Pattern Description: OOP Princess seam mid-knee dress with pleated skirt. I first made this dress in 2007, when it was initially released. The princess seams were perfect for recreating the Lanvin dress from the Resort 2013 collection, which I saw modeled by Amanda Seyfried in InStyle Magazine. For my version, I used view A, eliminated the skirt ruffle, and added 3" in length.
Here was my initial plan.
Pattern Sizing: Pretty accurate! I started with a 14 everywhere, but ended up grading down to the 12 above the hips along the side seam only.
Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it? Nope! You'd never guess it was the same pattern. But, in this case, that's a good thing!
Were the instructions easy to follow?
I really didn't look at them, because of the changes I made. I did make sure to staystitch the center front and back pieces the way they recommended for easing in the front princess seams. The pattern has neck and arm facings, but I chose to insert a full lining instead. Along with the exposed zipper installation... I left the shoulder seams open, stitched the lining to the dress (right sides together), completed the shoulder seams, and installed the zipper. Clear as mud, right? If you want details, message me!
What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?
This pattern was perfect for recreating the Lanvin dress, since the princess seams would allow me to create the striped "grid" look. I eliminated the ruffle, and adjusted the length accordingly. It's a classic shape and style, and now that I've done it twice, it will be easy for me to create again.
Fabric Used:
Stretch Poplin from Joann's (colors "Caviar" and "Papyrus"), along with "Posh" lining from Joann's and a satin exposed zipper from Botani in NYC. Total supplies price: $44.
I created the "striped fabric" by cutting 3.5" strips from selvedge to selvedge. I used a 1/4" seam allowance to sew the ivory and black together, pressing all the seams toward the black fabric (to hide them). I ended up making 2 large blocks (1 for dress front, and 1 for dress back) each made up of 13 stripes. I then laid out my pattern pieces, using the hem as my guide to keeping the pieces straight and symmetric. I cut them in a single layer (3 pieces for dress front, 3 for dress back), and didn't have to deal with facings, since I was completely lining the entire dress. You can see the details and pics at this post on my blog. Creating the fabric was definitely the most labor intensive part of creating this garment.
Matching the stripes along the front princess curves was tricky, but slow-going (and a million pins) got me through!
Getting the steps straight for installing the lining and the zipper took me a few days of pondering. By keeping the shoulder seams undone, I was able to use the lining seams to finish the neck and armholes, and stitching them up after was a breeze. Details on that part of construction are on my blog at this post.
Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:
Aside from fit, eliminated the skirt and added 3" in length.
Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?You can't go wrong with a princess seamed dress, I'm pretty sure this style works on everyone! In the end, I'm thrilled with my version of the Lanvin dress. It's not an exact match because I didn't want it to be. If you look up the original, you'll see a double black band at the waist. While it does make the model's waist look super tiny... it also makes her hips look super wide! So, I altered that look for my version. I also altered the width of the "grid", using the princess seams as a natural break, which allowed me to actually enjoy constructing this dress, rather than go bonkers trying to do it "their way". I kept the exposed zipper along the center back seam, as I feel this has a very striking appearance. Adding 3" of length was essential, which gave me a "vent" in the bottom center back of my dress, as the zipper was limited to 33" in length. Yes, I'd sew it again, and yes... knocking of a garment is a great boost of confidence and makes me feel like I belong in my sewing room!
Conclusion: It's exactly what I wanted it to be. It's on "trend" for the season, and it's a heck of a lot cheaper than the original. I saved almost $3700 by making it myself! More pics at my finale blog post.
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Pattern with more than 5 reviews!
OMG! I can't believe you "made" this fabric! How cool...I thought you'd just found a wide stripe. What a great dress! I love the way you offset the stripes...great job! Your version is much better than the Lanvin!
2/23/13 11:18 PM
Very nice dress. Good fit and great fabric. You did a terrific job!
2/23/13 11:37 PM
This is such a fabulous dress - I love it and think your changes to the original Lanvin design were very sensible (most of us don't want to look like our hips stick out that much, even if it's fashionable!). Your hard work really paid off!
2/24/13 0:18 AM
This is such a fabulous dress - I love it and think your changes to the original Lanvin design were very sensible (most of us don't want to look like our hips stick out that much, even if it's fashionable!). Your hard work really paid off!
2/24/13 0:18 AM
This is very eye catching--love it. A great knockoff and I bet you get so many compliments every time you wear it!
2/24/13 0:30 AM
Awesome dress!
2/24/13 1:04 AM
Your hard work paid off! you look great!
2/24/13 2:12 AM
Creative adaptation of rtw to pattern to dress! Nicely done
2/24/13 2:32 AM
Loved reading all the details on your blog of your sewing journey. You look fantastic and your dress is just lovely.
2/24/13 3:05 AM
Wow! That looks great.... And you made the fabric... That's dedication! Well done!
2/24/13 5:47 AM
Stunning
2/24/13 6:26 AM
Wow I really love this. Isn't it satisfying to match up those stripes! Particularly like the back view, you definitely improved on the original
2/24/13 6:27 AM
Wow! That is SO impressive! I went to your blog, and my goodness, it must've been labor-intensive making all those stripes! I assumed it was just striped fabric you used too. This is a fabulous dress, and you look fabulous in it! Great pose btw :)
2/24/13 6:41 AM
Now that's creative outside the box thinking at its best! Congratulations to you on this wonderful dress. I enjoyed your blog very much.
2/24/13 7:32 AM
You did an amazing job! The dress is beautiful.
2/24/13 8:17 AM
Wow!! I luv it.
2/24/13 8:42 AM
Beautiful dress! All that stitching! I saw this dress, and thought where would you find this fabric??/ You solved that perfectly!
2/24/13 8:46 AM
I love your dress. Outstanding job on your fabric. I like your version better than the Lavin. Congrats.
2/24/13 9:17 AM
So impressive! You're an inspiration.
2/24/13 9:56 AM
What a terrific dress and a really amazing knock-off of the original!
2/24/13 10:58 AM
What a fabulous dress! I love everything about it! You did a fabulous job creating the fabric and aligning the stripes to create such a wonderful dress!
2/24/13 11:05 AM
You created the fabric!!!!! OMG, awesome. What a wonderful look.
2/24/13 11:25 AM
Stunning dress!
2/24/13 12:04 PM
Absolutely stunning - you did such a close to knock off that I am sure most would think you had the mega bucks Lanvin dress. I am so impressed that you even "made" your fabric - terrific fit!
2/24/13 12:14 PM
Very nice work. I think it is wonderful how you took the concept and made it to suit you, rather than making an across the board knock-off.
2/24/13 1:11 PM
You are totally rockin' this dress, girl! You did a fantastic job - absolutely beautiful!
2/24/13 1:16 PM
Amazing! And you created your fabric!!! Sooo creative! looks fabulous on you! Great great entry!
2/24/13 3:10 PM
Wonderful dress
2/24/13 4:06 PM
This is INCREDIBLE! Amazing dress.
2/24/13 4:44 PM
Gee, if that's what an intermediate sewist can do, what does advanced mean! Just spectacular.
2/24/13 6:31 PM
This is amazing! I think I like your version much better than the original designer one. I think you need to bump your skill up to advanced! :]
2/24/13 6:48 PM
Completely fabulous (and inspiring)!
2/24/13 9:30 PM
What an amazing dress. Congratulations on achieving your vision. All your hard work has certainly paid off...the fit is perfect and you look fantastic wearing it.
2/25/13 4:47 AM
Whoa!!!! You NAILED it. And you look stunning wearing it! Congratulations!
2/25/13 11:01 AM
Thank you, everyone, for all you positive feedback! Im just glad that this forum exists, as it really pushes me to take a risk and try something challenging!
2/26/13 7:53 PM
Awesome!
2/27/13 4:59 PM
I love it!
2/28/13 3:58 AM
Wow! That is a fabulous dress!
3/5/13 11:06 AM
Great dress! Love it!!!
3/17/13 12:21 PM