You might be wondering why I made a dress for which I didn’t have very high expectations. I actually did think Vogue 8873 was a really cute dress design, and I am kind of crushing on cowls right now, and I wanted to use a piece of insanely-gorgeous fabric from EmmaOneSocksome great fabric store…..so I was initially sure the finished product was going to be lovely.
Somehow, don’t ask me how because I can’t explain it, I didn’t realize until the project was underway that the waistline was dropped below the natural waist. Yes, the technical drawing/pictures give a hint of this. Yes, the front bodice darts indicated this. But somehow I was not paying enough attention. And a dropped waist on a high-hipped lady usually spells trouble. So I fretted and stewed. Worried that I was putting effort into something that was not going to be wearable. Worried I was “wasting” my beautiful fabric. Worried that my all-too-precious sewing time was being wasted.
So I constructed the dress front and the dress back, and basted the side seams together. I tried it on. And I was stunned. Stunned, I tell you.
It worked on my figure! It fit perfectly! It was not wasted effort in any way! And since I have at least one wedding to attend this summer I now have a pretty new dress to wear that makes me feel all flirty and feminine. Winner-winner chicken-dinner!
The fabric is a super comfy ponte in an inky navy blue paintbrush print. I fell in love with this fabric and ordered several yards (how many months ago?), not knowing for certain what it wanted to become. When I saw Vogue 8873 it was a natural pairing.
The instructions call for this dress to be lined, but I didn’t have any stretchy lining in my stash, and couldn’t find any tricot when I made a feeble attempt to find a suitable lining. I took a risk that the lining was not required. That decision did require binding the armhole with ivory bias Ambiance; easy-peasy. I also lined the pockets with the same ivory Ambiance.
I made my usual “petite above the waist” adjustment, and lengthened the skirt by almost 2 inches. (Thanks be to God, since it ended barely at my knees!) Other than that, a straight size 14. This dress is very easy to sew, and I am thinking about making another version with the bias skirt, maybe in a floaty rayon fabric? In the meantime, I plan to wear the heck out of this pretty frock!
Geez, too many selfies in this post?!? 😉
Happy sewing!
Maris
You look gorgeous in that gorgeous dress!
Thanks, beautiful!!
You look amazing in this gorgeous dress! It’s so cool and feminine at the same time! You picked a great print as well!
Thank you so much Hanne! I just love it and know it is going to be a favorite.
Your dress is lovely. Glad is worked for you.
Gorgeous dress. Perfect for picnics, cocktails, and a nice evening walk!
Thanks Gwen! I bet I will be able to “sashay” in it! 😉
Oooo I love this dress!! and it looks so great on you!!
P.S. I also didn’t notice that the pattern nada dropped waist 🙂
THanks very much Carrie, and I am so glad I am not the only one who didn’t notice the waistline!
Oooo I love this dress!! and it looks so great on you!!
P.S. I also didn’t notice that the pattern had a dropped waist 🙂
This is really, really lovely! I love it on you!
Thank you Ginger – you are too sweet!
this dress looks great on you! i love the fabric, what a perfect pairing!
Thank you so much Lisa!
Beautiful style on you! You’ll get lots of wear out of that, I’m certain. Love the fabric, too.
Thanks Cissie, I sure hope so!
Very nice! This dress looks so good on you. Love the fabric.
Thanks so much, Mary Kay!
Fabulous dress! You look smashing in it. (and I see you now have a follow up comment notification option- yay!)
Thanks Laura! And thanks for the reminder to add the comment follow-up!
WOW you are soooooo pretty and I love the fabric!! I cant WAIT to see you this summer!!!!!!!!!!
P.S. Ok, I REALLY want that dress!!!
Hahaha, thanks Claire!
Gorgeous dress Maris.
Aww, you are the best Ruth!
Hi Maris,
The dress is such a beautiful fit and the fabric suits you so well too.
Enjoy wearing it and the compliments that will come with it!
Thank you so much Marysia, and thanks for reading! Always so fun to see a new name!
Beautiful! Fits like a glove!
Thanks Nancy!!