Vogue 1268 Teal Velvet Guy Larouche Dress

I love Vogue's designer patterns. Not only do they allow you to make designer clothes yourself, but they also teach you sewing techniques that you wouldn't ordinarily encounter. It always amazes me how many steps and pattern pieces Vogue patterns have.

This Vogue Pattern designed by Guy Larouche was one of my favorite in the last catalog.

This is my wearable muslin. I wasn't sure what I wanted to do with this fabric that I bought for $1 per yard years ago. I thought the two were a nice match. Sorry that I didn't iron the velvet, but I didn't even realize how wrinkled it was until after I saw the pics myself. I have mixed feelings about this dress as you will read below.

Pattern Description:
Very loose-fitting, lined, wrap dress has pleated, blouson bodice, shaped front hemline, snap closing and long sleeves with cuffs folded-back.

Pattern Sizing:
AA(6-8-10-12), D5(12-14-16-18-20)
Fabric Used:
Velvet - I must say that I am torn on my choice of fabric. I like the velvet and the color, however, I can see how a heavier weight faux suede could lay better in the skirt area. However, I do wonder how the heavier weight faux suede would wear around the waist area, as I think the velvet is a little poofy.

Cost to Make: Time to Make:
$8. Found the fabric on the $1 at Walmart years ago when they had a $1. Vogue was $4. Also needed snaps.

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern?
Yes it really did. This was my first time using fabric with a nap (a direction) and I think it came out well.

Were the instructions easy to follow?
Yes, I had no points of confusions.

What did you particularly like about this pattern?
I liked the simplicity; yet it was still different if you catch my drift.

What did you dislike about the pattern?
In the end, I dislike all the poofiness around the waist area. Especially in the front. I am fine with it in the back. Also I have to pin together the breast area bc this area is very loose and you will definitely show all your goods if you don't do something. Also be sure to get very good snaps and sew them in very well. I used small ones since this was a muslin and they did pop a couple of times :).

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made?
None.

Would you recommend it to others?
Take a good look at the waist area before deciding if you want to make this one. It is quite poofy. The low v-neck can be dealt with quite easily, but not the poofy waist.

Conclusion:
I have a love-hate relationship going on with this dress. I sincerely love it and hate it all at the same time. I can't quite point out why. Its like that front waist area just doesn't lay right to me. I can play with it and get it to lay just right and then I love it! Then I move around like a normal person and its not laying right again. Maybe I am being too much of a perfectionist. I will try the dress with a belt and see if that can pull me all the way over to the love side of this relationship.