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?
