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Sewing - Vogue 1087
July 23, 2009
Following on from how much I enjoyed making all those dresses for the wedding, I decided that I would try and get into sewing a bit more after the wedding. It's weird, we both did so much for the wedding that we never had any free time, but now it's over, I seem to spend all my free time too tired to do anything, so it's like I don't have any more time now than before - it's a bit rubbish really. Consequently I have loads of very cool Vogue patterns bought on sale, but have only made one of them yet!
I really loved the look of Vogue 1087, a Donna Karan dress, my only reservation being that it might be too well fitting, so if I made it to fit my tiny bust I wouldn't be able to shoehorn my giant bum into it (my hips are 2 dress sizes larger than my bust!). But still, I thought it was a stunner, and there were a couple of good reviews on pattern reviews, so I decided to go for it.
It took a while, because it was quite fiddly, but here is the finished result:
I think it is a fabulous design, but an AWFUL pattern! It wasn't too hard to do really. It was a pain, because there were about a trillion markings required and lots of funny folding and pleating, but it wasn't too bad. What was bad was the fact it is abominably finished!
It isn't lined, which to be fair you can tell from the pattern description, but oh my word, the number of unfinished edges! Some of them aren't even turned under - I turned them under and stitched them in place. And there is one bit where you make a pleat/tuck/something, and baste it in place, but then never actually catch it in a seam! So you finish the instructions, and there is still one pleat held in place with crappy hand stitching. I sewed along the seam allowance and removed the basting, which worked ok. Also, the bodice piece just hangs in the air on the inside of the dress, not very well secured to anything else.
I can't imagine the dress wearing terribly well when it's not finished properly. It seems a bit of a con to be honest - very expensive pattern, but then finished not in a designer way at all. It's annoying when it's such a pretty dress, and I spent HOURS on it! Oh well, I suppose no one can see the inside....
I was worried to post all this, in case it was my ignorance that was the problem not the pattern, but I later found another review on a blog saying all the things I had thought - it is here. I just read that review again and I have to say also I agree that it gapes at the back neck. I tried to fix it but didn't manage very well!
So in conclusion: A very lovely dress but a shame about the finishing. I really enjoyed making it and am going to do some more sewing tonight!
Posted by jen at July 23, 2009 12:29 PM
Comments
Sewing is clearly the new knitting! I'm moving in that general direction too. Although I'm off on my hols soon and since dh says we are not packing the sewing machine, I'll be back on the knitting then :-)
Posted by: Kay at July 23, 2009 01:06 PM
Oh, and in spite of the pattern shortcomings, your Vogue dress looks fab.
Posted by: Kay at July 23, 2009 01:07 PM
That dress is gorgeous! I too have the problem with the tiny bust/huge hips, but this dress is super flattering and if I had any skill whatsoever I'd definitely make one for myself. I LOVE your blog, keep it up!!
Posted by: Kara at July 23, 2009 03:39 PM
A: You don't have a huge bum! Goofy girl!
B: The dress looks great on you. Too bad the finishing techniques aren't up to the style of the dress, but you look like you did a great job on it. Sexy!
Posted by: sil at July 23, 2009 07:54 PM
Man that dress rocks, it looks great on you, and you do NOT have a big bum. It does look like a hard pattern! eek, I would not have attempted it.
Good job
Vicki
Posted by: vicki at July 24, 2009 12:39 AM
It's fabulous. What a stunner! Well done.
Posted by: Jyoti at July 24, 2009 05:15 AM
I think you did a fabulous job. Since I've inherited my sewing machine, I haven't picked up a pair of needles. I dont miss them!
Posted by: Estee at July 24, 2009 06:48 AM
There must be some new virus on the knitting scene - I am also giving my sewing machine some hard found exercise after years of not much sewing.
The dress is stunning on you! I could only smile about the "two sizes bigger bum" - I think you have a great figure! I am so curvey (AND with a 2 sizes bigger bum) that it's hard to find clothing that fits me well. :o(
Posted by: Bettina at July 24, 2009 08:34 PM
I think your dress looks great! We have close to the same body type I'm going to look up that pattern :) Thanks!
Posted by: Melanie at July 28, 2009 07:06 AM
JEN THIS DRESS IS BAD ASS!
Posted by: Che at July 29, 2009 05:57 PM