I don’t know why, but this dress feels like a ‘Betty’ to me. It’s Very Easy Vogue 8631 and it was an absolute dream to sew. Maybe it’s because I’ve been sewing with a few tricky fabrics lately and this was plain old polka-dotty cotton, but it went together easily, all the instructions made sense, all the bits fit together well, and the only thing I found odd is that it relies on just a hook and eye to keep the front closed.
It’s a pretty simple design with maximum pay off. The bodice has kimono sleeves and two pleats, the skirt has 3 pleats. The back has two skirt darts, two back darts and two tiny neckline darts to keep it fitted. The centre back skirt seam is curved slightly so I couldn’t match the pattern as well as the centre back bodice seam.
And here’s the detail on the gorgeous pleating.
Bust
Waistline
I’ll definitely be sewing this one again. Originally I purchased the pattern (as part of the box-o-patterns) to make up something like this dress from Tory Burch. Maybe even using sari fabric?
Tory Burch Resort 2011 via style.com
TOTAL COST:
Pattern: US$3.99
Fabric: $14.5 (2.9m @ $5/m – Spotlight)
Thread: $3.0
TOTAL: NZ$25.50 / US$$17.70
I love how that fits you, it’s really flattering! (and looks much better than the model on the Vogue page looks, in my opinion.)
Hm, I’m wondering if I should get it on my next shopping trip, but I think I have way too many dress patterns as it is, lol.
Thank you! I would definitely recommend this one. The great thing about it is that it’s really easy to put together but still looks interesting.
I have the same issue with having too many patterns but then I always want to make more versions of each one I get round to sewing!
Wow, that is gorgeous on you! You should definitely make that again. that’s a hubba-hubba dress for sure. Though, if I were you I wouldn’t just rely on that hook & eye; I’m speaking from experience!
Totally!I’m such a klutz it would probably happen while I was carrying loads of bags too
Any ideas? I’m thinking of either an internal button (or external if I can find a cute one). Or maybe attach ties?
nice dress, I love the vintage touch with the polka dot print
Cute! I have been wondering about this pattern. Thanks for the review
Oo… love this dress! I need to find some polka dot fabric!
I love this pattern, so much, that I’ve decided to buy it next time bmv has a sale on! I also have that same fabric, we both have great taste. You did an excellent job.
Kat
I’ve made this dress 4 times now (and am contemplating more…) and it was your review that convinced me to try it in something other than stretch jersey and it worked a dream in cottons too. I attached ties to fasten the front as a hook and eye on their own were utter madness.