I'm pretty sure I've posted about the original version of this Vogue pattern before, in a kind of wailing, "why oh why has the correct size forsaken me?" way. Well, Vogue heard my cries and put this in their Vintage Vogue line.
Usually I'm not much of one for Vintage Vogue, but this one is great. Seriously great. I have one (mostly) made up and it went together like a dream. (Be sure to read the PatternReview.com reviews for helpful hints, including that you should cut the shoulders a bit smaller if you're not going to use the shoulder pads. And seriously: don't use the shoulder pads. My philosophy of shoulder pads is that you shouldn't ever wear something that would cause someone hugging you to think "what the heck is that?")
This is going to work REALLY well with Liberty Tana lawn, so expect to see it early and often. I added pockets (duh), and I underlined the midriff front with silk organza (I also reinforced the seam allowance where I'm adding the zipper with silk organza) to give it a little body. [Silk organza is wonderful, and you can buy it really cheaply in beige and black from Dharma Trading,here.]
It's working well so far ... all that's left is putting in the zipper and hemming it, so expect finished pics soon. Even better, I managed to finally use a gorgeous piece of fabric that was too narrow and limp for anything else I've ever tried to make with it. I swear I've hauled out this fabric, ironed it, laid out pattern pieces on it, and wistfully folded it away every damn year since 1998.
Love this pattern, and can't wait to see it finished. It's on my 'to do someday' list, but I need to master my 'large FBA' technique first.
Posted by: Andrea | 06/13/2011 at 07:33 AM
Cannot wait to see it, especially have the side and bodice fit.
Posted by: Cel | 06/13/2011 at 07:42 AM
Gorgeous dress, _and_ you've reduced your stash? Brilliant!
Re shoulder pads, I'll never forget the day my Nanna (mother's mother) declared she "didn't need" shoulder pads because she didn't have "sloping shoulders" - i.e., she thought they were a sort of prosthetic device for people with unnaturally droopy shoulders #-) Still makes me chuckle.
Posted by: Anelie | 06/13/2011 at 08:03 AM
So funny...Casey over at Elegant Musings blog just did this very dress in a white jersey. It looked really lovely. I hadn't thought about this pattern previously, but now maybe I would? But all those gatherings keep me a bay. I really need to get on the gathering/ruffling foot stick.
Posted by: MB@YarnUiPhoneApp | 06/13/2011 at 08:04 AM
Very tempted by this one, obsessed with 1946 at the moment.
Posted by: MissRayne | 06/13/2011 at 12:23 PM
So pretty! Do you have any tips/tutorials on altering shoulders to remove shoulder pad space--especially on a pattern with sleeves?
Posted by: Elisabeth | 06/13/2011 at 12:52 PM
Oh, I love that pattern! I've been looking at it for months, but I think I'd look awful in it. You ARE going to show us yours when it's finished, aren't you. Sounds heavenly.
Posted by: Heather | 06/13/2011 at 04:18 PM
I'm SO excited to see your version of it, because I haven't loved the "real life" pictures that Vogue has. And I have wanted to like this pattern so much... :)
Posted by: Kristen | 06/13/2011 at 08:40 PM
Slightly off topic (but Vogue Patterns related): have you seen the $4.99 Vogue pattern this week? V8727 Halter neck sundress, with midriff band, long gathered skirt and pockets. Very ooohhhh.
http://voguepatterns.mccall.com/v8727-products-14166.php?page_id=857
Posted by: Vanessa | 06/13/2011 at 10:27 PM
Is silk organza washable?
Posted by: BJ | 06/14/2011 at 12:19 PM
Bj -- absolutely. I wash it hot and iron it and then never have any shrinkage trouble after that.
Posted by: Erin | 06/14/2011 at 01:09 PM
Erin's back! I'm so happy now. I missed the humor and inspiration while you were gone.
This is a gorgeous dress, and I admire it everytime I go on the Vogue patterns site. I really look forward to seeing your finished product. I don't think it will work for me very well, with my short waist that is rapidly getting shorter. I have a vision of the lovely flat midriff getting all bunched up and the gathered bodice section shlumped down over it. Seems like it would need a lot of boning or other reinforcement, which is a bit much for a little summer dress.
Posted by: Kathy | 06/15/2011 at 10:35 AM
Love this. Please share finished product.
Posted by: Packrat | 06/15/2011 at 08:13 PM
Wow - thanks for the tip on Dharma Trading! Even if I pay duty - being in Europe - that is way better than €58 supposedly discounted to €30 a metre! this is a gorgeous dress, and I will hunt for the pattern and order some of this silk organza from Dharma right now!
Posted by: Francesca | 10/31/2011 at 01:25 AM
Anelie's Nana was correct actually. In case someone else happens across this doing a google search. Shoulder pads ARE recommended in all of my vintage fitting and sewing books for, yes, drooping or sloping shoulders. Wonder what other gems of advice and knowledge we have missed by dismissing the words of our elderly?
Posted by: angie.a | 02/19/2012 at 07:34 AM