Despite having enough uncut patterns in my stash to sink a ship (or start my own shop) I do tend to find a pattern  I like and then make it over and over again.  This is the third rendition of Vogue 1179.  The first one is here, actually in quite a similar fabric.  There is also a teal/petrol blue wool jersey version that I don’t seem to have blogged but have worn a lot through winter as a layered tunic.

I wore this to Nikki‘s excellent knife/scissor sharpening party (take that, Tupperware, Enjo, Intimo, aromatherapy et al! Knife/scissor sharpening parties are tres chic!) on Friday, and felt comfortable and stylish. Because I had already shortened the pattern through the waist, it took me less than a couple of hours to cut out and sew up this dress. The hem is nice and deep, as per the pattern, but I didn’t follow the instructions for attaching the cowl or for finishing the armhole edges. The armholes aren’t exceptionally deep in this pattern, so I just turned and twin needle stitched them down. For the cowl, I folded it in half right sides together, then stitched it to the neckline on the overlocked. Very quick and easy. The overlocking is all hidden on the inside – no need to handstitch this cowl into place.

Once again, there are lots of positive reviews for this pattern. Yes, it is essentially a sack, but the cowl and neckline pleats, combined with the weight of the deep hem, keep it somehow a little more shapely. The fabric is from Darn Cheap Fabrics (it’s current stock) for around $7 per metre. I love the texture!  The purple patent clogs are from Funkis (they were popular at the knife/scissor sharpening party too!)

I’ve also worn this layered with leggings, boots and a long-sleeved t-shirt underneath. And a cardi over the top.