Pattern Description:
vintage vogue re-issued pattern. halter dress that can be worn strapless with below-the-knee skirt, button front and boned bodice.
Pattern Sizing:
4-6-8-10.
i cut a 4 at the top and graded out to a 12 at the waist (my actual size) and the bodice across the bust was STILL TOO BIG. i have no idea why there is so much ease in these garments, but i am so glad i read PR first, with reviewers who warned to make a muslin (i made two) and be mindful of the excessive garment ease. even with all of that, i will never be able to wear this dress without the halter!
Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?
absolutely, and it was adorable.
Were the instructions easy to follow?
very easy to follow with no head-scratching techniques that i noticed. even the bodice lining was easy and practical.
What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?
i liked the vintage style of the pattern and also the simplicity of the strapless bodice, which does not contain a corset.
Fabric Used:
liberty of london cotton tana lawn, "Pheobe A", purchased from B&J fabrics in New York City.
it reminded me of a field of poppy flowers i saw last spring in israel during easter week and passover.
Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:
as described, i tried to take out some of the fullness in the bodice. i lined the full dress instead of just the bodice and included the recommended boning. having noticed in the PR reviews that other sewers had difficulty with the structure of the bodice, i.e., it didn't have *enough* structure, in addition to including the recommended boning i interfaced the entire bodice with sew-in interfacing. it gave the bodice beautiful body and structure...i highly recommend this. i hemmed the skirt just above the knee and finished the hem with 1/2" horsehair braid to give the skirt some shape without a petticoat. i love this look, although the natural drape of the skirt was beautiful even without the braid.
Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?
it is unlikely i would sew it again, but i can happily recommend it. it came together quickly and beautifully and is a very cute dress.
