Friday, April 22, 2011

Easter Dress- Vogue 8553

** First of all, sorry for the crappy photos on some of these. The battery died on my camera, so took this with the doc cam on my computer.


Yes! I finished it today. I'm unhappy with the fabric I used for the white trim and sash. It must be some kind of cotton blend and it doesn't hold its shape well and wrinkles. Fortunately, it seems to press out OK. I had read several reviews on PR about this dress, and most of them said it was large and too low cut. I decided to measure the pattern and cut a straight 10 in the back, but in the front I went out to a 12 at the bust and waist, but left the hips alone since it has such a full skirt. Also, many of the reviewers said the the waist was high on this, but it actually is designed to be high. I'm not so sure I like that because you have to keep the belt tight, or you lose the solid color line if the sash dips down in front.

I did add 1" in length at the bust and 1" in length all the way around (so 2" in front) I eased the extra fullness in the front at the side seams, which is a great way to do this on knits. I should have added in an extra 1-1/2" to accomodate for bust, so if I make this again, I will.

All in all, I really like this dress. The skirt is very full and swingy and I like the way the whole thing moves when I walk.

I did not find the dress to be too low in the front, but if I would have made the size indicated by the pattern envelope (14) it would have been too low and too big all around. I'm happy with this the way it is. This is an "Easy" vogue pattern. It is easy, but not quick. There is a lot of gathering (neckline front and back, waist in the back) and then the pleats front and back. I think it was worth the extra time.





I finished off the armholes and hem with the coverstitch machine. My coverstitch hems are starting to get flatter, so I'm happy about that!




















DD and I went to JoAnns today to scoop up some of the Simplicity patterns on sale. Next up, I will be making a top for her. She is expecting in October, so her clothes are starting to not fit. She hasn't brought herself to the idea of maternity clothes yet, but realizes she needs some much more loosely fitted clothes for spring and summer.

13 comments:

Lori said...

Your dress is very pretty, the white looks great with the print fabric, sorry the fabric wasn't that cooperative. Congratulations to your daughter.

Andrea said...

Gorgeous!!! I knew the other day when you showed the fabric that this dress would be really pretty. It's the perfect fabric for this dress. You did an amazing job.

Carolyn (Diary of a Sewing Fanatic) said...

It's a beautiful dress on you...the perfect dress for Easter Sunday! Congrats on becoming a grandmother...there is nuthin' like it!

Faye Lewis said...

That is so wonderfully springy!

Elaray said...

I love the fabric! It made up into a beautiful dress.

Dana said...

That dress looks so great! Very flattering on you. Nice job!

HeathersSphere said...

Such a fine looking dress on you, Nancy! Congratulations to your daughter. You will be one stylin' gramma!

Rachel said...

I really love that style of dress. The print fabric is really pretty!!

DD said...

This dress looks great and great on you. I cut this pattern out a year ago but never got around to sewing it. Now, I need to get to it.

Alexandra said...

Very pretty and spring-like!

Linda T said...

Very pretty. The print is so pretty.

Summerset said...

That is a fantastic dress! You look great in the style and colors. Just perfect.

http://www.shoocare.co.uk/jewelrama-voucher-code-3499.html said...

Wow what a lovely dress, i love it, you look gorgeous with it. I loved all your styles.