Sorry that it has been like crickets around here lately! I have a pretty nasty case of bronchitis, and were it not for the deadline of needing to get this posted for the Curvy Sewing Collective's Wrapalong, I would not be posting right now.
I will start with the end result:
I will start with the end result:
If my cheeks are a little red, it is not because I have blush on. We were doing this shoot between coughing spells and wheezing fits.
All in all I like the dress. Any dress that I can wear patent heels with makes me happy. The ponte that I used for this dress is actually heavier than I realized but with 50 degree days setting in here in Indy, it just isn't a problem. I think the dress will be great for Holiday parties and gatherings.
I love the length of the dress. Normally I find that dresses that aren't really cut for plus size gals tend to be shorter than I would like, but this one covers just enough knee.
Obviously it makes me happy! And even leaning forward there was no gaping neckline. What's not to love?
I will be posting this on the Curvy Sewing Collective Wrapalong page, so make sure you go give me a vote when voting opens.
Now for the pattern. Vogue 8784 only goes up to a size 22 so there was a bit of grading to be done. For the bodice I added an inch at each of the side seams, resulting in 4 extra inches. I also added an extra inch at each of the side seams of the skirt for a total of 4 inches there as well. The back of the bodice of the dress is actually three pieces and I like the way it added to the shaping of the dress.
I was able to sew most of the dress on the serger which made it come together very quickly. I decided to hand sew the hem and sleeve cuffs because this textured fabric would not have been happy to have topstitching. I hand picked both so there is no seam showing on the exterior of the dress. I did not line the dress as called for in the pattern and instead finished the edges with a contrast black band that I decided to run all the way to the hem. Were I making it again, I think I would consider going with a thicker band for more contrast, but ya'll I just love the richness of this fabric.
I was surprised at how well the pattern ended up working for me, and would surely make it again. Next time I will tie the tie on the correct side and just blame this faux pas on the cough syrup.
So tell me friends, what do you think?
Straight up awesome...& I love, love, LOVE you the red/black!!!!
ReplyDeleteStupid spell check! I love the red and black...!!!!
DeleteThanks, I have to admit the red and black was pretty bold for me, but I am really digging it!
DeleteSwit swoo! You look glorious! That is a fab dress in fab fabric. And I love the contrast trim.Bravo! Hope you feel better soon.
ReplyDeleteThanks Rosie! I have a wee piece of the fabric left, and I am hoping to squeeze a front bodice piece for a raglan top out of it then do a black back and sleeves.
DeleteFabulous! The pattern is obviously a keeper. Love the fabric. What a great colour on you!
ReplyDeleteThanks Nita! I still have some tweaks to make to the pattern, but yes it will be in the to be made again pile.
DeleteYou and your dress are gorgeous!! I love the fabric you chose. Always nice to have a wrap dress that doesn't gape on the neckline. That's often my problem with them, which is probably why I haven't made one for a while now.
ReplyDeleteThanks Tanya! I was really afraid the pattern was going to be too much, but with the contrast I think it turned out alright. I have found that the placement of the ties and the hole the tie goes through can really effect the gape tremendously. If I place the tie on the top of the skirt instead of the bottom of the bodice it seems to make all the difference.
DeleteYou look G-O-R-G-E-O-U-S!! I love the fabric print and your right it will be perfect for to wear to holiday gatherings. I do believe I was looking at this pattern but ended up getting V8379 instead. I love how the trim accents the dress and like you I love patent leather heels. This dress is truly a winner!
ReplyDeleteThanks Sabrina. I am blushing! I really like your version with V8379 and may have to give it a try too.
DeleteI just found your blog through CSC, and I had to say that this dress looks gorgeous on you! It's perfect dress for the upcoming holiday season. I'm so glad I found another curvy sewer to add to my blogroll :)
ReplyDeleteThanks Brittani! I really love how the CSC is helping unite all us curvy sewers. It is such a great project and I think the gals over there are doing tremendous things!
DeleteGreat dress! I was just fondling that same fabric at Hancock's yesterday. It's really nice stuff.
ReplyDeleteThanks Debbie. I am really tempted to go back and get a few yards of the black and blue leopard print in the same ponte. It is such luxurious fabric.
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DeleteFabulous dress! I found your blog through the Wrapalong on CSC, and will be following along now.
ReplyDeleteThanks Maggie. Your Antler cardigan is fantastic. Love the color and the shape of it. Sure wish I had the patience to knit.
DeleteI also found you through the Wrapalong and I love your dress the best, but I also wanted to say, that you are really beautiful! And your hair is really, really pretty! :)
ReplyDeleteThanks Sarah Jane. My ego is thoroughly inflated! No really, I appreciate your kind words! Your micro photography is quite lovely!
DeleteThis looks amazing! :D
ReplyDeleteThanks Andie! I really like your wrap dress as well. That color is the stuff my casual daydreams are made of. A great neutral that is anything but boring!
DeleteWow, I really like it Alicia! Another convert to the cult of the wrap dress?!
ReplyDeleteCould be...and wrap tunics...and faux wraps. Ohhhh the possibilities!
DeleteCongrats, you look amazing & it fits perfectly. This could turn out to be a TNT pattern for you, say made for warmer weather in a thinner ponte or rayon or cotton knit with a knit lining with shorter sleeves. And wonderful for the holidays as noted.
ReplyDeleteYou are so right. With this pattern there are infinite possibilities.
DeleteWhat an amazing dress! I love this print and this shade of red really suits you (and no one would have known you were sick if you hadn't said so). I can't wait for the next sew along with the CSC to see all the beautiful creations at the end!
ReplyDeleteThank you La boutiqueuse! This sewalong was so much fun to participate in, I can't wait for the next one.
DeleteThe dress is fab, and you're rocking it!
ReplyDeleteThanks Sara.
ReplyDeleteHey ... I think maybe you won!!! I was looking at the CSC to see if there was a date for the announcement and noticed the little pics have vote counts now and you are FIRST with 166!! Woot!
ReplyDeleteIt looks that way, but I have not been contacted or anything, so I am not counting my chickens before they hatch. I kept waiting to hear something all day, but never heard anything!
ReplyDeleteJust checking to make sure you've been contacted by now??
DeleteYou look gorgeous! Both the pattern and color work reality well for you! Great job!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Canal!
DeleteYou look beautiful. Great dress!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Bunny! I love that Anne Klein Vogue pattern that you are planning to make. That jacket will be a real winner IMHO.
DeleteBeautiful! And a nice blog. You have a new follower.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Nina. The quilts and embroidery that you are making are stunning!
DeleteOMG i'm hard, just jacked off to thise pictures
ReplyDelete