Day: 6 August 2015

adult's clothing, sewing

Vogue 1410

So many patterns, so little time!  I pounced on Vogue 1410 pretty quickly when it was released.  Because I wasn’t sure about how the length would work on me, I decided to make a muslin (gasp!) – but one that I hoped would be wearable.  I shortened the pattern pieces at the shorten/lengthen lines – all two pattern pieces; fastest cutting out ever – and cut it out in some digitally printed cotton twill from Spotlight that had been lurking in stash for a year or two.  And this is what I ended up with!

Vogue 1410 in digitally printed drill from Spotlight - adjusted to longer length

It’s certainly out of the ordinary and is definitely a statement piece! This is the line drawing and pattern description from Vogue’s website.

MISSES’ DRESS: Very loose-fitting, pullover dress has very narrow hem finish on neckline and armholes, front and back pleats, inside button/buttonholes forming drape and three adjustable lengths, French seams, and narrow hem. Purchased cord stopper and elastic cord form front drape. FABRICS: Stretch Poplin, Seersucker, Silk Dupioni, Lt.Wt. Wool Crepe. Unsuitable for obvious diagonals.

Now, did you notice that bit about adjustable lengths?

Vogue 1410 in digitally printed drill from Spotlight - adjusted to shorter length

They weren’t kidding! There are buttons at different levels on the inside of the side seams and it is simple to button up the hem to any of the levels. As well as altering the length it adjusts the shape; the shorter the dress, the more bubbled the hemline.

Vogue 1410 in digitally printed drill from Spotlight - adjusted to shorter length

There are pleats/tucks that provide shaping in the back and pleats/tucks in the front that have buttonholes in them to provide shaping in the front with the use of a drawstring to alter how tightly the dress is pulled in.

Vogue 1410 in digitally printed drill from Spotlight - adjusted to longer length

The neckline, hem and armholes are finished with narrow hems before the side seams are joined together with french seams. This is actually very fast to sew, and the instructions were very clear. I had no issues. I think that I sewed size 14 but would need to double check that – it is a couple of months already since I made it. My blogging is very behind!

Vogue 1410 in digitally printed drill from Spotlight - adjusted to longer length

So far I’ve only worn this at full length. I’d like to make it again in a different fabric – possible a solid or a more subtle print – and wear it alone as a summer dress. This is a pattern that will definitely get another outing at some stage. But in the meantime my wearable muslin is lots of fun!

Vogue 1410 in digitally printed drill from Spotlight - adjusted to longer length

by thornberry
adult's clothing, Lekala, sewing

Lekala 4393

So, another experiment – this time Lekala 4393, described simply as “knit dress”.

Lekala 4393 knit dress

Lekala patterns are so cheap that I really don’t mind experimenting with them. They are a great way to try out different styles, since I know that they will basically fit me (depending on what measurements I plug in) and consequently my opinion on the final garment will be more about whether I like the style on me than about whether it fits me or not.

Lekala 4393 knit dress

Because this was such an experimental garment, I made it in scraps left from an earlier project. The fabric is a knit from Darn Cheap Fabrics, and I think it is still available on their website. I used both sides of the fabric, with the more solid side as a contrast.

Lekala 4393 knit dress 1721_technical_drawing_11381

I think that the line drawing looks more fitted than the finished dress, although the fashion drawing on the Lekala website is on the loose side as well. When I ordered this pattern I asked for “reduced” shoulder width. It turned out to be much more reduced than I needed – my shoulders aren’t broad, but they’re clearly not as narrow as I thought either. Subsequent Lekala orders have left the shoulder width alone as “regular”. The shoulders on this dress look okay in these photos, but in wearing are a bit weird.

Lekala 4393 knit dress

Did you notice those pockets in the princess seams? I love that! If I made this dress again I would lengthen the sleeves to full length, as a winter knit dress is a little useless with elbow length sleeves. They’re also a bit tight around the hem.  The collar needs a brooch, pin or button to hold it in place.

Lekala 4393 knit dress

When I first made this and tried it on I put it straight into the op shop pile. But by the time I put it on again for these photos I decided that I actually didn’t mind it and gave it a reprieve. I still haven’t worn it though, so if it doesn’t get an outing soon it is unlikely to survive my next wardrobe purge. Still, it was an enjoyable experiment, and I may well order this pattern again at some stage – without a reduced shoulder width adjustment!

Lekala 4393 knit dress

by thornberry