Sunday, August 16, 2009

Sewing before the big plan: a dress


I selected this pattern, because it looked cute on the envelope, and it said "easy". And I selected the fabric, because it, too, looked cute. I now think that the two don't work well together, and, what's more, that neither does a good job at making me look good.
Vogue 8469

Pattern Description: Vogue Patterns: 8469 (MISSES' DRESS)
Semi-fitted dresses have lined bodice, midriffs, back zipper closures and topstitching details. A: mid-knee length and cap sleeves with elastic casing. B: 6" above ankle length, sleeveless.
I made B: long, sleeveless.

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?
I guess so. I'm not happy with how this looks on me -- but that is due to my own inexperience with selecting patterns for my bodyshape.

Were the instructions easy to follow?
yes, very detailed instructions for very neat finishing.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?

Fabric Used:
Linen. Probably a bit stiff for the pattern

Pattern Alterations or any design changes you made:
I had a hard time making the bodice fit. Ended up taking in a lot on the sides, and then it didn't fit with the skirt. The skirt is quite full, so can easily fit a larger size bottom half without cutting it in a larger size.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?
no, won't sew it again. I think that with my longer bottom half of body, this dress only emphasizes that my upper body is short. I look very short and awkward in it.
yes, definitely recommend it to others: it's a cute dress, just not for me.

Conclusion:

Well, you live and learn -- so now I'm on to sewing and learning. It was my first dress, and the next one will hopefully be a better choice for my body type.





1 comment:

Batty said...

My first thought was, "Oooh, cute!", but on second thought, you may be right -- the dress looks very sweet, but with the floral pattern, it's just a little too girly.
However, the pattern itself is fine -- in a more "mature" fabric it would look fab -- there's nothing wrong with the fit.