Pattern Description: Semi-fitted above mid-knee dress has yoke, tucks, pleats, gathers, below waistline casing with drawstring and two-piece sleeves with cuffs. Bias slip with shoulder straps.
Pattern Sizing: 8 - 22
Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it? Yes, with my modifications.
Were the instructions easy to follow? Yes, but this is not an Easy Vogue pattern. It is a designer pattern and has many elements than assume some experience with construction, fitting, and finish techniques that are referenced. I would suggest Intermediate and above sewing skills.
What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? The pattern is a candy store! It is a wonderful collection of Anna Sui design elements all bundled into one pattern. Pleats, gathers, folds, multi-piece yokes and sleeves, princess seams, dropped waist, pintucking - it just goes on and on. A wonderful pattern for anyone who like to be creative, borrow, and modify.
Bonus - the pattern includes a classic slip with spaghetti straps, cut on the bias! I did not have this pattern in my inventory, so what a wonderful add-on. The pattern does not call for sheer fabrics in particular, so the slip really is a bonus.
I sewed a 14, my usual Vogue size, and made no size adjustments. I seem to be a perfect Vogue 14  Love it!
Fabric Used: I used a 55/45 linen/rayon blend from Fashion Fabrics Club. And I am very pleased with the fabric. I prewashed it 3 times and ended up with a very soft, slightly slubby fabric that just is not inclined to wrinkle at all! And it does not have any sheen from the rayon. My experience with FFC linen blends (I've purchased 6 different pieces) has been that the 45/55 rayon/linen has a flatter finish and a slight sheen...just a note for anyone who has not purchased with them.
One other note on the color: it was described and arrived as a dusty purple, but ended up as a periwinkle blue after 3 washes. Not a problem!
Pattern alterations or any design changes you made: I made my usual right sloping shoulder adjustments. Beyond that, I did play with the pattern a bit:
- Used gathers rather than 1/4" pleats on the lower sleeves and lower front/back bodice pieces.
- Modified the drawstring and casing to a waistband and adjusted the skirt to fit.
- Shorted the skirt above the folds to achieve a tunic, rather than a dress, length.
- Used a simple closed cuff band on the sleeves, rather than the lapped, buttoned cuff band.
And I used a Tonga batik for the waistband facing and hem binding. A little spice...like this pattern needed it!
Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others? My daughter has already made it very clear that she wants one! so yes. And yes! It is an enjoyable pattern, very detailed, very satisfying to sew.
Conclusion: I am loving this look for our Florida winters. Lots of details and pics on my blog post!
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I Love that!! Must try.
12/10/12 3:55 PM
Wow, that's beautiful, looks like ALOT of detail work!
12/10/12 4:09 PM
I love, love, love this!!! I bought this pattern quite a while back and have never gotten around to making it. I think your version is absolutely WONDERFUL!!! :-)
12/11/12 0:27 AM
Super intimidating pattern! I shall admire this from a distance, but, oh, how exquisite your dress/tunic is.
12/11/12 1:23 AM
so much work has gone into this and it looks wonderful
12/11/12 3:02 AM
Great look for you and a perfect execution of the pattern!
12/11/12 7:27 AM
I am currently working on this dress using a rayon fabric and I appreciate your review. I am about to start on the sleeves and like your idea of gathering rather than pintucking. I really like this dress and am finding it a bit of a challenge as far as time to complete..I am s-l-o-w! and I work on simpler projects in between but your review has pumped me up to finish this dress!!
12/11/12 8:00 AM
A lot of work but so worth it. Love it on you!
12/11/12 8:15 AM
That is really cute!
12/11/12 8:49 AM
Really nice, I specially like the gathering modification.
12/11/12 9:02 AM
So cute! Enjoy wearing it.
12/11/12 3:54 PM
Wow, that's a beautiful dress!!
12/11/12 8:19 PM
Very cute and I like the details! Looks very pretty on you.
12/11/12 8:28 PM