Sunday, March 24, 2013

Modern Madness



This past week I was in desperate need of a simple project.  And Vogue 8870 was just the ticket.  They are not kidding when they say "Very Easy Vogue!" 


If the pattern illustrations were all I had to go on, I never would have purchased this pattern.  (And how many vintage patterns have I grabbed just for the sketch on the envelope?! - what a difference a few decades can make.)  But despite the unfortunate fabric design placement on Vogue's version, the drapey fabric looked infinitely better than the pattern envelope, so I just knew there was hope for this design.  


Because of the high low skirt design, I felt that a fabric that was not somewhat reversible was going to look odd.  And this silk/cotton fabric immediately came to mind.  


I had some of it leftover from this project.  I am assuming that the yardage was meant to be a very large sheet but ended up in the remnant pile at the Bella Notte warehouse.  I was unsure that it was going to be enough for the first dress, and here is my second!  When fabric is super wide, I have no idea how much I have.  Turns out, I had quite a bit!  There are still some bits left, although I have doubts that I will squeeze another garment out of what remains.


Of course, I could not leave well enough alone, and made things a bit more complicated by adding a peplum!    With a few folds of the pattern tissue, a chalk marker, and a French curve, I was in business!  And of course, it needed a self-fabric belt.


I also decided that I wanted to add a bit of length to the front skirt piece, and make the back skirt stop somewhere between View A & B.


There is a whole lot of ease in this dress, except for the shoulders.  A snap was added to the neckline to keep it from pulling open.  I do not have broad shoulders, but have come across this issue before with elastic waist surplice necklines.


Overall, I am very pleased with this dress, even though it is not my normal style.  It is extremely comfortable, and will be an excellent garment to wear in warm weather.  Something about the cut of the skirt is very breezy, and silk/cotton blend is just delicious! 



Dress& Belt:  Made by me, Vogue 8870
Necklace:  Farmers Market
Earrings:  Kate Spade
Shoes:  BP for Nordstrom

12 comments:

  1. Hi, I like your additional touches - the back now has the feel of an Edwardian jacket and skirt.

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  2. Very pretty and your changes really elevate the design.

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  3. I LOVE it!!! Really nice. And the peplum brings it to a whole new level. Bravo!

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  4. With the echoing hemlines of peplum and skirt, I'm at once smitten and intrigued.

    Will there be a "How to add a peplum to your pattern" tutorial? Hmmmmm?

    A Laura Mae Designs fan

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  5. Very lovely with your design changes and fabric choice. I had been considering this pattern and thinking about making it in silk crepe, but the last time I made a similar vogue with a wrap bodice I had that same issue at the neckline and had to alter it, so I tend to just stay away from such a pattern.

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  6. OOH! Thanks for this review! This dress is in the line-up for dresses to make for a festival in May. I might try to make mine reversible, since I'll be using super thin sari fabric. Gorgeous!

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  7. What an improvement! I really love the layered effect of the peplum and skirt. It redefines the high-low look from trendy to elegant and classic.

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  8. Love the hem lines in both top and skirt and how they flow together. Your choice of fabric makes it very vintage.

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  9. Beautifully crafted as all your projects are. The color appears to be drab in the photos and all the gathering at your waist doesn't flatter your beautiful hour glass figure. I am wondering if it's just the photos that are not doing you justice.

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  10. Lovely. Agree the pattern envelope is a turn off but after seeing your version I may still try this one out!

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  11. I wish I could do wonderful things with my hair. I love your blog. It is fantastic. Thank you.

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  12. Well done. I'm making this dress but levelling the hem and plan to add a obi type belt as the fabric is a dark jade green with turquoise flowers sprays resembling wisteria blossom which gives it a kinda of oriental look. I love what you have achieved with this pattern. Regards, Sussex Sewing Sister (UK)

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