Vogue 8724 again

Here is the second version of Vogue 8724, made for my sister. This time I used size D cup for bodice. It was almost OK, but if sew this dress next time, I will do FBA. I cut size 14, but added 1.5cm to side seams (next time add 2 cm). The construction was the same as for the dress I made for myself.

 

Easy knit dres

This is a dress I made 3 times in a row. I didn't planned it, it just happened. I sew one dress for myself. When I showed finished garment to my sisters, both of them requested that I sew one for them.

The pattern is Vogue 8724. The pattern is rated easy, which is very true. It comes with separate bodice pieces for A,B,C and D bra cups. I used B-cup for myself, and D-cup for my sisters' dresses.

I cut size 12 and graded to 14 at waist and hips. Grading was not necessary, as I ended taking side seams in. I did my usual short waist alteration (1.5 cm) and shortened skirt by 5 cm.

 

I interfaced neckline with strip of knit interfacing, and finished it with binding. I sew all seams on my sewing machine with narrow zig-zag, and then serged them.

The unique feature of this dress are back princess seams. They are easy for fitting.

I have worn this dress few times during May and it's definitely a winner. I'm thinking of tweaking the pattern a bit, and sewing tunic with flared skirt. If I figure out how to add sleeves, it will be great dress for coller weather.

Vogue 1250 revisited

I ordered  1m of this rayon knit for summer top. When fabric arrived, it was so generously cut, that I managed to sew a dress from it. I took Vogue 1250, the pattern I used last year for my  first knit project. The only difference was that I shortened skirt by 4 cm due to shortage of fabric. (Note to myself - don't do it again. Skirt is a bit too short for my taste).

It was quick and easy project. I started on Friday evening and finished on Sunday morning, so that I could wear it to my mom's birthday party.

 

Close up of fabric:

 

Silk pencil skirt

I bought this silk fabric online at bargain price with the idea of using it as lining. When it arrived, it turned out to be so beautiful, so I wanted to sew skirt with it. At first I wanted to sew pleated skirt, but that fabric doesn't holds pleats well. So I decided to make pencil skirt instead.

I took pattern from Burda 08/2007, the one I used before. There was nothing difficult about construction, but fabric was tricky to handle. That is why I spent on it more time, than I usually do on basic skirt, and it's the only garment finished in April.

Firstly, when I basted the skirt and tried it on, it clinged to my bare legs, because of static. It was impossible to check the fit. I washed the fabric in fabric softener and it solved the problem.

Then I had no idea how to hem the skirt. I searched over internet, and suggested method for hemming silk is so called baby-hem. I was afraid it wouldn't work on skirt with back vent. I tried to use seam-a-steam, and I almost ruined the garment. I need to cut off few centimetres. Eventually I turned the hem under and stitched.

Me Made May 2014

I, Malgorzata of http://attagirl-pl.blogspot.com, sign up as a participant of Me-Made-May '14. I endeavour to wear at least 1 handmade garment three days a week for the duration of May 2014

More info on Zoe's blog

Skirt for spring

I recently learned the concept of "capsule wardrobe". Basically, it's an idea of creating the collection of essential items of clothing that will not go out of fashion and then update with seasonal pieces. Those basis items should be interchengable in order to maximise the number of outfits.

I started my capsule wardrobe with a skirt. I bought the lightweight wool during my trip to Warszaw in January, and thought it would make great skirt for transitional season. The pattern is good old Simplicity 2451.

I was making the skirt for the third time, so all alterations had been done previously. I lenghten back darts. I also lined the skirt using the same pattern as for fashion fabric.

The skirt is comfortable to wear and very versatile. It can be worn in casual outfits, or dressed up for office.

Back view

Kay Unger dress aka birthday dress.

I started this dress in November, intending to wear it on Christmas. Then I wanted it to finish before New Years Eve, and then before the theatre performance in February. In the meantime I managed to finish few knit projects. I finally finished it just before my birthday, so it became birthday dress.

The pattern is Vogue 1183, Kay Unger dress. It's my second designer pattern, the first one was famous Vogue 1250 (DKNY). The line drawings are misleading, because the bodice is much shorter, it hits under the bust.

I made a lot of changes for that pattern. I shortem midriff, lengthen the bodice front, and did swayback adjustment for the back. I also lengthen the skirt. I changed the shape of front darts, they looked weird as drafted. Instead of slit I made a vent.

The pattern is rated easy, but for me it wasn't. I had fitting issues, even though I made a muslin (it's something I rarely do). Few times I needed to rip the topstiching.

I 

I used wool crepe in bright red colour. I lined the dress with silk lining. If I was to sew it again, I would underline with silk organza to control wrinkling (provided I could buy silk organza somewhere).

 

I'm happy that I finally finished this dress. I'm glad with result , the dress looks elegant, and silk lining gives the feeling of luxury.