does this look familiar?

Saturday 27 November 2010
I liked the black and purple graphic print tulip skirt I made a few weeks ago so much, that instead of putting the remaining fabric back into the stash to sit for a few more years, I decided to use it instead. One point to me for stash busting properly! I had thoughts of making this dress from Burda 3-2009 (dress 107):












but before I could muster the energy to trace it out, I remembered that I had Vogue 8319 which is very very similar (and predates the Burda, not that I'm making any accusations):

I've made the jacket from this pattern twice, one from a heavy linen (which is in the UFO box awaiting a refashion) and one from a soft wool (which I refashioned for maternity wear) and both weren't that great. But I'm glad to report the dress pattern is pretty good, so this pattern didn't turn out to be a complete waste:


This is a really simple dress, fully lined and with long princess seam style darts that resulted in a close fitting. The only thing I don't really like is the slit at the bottom of the back hem - it's just one of those done on the seam line so it spreads out, whereas I prefer the underlap style which I think looks neater (excuse the wrinkles, this photo was taken at the end of a long love in with office chair all day):
I did do a slight sway back alteration to get a close fit at the back, although I'll probably wear this with a belt for a more finished look, which cinches it in anyway:


So once again, this is another finished item that was not on the list of summer things to sew! But I really like it and will get a lot of wear out it. It's a great sheath style dress for work situations because with the wider shoulders there's less chance of visible bra strap, and according to fashion theory the wider shoulders should balance out wider hips too. I can see another version of this in a plain, subdued colour with piping at those shoulder seams with a matching self fabric/piped edge belt too. I was going to say that I'll put that on the list for next year's sewing, but if I do that I probably won't ever make it judging by my current form....

27 comments:

  1. I have this pattern. It never looked this great on me. Glad it looks great on someone!

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  2. the dress was beautiful, I love the simple design of the fabric and prints. Congratulations.

    Eilane - Brasil
    ___________________________________
    O vestido ficou lindo, amo o desenho simples e as estampas do tecido. Parabéns.

    Eilane - Brasil

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  3. FAB-U-LOUS! Wonderful colours that really suit you and the style is totally flattering. Win-win!

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  4. I think it would be hard to go wrong with this fabric. It just looks fabulous on you!

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  5. Beautiful!! That is a lovely style and the fabric is wonderful. The colors are just perfect on you!

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  6. What a chic sheath. You look wonderful in this beautiful dress.

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  7. I love the print and your figure is fabulous!

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  8. It is a little jarring to see you wearing and making summer clothes as it gets colder and colder here on my side of the planet!

    However, I'm loving this dress on you! Love the color, print and the fit! You did a lovely job ~ even though I am very jealous of your warmer weather! *LOL*

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  9. I found the same thing as you with this pattern - great dress, not so great jacket. Your version of the dres looks great on you!

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  10. I just found your blog, and love your dress! This pattern has been in my stash for years, and I've come close to making it many times. What about that the jacket didn't you like?

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  11. Very cute! The colors look great on you and the fit is perfection. I have the Burda copy earmarked for summer. Do you even need a slit on a knee length dress? I usually leave them off anything above the knee. If it's not needed, perhaps you could sew it closed and be 100% happy with it.

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  12. Way to beat the stash! I really like the colors of this one on you.
    The skirt was cute too... maybe a different jacket pattern to go with both? Just a thought.
    As Carolyn said... I'm jealous of your nice warm weather too... spent yesterday with DH's family trying to get a Christmas tree out in the woods.... usually it's a great outing... this year, yeah... don't ask!!
    Really though, what a bout some sort of purple jacket/sweater to go with? Check the stash!!!
    Later...

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  13. It looks fabulous - very chic.

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  14. I think this might be one of your best ever! Beautiful!

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  15. Beautiful dress and fits you so well.

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  16. Your sheath looks beautiful. Terrific fabric.

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  17. These colours are fabulous on you. The dress looks great and you look surprisingly fresh for a day at the office. The dress really suits you and I love it with the belt.
    Sofie sewdarntired.blogspot.com

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  18. I totally love your dress! Very nicely fitted too.

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  19. Nice!! I need to make some clothes for work. I like your idea of a plain one too with piping.

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  20. I also have this pattern and have made the dress so many times, it's my TNT shift dress. As for the jacket?! I made it once from a pre-embroidered linen but never really wear it as it is very shapless.
    If you want the back vent to survive any ripping sew a skirt bar (from a hook and bar pack) on the inside approx 6mm above the vent top - it works a treat!

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  21. This dress works for you! You've achieved a great fit. With a black jacket, you'll be able to wear this most of the your.

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  22. This dress looks fabulous. And I love that fabric.

    I think you've made a very wise choice with the pattern. I've made the Burda version and like other sewists on Pattern Review, found that it not very fitted.

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  23. So chic! It looks amazing on you.

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  24. Gorgeous dress. I coveted the fabric when you made it into a skirt and I covet it again now. Beautiful!

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  25. I love your dress!!! It suits you so well. That Burda dress is exactly the lines I'm looking for in a dress I'm planning. Must find that issue! :)

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  26. I love this dress and it looks absolutely fabulous on you!! Great job!

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