I made this pattern up as a wedding gown for my niece-in law. She wanted a strapless, sweetheart, fit & flare (not quite mermaid) style. This pattern was the starting point for the gown.
Here are the inspiration pictures: #1 and #2
Pattern Description: Close-fitting, straight, lined dress, floor length, has boning, foundation, inside belt, shaped, back hemline and back zipper.
For some reason, the Vogue site doesn't show the line drawing for this pattern. Here it is.
Pattern Sizing: 8-18
Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it? Not really, but it was modified quite a bit.
Here is the finished back.
Were the instructions easy to follow? For a formal, designer Vogue dress, it's quite simple in its construction.
What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? I like the lines (easy to modify) and the fact that it has a built-in foundation to support the dress.
Fabric Used: Off-white poly peau de soie, with tulle at the bottom, and covered in beaded lace. The foundation is made from coutil and the dress is lined with rayon bemberg.
Pattern alterations or any design changes you made: I started by tracing off the pattern and extending the front and back darts parallel to the grainline to create princess seams. I then flared out the bottoms of each piece starting just above knee level to get the right skirt shape. Here are the finished pattern pieces.
I also did a FBA, changed the neckline to a sweetheart shape, and lengthened the dress by 6" (she's very tall!)
I made the foundation from 2 layers of a beige corset coutil. A white foundation would have changed the color of the off-white satin too much. Foundation front and back. The pattern calls for only 4 bones in the foundation- the ones at the side of the bust and at the back princess seam. I used 13! The back of the foundation closes with hook and eye tape.
I made up the base of the dress in the satin: front and back. The satin part of the dress was hemmed with 2" heavy horsehair braid to help keep its shape.
Then I hand tacked and shaped the lace to the upper part of the dress. The lace that extended down over the tulle was in two additional pieces. I trimmed it higher in the front (for walking ease) and then lower in the back like the inspiration gown. I cut off the scalloped edges of the lace and used them to trim the top of the bodice.
I was able to cut the tulle in a single piece- it's basically a huge, oval doughnut shape. There are 6 layers stitched directly on to the satin. However, once the heavy lace was added on top of it, there wasn't enough loft, so I added several "handkerchief" type pieces of tulle underneath it to keep it from flattening out.
Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others? I would definitely recommend it. It's not overly complicated and is easily modified. I'll keep the pattern around in case I have the opportunity to make any similar formal dresses.
Conclusion: I had to have this whole gown done from start to finish in just over a month- never again!!! |
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Wow, this looks great, cannot wait to see the finished gown.
11/27/12 1:46 PM
can't wait to see it finished
11/27/12 3:23 PM
Ditto looks like it will be amazing. Can't wait to see it.
11/27/12 3:48 PM
Fabulous...can't wait to see your progress! Thanks for sharing this.
11/27/12 5:01 PM
Looking forward to seeing your progress
11/28/12 11:48 AM
Wow, it looks beautiful so far! The lines are very classic and elegant, and the fabric is gorgeous!
12/15/12 3:04 PM
What a lucky future niece-in-law you have, it looks great!
12/15/12 9:06 PM
It's looking gorgeous. Keep us posted.
12/16/12 1:40 AM
wow, that's looking nice can't wait to see it finished :)
12/16/12 4:33 AM
Wow...this turned out so lovely! Beautiful work. I'm sure your niece-in-law was thrilled with her gorgeous gown.
1/17/13 1:07 PM
Oh my goodness! This is gorgeous. Wonderful work- I am sure she will be a most beautiful bride.
1/17/13 1:45 PM
This is beautiful! Fabulous.
1/17/13 2:20 PM
It's amazing...absolutely beautiful!
1/17/13 3:07 PM
it is stunning
1/17/13 3:39 PM
Congrats! Stunning work. You should be so proud of yourself.
1/17/13 4:01 PM
I am in awe of anyone who has the courage to tackle a wedding gown. It's enchanting.
1/17/13 4:08 PM
Spectacular! I hope to someday make a gown like this, plus I have this great pattern in my stash. Thank you so much for the lovely and detailed review!
1/17/13 4:17 PM
Spectacular. Absolutely beautiful work
1/17/13 4:38 PM
Stunning! Your work is amazing!
1/17/13 4:44 PM
This dress is a masterpiece! I am seriously in awe! It actually looks very similar to my wedding dress (I bought mine). I'm sure your niece looked stunning in this gorgeous dress. Very helpful review too. :)
1/17/13 5:17 PM
Stunning dress! You did an amazing job. Lucky bride.
1/17/13 8:31 PM
Absolutely beautiful!!!!
1/18/13 5:36 AM
Absolutely beautiful!!!!
1/18/13 5:37 AM
It's so beautiful!!!
1/18/13 6:52 AM
Beautiful dress that is skillfully constructed. Can't wait to see a photo of the big day.
1/18/13 9:35 AM
Thank you for the technique. This is the style my daughter would like but I haven't been able to find anything close.
1/18/13 9:36 AM
What a beautiful dress.
1/18/13 10:00 AM
Thank you so much for sharing all the photos! I love to see how the dresses are constructed.
1/18/13 10:23 AM
Beautiful work. It's just wonderful.
1/18/13 2:29 PM
What an interesting review! The dress is beautiful and , like couturemom, I love to see how formal dresses are constructed. Thanks for all the pictures. I'm sure she will be a beautiful bride and even more beautiful because of all your hard work on her dress!
1/18/13 5:27 PM
Absolutely stunning dress! What a lucky bride.
1/18/13 6:14 PM
Lovely!
1/19/13 9:55 AM
wow that is fantastic, so much work but it is beautiful, can't believe you made that so fast. lovely
1/19/13 1:46 PM
So stunning, cannot believe you made this dress in one month. Loved your detailed review! Your NIL is very fortunate!!! Am sure she was beautiful in her dress!!
1/19/13 5:57 PM
What a confection! What a treat!
1/19/13 10:19 PM
So beautiful & great construction pics!
1/21/13 7:00 PM
WOW! What a gorgeous gown!
1/21/13 8:28 PM
A very beautiful dress! You did a great job. It's definitely a lot more stressful when you get a short deadline! Loved the pictures.
1/22/13 8:18 AM
The wedding gown is AMAZING! Thank you so much for your detailed review and photos. Your niece-in-law is one lucky bride. I hope you post photos of her in it on her wedding day.
1/22/13 9:19 AM
What a talented seamstress you are!
1/22/13 6:23 PM