if needed. Beautiful job!

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  14. What a stunning dress -- and this color is amazing on you.

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  15. Wow, this turned out really great! You sew really fast, lol. Thanx for the tip on the neckline, I was looking @ that and the color rocks!

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  16. Great dress and it looks really pretty on you.
    I like the railing shadows... makes the pic look "arty".

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  17. That is adorable on you and you have the figure to pull it off!

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  18. Wonderful dress! I love your necklace as well very chic!

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  19. It looks so nice. Love the color.

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  20. This dress looks so good on you. Nice work!

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  21. The style and color are perfect on you. Great job!

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  22. Great dress. Your clear elastic on the neckline really did the trick. I sometimes forget about that option, at least until I discover a droopy neckline. I love the pattern reviews because they remind us to keep in mind those little tips that make a project great. Great job!

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  23. That is really pretty and it look fabulous on you!!!

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  24. What a fabulous dress! It's great to have a comfortable, easy to wear dress that looks as elegant as this dress looks on you. That shade of red is beautiful and really suits you and the fabric drapes perfectly for this style.

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  25. ooooh, very cute. I love the color! It is so pretty on you. I think your shoes are totally fun too. :)

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  26. Love it and thanks for the notes...I have this one on the machine as we speak.

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  27. Oh! Love, Love That dress! This fabric is very comfortable and you looks stunning in it.

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  28. It looks wonderful on you!
    I am working on a similar one, Butterick 5523.
    My choices were Vogue 1194 or Butterick 5523. I went with the Butterick one. Maybe I should have picked this one. I can see that I will have to make this one too :)

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  29. Terrific dress! It has a lot of nice details. And red is a color that most people love. It will be perfect for Christmas!

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  30. I like the dress! I just bought this pattern so I appreciate you sharing your experience in making it.

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  31. You look so young and beautiful! I know you sewed it so I also know you are smart and talented! Bravo!

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  32. Lovely dress and the color looks great on you.

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  33. That's GORGEOUS!!! I have this pattern, thanks for the great inspiration!

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  34. Pretty! Like everyone else has said, this colour is lovely on you!

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

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