well that’s done and completed now. i actually started this pattern over a month ago, got frustrated when it was 3/4 done and threw it in a drawer to stew and think about how bad it had been. i’m still not happy with the outcome, but i am happy with the fact that it is finally finished and i don’t have to look at it anymore.
Pattern Description: fitted, straight, above mid-knee length, lined dress has side front tucks, back zipper and hemline vent.
Pattern Sizing: 8-22. i cut a… what did i cut? i think i cut a 10.
Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it? mostly. my neckline is a little asymmetrical and the length is a little on the short side.
Were the instructions easy to follow? up until i got to the lining. i spent a lot of time staring at the instructions, setting them aside and walking away for an hour, and then staring some more. i think i figured it out though.
oh, and the back slit instructions – i STILL don’t understand those! i gave up and left it unfinished because my eyes started rolling around in my head.
What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? the cross-over bodice piece that goes under (uhhh not sure which side; i always sew mine backwards on accident haha) is HORRIBLY drafted. actually, the entire bodice is an awful mess. it doesn’t fit right and gaps and sags and the lining keeps rolling out because it is too big for the shell fabric. also, idk what vogue was smoking when they determined the length but the dress is a bit on the short side on me and i’m 5’2″.
Fabric Used: some stretch suiting i got for $1/yard. the lining is polyester. i hate polyester so apparently i am some kind of masochist.
Pattern alterations or any design changes you made: i had to take down the shoulders about 3/4″~1″ because they were waay too big. this didn’t entirely fix the bodice issues but it did help a lot. the crossover has a huge gap that was mostly solved by pulling it tighter than the pattern indicated, although i still need to be careful about sitting up straight when i wear it. i didn’t do any of the ~finishing touches~ like the bra strap holders or the french tacks for the lining, mostly because i was fed up with the pattern.
Would you sew it again? no, there were too many issues with the fit and i don’t think it is that flattering on me anyway.
Conclusion: i don’t know what to say about this dress. i was excited about the pattern when i started making it, but i think the fit is really awful and the whole dress just looks kind of blah on me.
pictures:
in other news, i bought my fabrics for the lady grey:
this is a horrible picture. the actual fabric looks like this:
a very lightweight wool (i will probably underline it for warmth) in turquoise. the lining is rayon and it is a nice silvery gray. and the button! that button cost me $5 hahahah stupid button.
LLADYBIRD 
Kudos to you for finishing something that was driving you crazy. I doubt I would. The tucks are gorgeous though and I think would look really nice in a light color. Overall I like the dress from waist up but the skirt portion just isn’t inspiring me.
I’m new to the nashville fashion scene. I shoot fashion/editorial photography. Check out my work at http://www.koskafashion.com and my blog at http://www.blog.koskafashion.com. I’d love to meet up and do a trade shoot of your work! I couldn’t find a contact form on your blog or i would have used that 😉
awesome!! you’ve got some fun stuff on your site!!
i have no idea why there is no contact info on my blog… i am still trying to figure out this site
anyway, my email is theysaywellbegods at yahoo dot com. i am always down for collaborating with other artists and the like 😀
yay coat fabric is awesome. I’m excited to see yours when it is finished.
Hey,
If you didnt look to closely I think it looks great & like the others have said good on you for finishing it. Maybe in a few months you’ll have forgotten what a pain it was to sew. I love your blog, and have been reading it for a while. Keep posting.
Cheers Kat
this looks soooo good on you! fab job girlly!
aw thank ya sweet pea 🙂