It’s almost a year since I sewed my wearable muslin of the Pattern Fantastique Vali dress. It’s already left my wardrobe, but I’ve sewed another one!
This time around I actually did what I said I’d do. I sewed it in a linen blend, did the drop neck version, and did a forward shoulder alteration.
The fabric is from Super Cheap Fabrics. I do like to keep an eye on their website, as they often have industry overstock and roll ends. This print is no longer on their website. From memory it’s a cotton/linen blend, and the print is very ‘surface’. I like the colour mix, although it does photograph differently in every photo depending on the light! It’s a little stiff, but is relaxing more with each wash. I need to iron it from the wrong side, because otherwise my iron grabs onto the print. It doesn’t get super wrinkled – in fact, these photos are taken after a full day of wear, including a car trip.
The forward shoulder alteration is only 1cm, but that is enough to have the yoke sitting better on my body. I sewed size 12. The yoke is quite closely fitted, so do pay attention to your upper chest/bust measurement when selecting what size to sew in this pattern!
I was never likely to wear the top tie done up, and much prefer this version of the dress with the neckline dropping below the yoke into the body of the dress. I’m quite happy to have that lower tie done up, as the opening extends to the bottom of my bra band. The depth of the neckline is easily adjustable (as long as you remember that when sewing).
I really like the curved hemline. It is finished before sewing the side seams, which allows you to get a nice double curve. Most of this dress is sewn on the sewing machine; I only used the overlocker a few times during construction to finish off some seam allowances.
From the Pattern Fantastique website: The Vali Dress is a classic 70’s style glam smock. The high neckline is surrounded by sleeve and yoke gathers. Volumes of fabric, fine ties, topstitched facings and pocket bags will transform the simplest of materials into a romantic, textured and detailed dress or top. The Vali has two neckline options, the standard neckline and a drop neckline, for those who prefer a plunge or need a little more breastfeeding access. Sizes range from 6-26. The yoke is the key fitting point with a high neckline and close-fitting yoke line that gives form to an otherwise full flowing dress. The instructions contain more information on how to measure and choose the best size for you.
I’m still not dead certain about those sleeves on me. SO much volume at the sleeve cuff! I wore them for a day with the elastic secured with a safety pin, and loosened them off a fraction to what you see in the photos. I don’t want my arms to feel strangled! It’s a very comfortable dress to wear. And I do like those pockets. They have side seam access but are sewn to the front of the dress, which stops them from flapping around.
This Vali dress will definitely stay in my wardrobe. I have a feeling that the boofy sleeves will continue to grow on me, and I really like everything else about it. The abstract print reduces the nightdress vibe, and the small alterations I made to this one as compared to the last mean that overall it is much more ‘me’.
