Sunday, October 19, 2014

Vogue 1351, my new favorite


As I wrote in my blog hop post, I bought two dress patterns from Vogue recently. I had this very pretty flowery fabric and wanted to choose the best pattern for it. It was the birthday gift which Carolyn sent me in this April. So I gave myself two options after a very long thought and finally chose V1351 in the end. I was thinking V1359 at the beginning, however, the more I looked at the fabric, the more I preferred the other option because I felt this bold print strongly called for a sleeveless dress. I decided to use V1351 thinking "Never mind, I can definitely wear it with a cardigan even though it is Autumn. Feeling prettier is better than feeling more practical especially with this print."

I really love this dress. I love the draped front neckline and I was very impressed by how it was well drafted. It sits very beautifully with being held by the lining, but the lining never peeps out even though I try to show it from outside very hard. The parts are cut in bias except the back bodice, and I think this makes the dress fit me quite well.



Construction-wise, I love the way of assembling shoulder straps of this dress so much. The instructions are actually very great (I don't say this often)! I got clean finish and I'm very happy with the minimal slip stitches in the inside seam of straps. The only and probably very helpful advice for those who are going to try the pattern for the first time.... is executing STEP1 differently. I reinforced the shoulder edges of front bodice with small patches of fusible interfacing instead of doing it with machine stitches, and left them intact (uncut) until the exact step in which front and back shoulder straps are stitched together(STEP21). Then it is easier to make precise and clean clippings in the shoulder seams. That gives the garment impressively beautiful shoulder straps! I know you think I'm crazy but you don't know what I am trying to say. "What STEP21?" I know. Actually I'm muttering to my imaginal-novice-me and I want to warn her that there may be no need to snip the fabric too much in advance. Thank you for your patience and I think I'm done. Let's forget it and go ahead together.

By the way, I used a nicely draping woven for the fashion fabric as pattern suggested. For the lining, I used a knit lining. This combination of fashion fabric and lining in this dress worked brilliantly. FYI.

Last but definitely not least, I'd love to thank Carolyn so much about giving me such a nice gift. I hope that I could do the right decision and that I managed to bring a good result on the fabric.


Talk to you soon, my next plan is a coat. I hope you're enjoying sewing too.

Love,
yoshimi


I managed to make a cardigan too.


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Flowery dress
pattern: 1351 dress from Vogue Patterns
fabric: georgette/crepe, not too sheer, fine, soft
bouncy feeling when squeezed in hand.
-taken some from back neckline to reduce gaping.

Snap Button Cardigan
pattern: Fujiko from Tamanegi-kobo
fabric: cotton/tencel blend, double jersy knits, soft, warm
reversible, stretches very well
-applied a set of plackets and made it as a cardigan.
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31 comments:

  1. A beautiful dress, Yoshimi! You did justice to Carolyn's fabric.

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  2. I'm not a florals girl but I love this one! Did u place the print purposefully in the front -- it looks awesome!?
    Great photos too.

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    1. Thank you, LLBB! Yes, I did place the pattern like that purposefully. I always have a long "thinking time" about the pattern placement on the fabric, because placement is a rather difficult job for me. So I'm very glad you like it! Thank you again!

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  3. very lovely, I think this pattern is genius, agree with everything you said re: construction and the lining. I have made it 4 times and it is so pretty. Looks great on you.

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  4. such a pretty dress! Good to hear it is well drafted. I have this pattern and your dress makes me want to sew it up real soon!

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  5. A beautiful fabric and a great pattern make for a magical smile :-)

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  6. Beautiful! I am glad you chose this pattern rather than the other you mention.

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  7. I love "feeling beautiful is better than feeling practical." Words to live by. :-) Lovely dress in a beautiful print!

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  8. Your dress is gorgeous. You have chosen your pattern perfectly. Having made this dress before twice, your instructions make perfect sense and are something I am keen to try.

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  9. This is beautiful. Love the way it hangs and the fabric is just gorgeous!

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  10. I absolutely adore this! The more I see V1351, the more I notice that it is such a beautiful dress, and your version is absolutely perfect; summery and such a wonderful match to your birthday fabric ;)

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  11. Such a cute dress! I love the cowl neckline too! Unlike any other neckline it has something playful in it. This fabric is very appropriate for autumn, so I can totally understand why this dress is you new favourite! Oh, I have not realized that the cardigan is made from a Tamanegi Kobo pattern! It looked like coming from a shop! :)

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  12. This is a lovely pattern choice for this dress.

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  13. Oh that is very beautiful. You've just made me add this to my overflowing pattern buying list.

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  14. Super beautiful, it's so lovely and summery!

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  15. Such a pretty dress. Your pattern and fabric are together the perfect choice.

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  16. Oh Yoshimi you look so pretty in the new dress, I am so glad you like the fabric and I think it suits you beautifully. Your new cardigan is very cute too! :)

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  17. Stunning dress in the most amazing fabric. I bought the pattern last year but haven't used it yet. Definitely high on my summer sewing list.

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  18. Beautiful dress and the fabric is just gorgeous! That pattern is going on my wish list, love how it drapes.

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  19. It looks beautiful! It also looks very comfortable, which is a big plus, I think.

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  20. Beautiful fabric and pattern pairing! Lovely dress. That is such a gorgeous fabric and you did a great job showcasing it!

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  21. So pretty! You look so happy wearing your new creation!

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  22. Such a pretty dress - I really like a cowl neck!

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  23. What a wonderful pairing of flattering pattern and beautiful fabric! You look just lovely, Yoshimi.

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  24. Absolutely stunning Yoshimi! Carolyn chose such a beautiful print for you! What a team!

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  25. Stunningly gorgeous on you!

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  26. I have made this dress too and it is my all-time favorite dress. Maybe I'll have to make it again, seeing your version. The fabric placement is perfect!

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  27. It's beautiful! Such a wonderful fabric and I love the pattern you used. :)

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Thank you for your comments!!