Thursday, January 31, 2013

Vogue 8552 - Version 3

Vogue 8552


Thank you so much for all the wonderful people who took the time to comment on my last post about the fabric placement for this dress. The results clearly speak for themselves: 

#2 My preference: 25                   #1 My husband's preference: 1

Of course, he is now claiming that I misunderstood him and that he meant #2 all along! 

This is the third version I have made of Vogue 8552. It was sewn using a gorgeous quality linen purchased from The Fabric Store, Melbourne a week before Christmas. It is quite light and floaty with plenty of drape. I really love both the pattern and the muted colours used on this fabric. I was particularly attracted to the wide purple border. I think it frames the fabric really well.  

I'm not usually very good at tuning into the best placement for fabric as I'm generally quite distracted when I sew (you know, with trying to manage the needs of three young children and all) and start chopping into the fabric mindlessly only to regret in later. This time, however, I took the time to think about the ideal placement (with your help). I was also very careful to match the pattern at all the seams. So grown up, don't you think!


The original pattern of this dress has a front and back neck facing. This is sewn on prior to adding the pleats resulting in a fairly bulk neckline. I chose to pleat the neckline first and then to bind it with self-made bias binding instead. Not only did this eliminate the bulk but also meant the facing wasn't visible through the fabric.

The skirt of original pattern has a pegged front and a straight back. I altered both front and back to resemble more of a slight a-line shaped skirt as I wanted it to be much more roomier. The idea for this was blatantly stolen from my sister Katherine's latest version of this dress.

The only other deviation from the pattern was to omit the pockets. I really didn't want anything to upset the beautiful pattern on the fabric.


After wearing this dress to work today, I can say gushingly that I LOVE THIS DRESS!!!! In fact, I think there was quite a bit of dress-envy from my colleagues. It was cool (if doing playground duty at 38 degrees can be described as cool), comfortable, appropriate and the right amount of groovy. Also, I could scoot to work comfortably in it which gives it extra bonus points.

Speaking of which, check out my new wheels....LOVE!



Previous versions




16 comments:

  1. Lovely dress. I especially like the self bias binding. The other two dresses are also lovely. No wonder you wanted to make another. I didn't get to vote on your previous post, but I agree with everyone else!

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  2. it looks fantastic, so cool and airy! I'm so glad you went with this print placement, the X shape on the front is very flattering to a woman's curves. And I love how you are wearing it with a green necklace :)

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  3. Oh, and I meant to add... I remember well the challenges that come with juggling sewing and three pre-school children. They do grow up... mine have! and you get more time again. Kudos to you for carving out time for your favourite hobby :)

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  4. Oh so, so nice! You look really fabulous. You have done a very grown up job of it! And how cool is scootering to work...

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  5. Sweeeeet! Also I love your push scooter. Where did you get it? And ofcourse he 'meant' 2 XD I gotta make one of these now! I've still got your yellow version bookmarked XD

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    1. Hi, It's an adult micro (brand) scooter. I bought it online from here: http://www.microscooters.com.au/adult-scooters/flex-blue It has huge wheels so goes really fast with very little effort.

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  6. It's so pretty and just perfect for a hot summer's day!

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  7. Well, you and your sis have made great use of this pattern. I bought it after seeing you yellow version. Love the little details and huge pockets. I am totally attracted to this type of fabric you used this time. It is a really lovely dress.

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  8. Good call on the fabric placement - it has turned out great. I would imagine it would be pefect for the summer's heat. Love the scooter.

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  9. No wonder that you love it and the the other teachers were in envy - it is GORGEOUS! Absolutely perfect fabric pattern placement and alterations. Definitely my favourite pattern (at the moment) - must make another one soon! And that scooter is super cute - I never considered a scooter for me!

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  10. I absolutely love this Bernice! You've convinced me to hunt that pattern down. It will be great in winter too with a cardi. The pattern placement is perfect.

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  11. That fabric is really pretty and I love the placement. I tried to buy this pattern at a recent online sale but unfortunately I couldn't find it.

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  12. You always find the coolest fabric. The pattern is perfect for the fabric and your placement is spot on. It is a very groovy dress indeed!

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  13. Fab dress and being linen makes me love it even more. I got a real grin out of picturing you riding your scooter to work in this dress, what fun :D

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  14. I love the soft colours in the fabric and your pattern matching is impeccable!

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  15. It's gorgeous :) and I'm glad to see #2 was the clear winner! haha! This pattern is clearly such a winner for you... can we expect to see another iteration some time soon?

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