9.7.11

Vena Cava Dress

How many sack dresses does a girl need?  Well, one more than I already had, it would seem.  Though, I didn't race out and buy this pattern.  I uummed and aahhed and eventually bought it at one of Vogues $3.88 sales.

The fabric is a silk charmeuse from EmmaOneSock.  It is a little different to my usual colours and styles.  I probably bought it because it was fashionable more than anything else, so I wanted make it up quickly rather than pop it in the stash. I dyed my hair dark this week.  Everytime I catch sight of myself I feel like I am wearing a wig, but I am having fun trying different colours and make-up than I typically wear.

The pattern is Vogue 1228.  I made 2 changes to the dress pattern.  First, I cut off the wide sleeve bands and made them narrow bands.  I liked the bands on the pattern, but the dress was less flattering with them on.  I know this, because I am one of those people that try on a dress about 500 times during construction.


The second change was to make the neckline narrower with a series of  pintucks, after the dress was completed.  I didn't muslin the dress; instead I used my sloper to adjust the pattern, after reading this great post by Audrey.  Usually I make a narrow chest adjustment.  I wasn't sure how to do this with the kimono sleeves.  The neck width was the same for Sz 8 through 14, which seemed a little odd, but I went with it.  When I put on the dress, the neckline seemed too wide and my bra was showing at the corners of the neckline.  Pintucks to the rescue, but I think they were a good idea and I would use them again next time.


I tried out a new technique on this dress, that I read about years ago.   After reading the other reviews for this pattern, I left out the zipper.  This meant the construction was all French seams.  For the first pass of the French seam I used my overlocker.  I wouldn't use this for sheer fabrics, but for slippery charmeuse that frays, it works great.

1st pass, wrong sides together, overlocked seam.


2nd pass, right sides together, stitched seam enclosing the overlocking.


Right side completed, nary a frayed thread in sight.

 

This last photo is really just photographic evidence on this blog that I can smile!  I wore this dress for my daughter's disco party yesterday.  My photographer arrived home after the party had already started, so I was in party mode when we ducked out for half a moment to take these photographs.

22 comments:

Bernice said...

You look fabulous! Hair, dress and makeup! Your eyes are looking particularly lovely. The colour of the dress is striking and looks great with the pink necklace. I'm sure you rocked it at Lucy's party! Great smile by the way.

Sarah@Dolls And Daydreams said...

I think you look lovely ... love the fabric, it looks like the sea ...... and the shoes are fab too ;)

Anonymous said...

Super cute! Don't kid yourself this is workin!

Sue said...

This style of dress suits your slim figure very well! The colours and fabric look great.

cherri said...

That is hot, hot, hot! Very nice dress and your hair looks great dark.

Gail said...

Love the style and fabric. I am also deeply envious of the warm Queensland winter.

Christy said...

I love it! I also try on my garments many, many times during construction. I love the colour.

Karin said...

You look lovely! It certainly does not look like a sack on you, it looks very elegant. Your changes are just little tweaks really and the fit is very good and flattering. I wouldn't normally choose that fabric either, but I really love it made up the way you did.

SewOm said...

Its beautiful! I have to confess that I was stalking that fabric for a while. I'm happy to see it made up and looking so lovely. I also have that pattern in queue. Thanks for adding to the inspiration for me to actually make it.

Mary said...

Lovely dress, and I really like your hair color.

Joy said...

It's beautiful. I really love the pintucks.

liza jane said...

That silk charmeuse is beautiful! I really like the addition of pin tucks, too. Smart idea for making the neckline smaller.

Mary Nanna said...

A very chic dress - love it with those shoes - but you're wearing MY SILK. That should be my fabric. So glad you didn't leave it to disappear into stash.

Bri said...

Beautiful dress, and such wonderful fabric, all those changes you made were clearly worth it you look fabulous!!

gwensews said...

That's a very pretty dress, and not like a sack, at all. It skims your body beautifully.

EmilyKate said...

Your hair looks great! And that is so NOT a sack dress. It's lovely on you.

Also, want your SHOOOOOOOES!!!

Colette said...

gorgoeus dress, fabric and I too am in love with those shoes!!!!

Colette said...

forgot to mention that I love your darker hairdo, so stylish and flattering!

Anonymous said...

Let me guess, CozyMa? It's a funny little shop, isn't it. I'll have to wander in sometime today.
I really like your bra set. Such rich colours. Cornelia

Anonymous said...

This is beautiful on you. Love the fabric and color choice!

Carolyn
Diary of a Sewing Fanatic

Christina said...

Oooh, this dress turned out great. I have this pattern too, and I look at it once in a while - ha ha.

Love the dark hair too! I also like to go darker during the colder months..

Gabrielle said...

Thanks for pointing me to this in your comment on my blog, I had seen it first time around but your modifications had completely slipped my mind! I love the way your changes make the dress - vast improvements! If I make the dress again in a "non-muslin" fabric I'll be tempted to both narrow the neckline and remove the sleeve turnups.