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Member since 1/6/04
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Posted on: 10/25/22 4:35 PM ET
I need a dress for a semi-formal function next month, I'm not a dress wearer all that much but I do want to make one for the event I'll be attending. I really like the design of V1920 as it looks uncomplicated and comfy. However, I'm wondering, given the wide and somewhat deepish front of the neckline - could I get away with not having in a zipper in the back? Or at the very least use a shorter invisible zipper? It just seems to me a 22" long zipper as the pattern calls for is overkill, the dress is not fitted. Also, the pattern suggests wool/silk crepe or wool jersey, but I do not have any of those fabrics in my stash. What other fabrics could work for this style?




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Member since 4/24/22
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Posted on: 10/25/22 5:15 PM ET
I think leaving off the zipper would be totally fine, as long as you have decent shoulder mobility. If you can normally get into, say, a turtleneck without problems, I bet this dress would be easy. On the other hand, I have a friend with frozen shoulder who might need the zipper.
  
Member since 7/20/22
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Posted on: 10/25/22 5:32 PM ET
Getting your arms into the sleeves could be an issue if you don't use a zipper. I'd go for an invisible zipper.
  
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Posted on: 10/25/22 5:54 PM ET
In reply to SewPerfect
I have several patterns that said to use a long zipper like this, but I found after putting them in that I only really needed the ten inches or so at the top, not the whole thing.
  
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Posted on: 10/25/22 6:06 PM ET
Maybe just make a slit or keyhole type opening at the back neck with a button and loop closure?
  
Member since 5/2/09
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Posted on: 10/25/22 6:55 PM ET
In reply to SewPerfect
Did you read the pattern description blurb about that new pattern on the Vouge Website? It sounded to me, like the way the dress is supporting those cartridge pleats and keeping them taut across a body there is (unusual) by not seen from the outside of the garment, pieces of elastic going all around your body and back and fastening somehow in there. Not sure exactly how, as could only read that there, and pattern is too new to be any place I could open it up and look at it in person. and actually see how that works. But if so, that might be made to work with the zipper in the back in some way? I think it could always have just a shorter zipper though as long as you could get it on/off easy that way. If you can get something on with all zippers left off the garment, that works too even, but I think maybe not on that dress, unless it was knit possibly.

-- Edited on 10/25/22 at 7:06 PM ET --
  
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Posted on: 10/25/22 7:04 PM ET
In reply to SewPerfect
It appears as if a 10-12” zipper should work. I would want to read the instruction sheet to be certain given beauturbo’s post.

Perhaps consider a ponte? Then it is all about a short necklace and great earrings.
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Posted on: 10/26/22 8:20 AM ET
You could baste the seams and check the fit..I often do this to make a decision.
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Posted on: 10/26/22 8:40 AM ET
An invisible zipper would take away the distracting visual of the standard one on the model dress. I'm surprised Vogue didn't do that, unless it is simply to illustrate that there is a zipper back there.
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Member since 11/28/15
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Posted on: 10/26/22 10:27 AM ET
In reply to Doris W. in TN
Or it could be to provide the option of an exposed zipper. It's not a look I favor but it seems to be popular.
  
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