Vogue 1238 - Issey Charcoal Dress

Every now and then a pattern comes along that makes you say 'that's interesting, but would I actually wear that'; 'I like it, but is it too unique'; 'definitely has a designer flare, but would I stand out too much'. That is what I thought when I saw this.

Usually, I pass on the pattern because the difficulty of the pattern and the cost investment were too high for an 'I'm not so sure about this'. But not this time! It looked easy and quick to make and I could find a cheap knit to try it out....so off I went!

The first thing I feel I should say is that I made this dress with a very cheap polyester knit. I wasn't sure about this dress. I liked its uniqueness and designer flare. But I wasn't sure that it would end up looking like a potato sack or parachute. I also wasn't sure if it would turn out to be a house dress, a casual dress, or a dress that can be worn in dress-up occasions like a wedding. So I decided to try the pattern out with a cheap fabric. I figured for minimal investment, I would either get a wearable muslin or an out-right disaster.

Well, given the cheap nature of this fabric, I am actually happy with the resulting dress! I got a wearable muslin!

So try to imagine the dress made with a nice fabric that will curve and lay better. I could see a nice rayon knit, bamboo knit, or even silk jersey making this dress very nice. The dress also lends itself to all of the occasions I mentioned before. It can be made from a luxurious fabric and dressed up, from a casual fabric for day wear, or an inexpensive fabric for a house dress...that can be worn on a quick errand to the store.

The pattern is described as Pullover dress is very loose-fitting at the bust.

It comes in  (XS-S-M-L).

I used a cheap polyester knit fabric from the 5 yards for $5 bolts at Walmart.

I liked the unique nature of this pattern. I liked that it is different and stands out, but isn't weird. I also like that your choice of fabric can make this dress dressy or casual.

I cut 4" of the bottom of this dress. I should mention that this is a dress where you will want to play with the length. I pinned the hem at various lengths and some of the longer lengths did lend itself towards a parachute look. If the dress isn't quite right, make sure that you have the shoulder hem centered on your shoulders and then play with the length...makes a huge difference.

If I decide to make a better version of this dress, I will try to draft out some of the width of the bottom hem. I think the bottom hem should be tighter (closer to the body). I tried to show that in the pictures. You can see in the full frontal picture that the skirt is dipping in the center, but on the picture to its left, the skirt is striaght across. That is because I spread my legs in the picture on the left. So this shows how wide this hem is.

Also make sure you cut the right size. If you get this thing too big, it make look paper bagish.

I know this isn't a look for everyone, but if you ever wanted to venture out into one of those 'do I dare' designer looks. This is the pattern to do it because it is easy to make.....no buttons, no zippers, just long seams basically. Go for it!

Vogue 2797 - Asymmetric Geometric Black and White Dress

Now this is more me! This pattern has sat unused in my stash for several years now. This fabric has also sat in my stash for several years. Well, I finally made the match and out came this:

 Its both asymmetrical and geometric which is perfect for me bc I'm a Mathematician!

I completed this dress in about 3 hours with various interruptions. It is basically 4 pieces and a lot of narrow hems. I always buy Vogue when on sale for $4 and this fabric was a clearance table find. It seems to be a rayon lycra, but the stretch is very slight but bouncy. It could be polyester, but (if so) it is nicer (to sew) than most polyesters. Though, this fabric did give me some tension trouble! All in all, the dress cost about $10 to make.

The instructions were very easy - although the pattern says that you need to cut 2 of the back and you do not...you only need one. Thus, the fabric requirements listed on the back are a bit over stated. I had 2 yards of this fabric and it was just enough for a size 8. It was also 60" wide.

 It looks exactly like View C of the pattern!

I like the structured, asymmetrical look. I disliked nothing at all! Well, maybe before I realized I only needed to cut 1 back (instead of the stated 2), I was a little bummed because I felt this was the perfect fabric for this pattern.

Because my fabric had plenty of stretch, I did omit the zipper. Love omitting those whenever I get a chance!
I also sewed the sides with french seams so that I would not have to serge (the serger was much to rough on this delicate fabric - have to learn how to use it with delicate fabrics).

I know this style of dress is not for everyone, but if it is for you, go for it. You will not be disappointed. Very easy and quick to make. I will probably try a different view in the future.

Vogue 1190 - Tracy Reese Dress

Ok, as soon as I saw this pattern I liked it. I thought this dress was awesome. I didn't buy it until I saw several reviews on it and I liked those dresses as well. So I decided to go ahead and give it a try.

I guess you can tell that I had my reservations about this dress. My reservations are do to the ruffles on the shoulders. I like the ruffles on this dress. I'm just not a ruffle wear-er. You know how there are styles that you like, but you just don't like them on you or you like them, but they just aren't you. That is the vibe I have with this dress. I really like it, but is it me? It more girly and frilly than I am. I'm more structured and straight lines and edgy. But I gave it a go ahead!

Here is the dress with the ruffles:

 

And guess what? Again, I like it! BUT it is so not me. I didn't feel comfortable at all with the girly ruffles on my shoulders. I know some will 'fuss' at me, but ruffles just aren't for everyone. Just like bows aren't for everyone. If you've seen some more of what I've made, you probably guessed that I'm athletic; maybe even tom-boyish. So clearly, I'm not the girlly girl type (and dh LOVES this by the way!).

Anyway, here's the dress without the ruffles:

And I must say, I like this version as well and I know it is now just a boring dress with no designer flair, but its more me....I'm more comfortable in it. I don't feel like I am pretending and wondering if I look silly (although I know I don't look silly). So, I haven't decided, what do you think?

Here's my review:

This is a great pattern. Very easy to use.

This is a Vogue Tracy Reese pattern that is described as: Close-fitting, A-line, above mid-knee length dress has front ruffles, pleats, exposed darts, back straps, princess seams, back zipper and contrast waistband with bow.

It comes in the following sizes: AA(6-8-10-12), EE(14-16-18-20)

The fabric is from Fabric Mart trendy knits and is 95% Rayon/5% Lycra. I got it for $8, so the fabric cost me $16, the pattern $4. So I would say the dress cost about $22 to make and about 4 hours (but I am slow, pin everything, try on dozens of times, and deal with two bouncing preschool boys).

With the ruffles it looks exactly like the pattern!

The instructions were very easy to follow and I agree with Vogue rating this pattern as easy. I think this pattern could be harder based on the type of fabric you use and your experience with that fabric. Also your experience with invisible zippers could make this a harder pattern. But as I made it, a knit with no zipper, this pattern was easy.

I liked the shape of this dress. It intrigued me...would I like it one, wouldn't I; so I just had to make it!
I actually like the ruffles, but would I like them on me....and they are a major feature of this design; so this was my point of contention!

Since I used a knit, I omitted the zipper. Just remember that if you do this, you need to use a stretchy interfacing on the waistband. I also had to cut about 4" out of the top of the back straps. This was to bring the underarm up which was hanging bra showing low! So be aware of that, but the back straps make this an easy fix.I also have photos were I removed the ruffles and made this just a plain dress....but I just haven't decided on the ruffles yet :).

I would definitely recommend this dress to others. I am pretty sure that I will not make this again, but if I were to make it again, I would make it from a sheer or semi-sheer.


I like both styles of the dress that I show in the pictures. I just don't know if ruffles are for me :(. But this will get lots of wear!