Pattern Sizing: 4 - 16. I cut the 14 on top and graded to a 16 at the waist.

Description: Close-fitting sleeveless silhouette, above mid-knee length with princess seams in the front and darts in the back, bouclé dress with fringe bottom and exposed zipper.

Did it look like the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it? No it doesn't. My version is completely modified.

Fabric: a bouclé that I've had in my stash for a couple of years now, that was meant to be a Chanel-style jacket. I had always thought the fabric was a little too light-weight for a jacket. But when I saw this dress that I wanted to make, it was the perfect weight. I used Bemberg for the lining.

Were the instructions easy to follow? I didn't even bother reading them. This dress is so basic. If you've at least made a dress like this once, you could make it again with your eyes closed and one hand tied behind your back.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? I loved that one of the variations included in this pattern, there was a low/scooped neckline, which I feel is much more flattering than a higher neckline that you see on a lot of sheath dresses.
I liked that this pattern had the basic silhouette of what I was looking for in order to recreate my inspiration dress.


Pattern Alterations or any design changes you made: I made a 1" FBA and I lengthened the skirt my usual 3". A cut and added a Bemberg lining because this pattern was for an unlined dress. I added an exposed zipper. Even though the inspiration dress had an invisible zipper, I thought that detail is so very Dolce & Gabbana!
And I fringed the bottom. Anytime I can eliminate a hemline, that's a great project!

Here's the back:

I'll be adding a cardigan for chilly weather:

I have attempted to shop at your store for the last several pattern sales you've advertised. And to no avail, I have had to leave empty-handed. I arrive at your store bright and early on the first day of the sale with my list in hand and low and behold, when I open the drawers your pattern inventory is very scarce.... limited sizes and some not there at all! This is very disappointing to say the least. BUT Hancock Fabrics, my disappointment was short-lived because there is also a Jo-Ann Superstore in the same shopping center. How convenient! And guess what Hancock Fabrics? Jo-Ann will match a competitors offer! Isn't that just wonderful? Well... maybe not so much for you, but it definitely works for me! All I had to do was drive to the other end of the shopping center, pull my patterns from their filled to capacity drawers and present your sales paper!

Hancock Fabrics, here's a piece of advice: If you have your largest competitor located just yards away, you may want to consider stepping up your inventory AND your customer service. Just think about it.

Signed,
A (formerly) loyal customer.

Read the rest of it here!

Pattern: Vogue 1190- Tracy Reese

Pattern Sizing: 6 - 20. I cut the 14 on top and graded to a 16 at the waist.

Description: Close-fitting, A-line, above mid-knee length dress has front ruffles, pleats, exposed darts, back straps, princess seams, back zipper and contrast waistband with bow.

Did it look like the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it? With the exception of it being a solid, I think it does!

Fabric: a silky solid from Jo-Ann's (100% polyester) and I used a black crepe back satin from my stash for the contrasting waistband and bow.

Were the instructions easy to follow? Yes, they were very easy.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? I love that it's a Tracy Reese pattern and the dress was in stores a few months ago. I LOVE that I can make my version for a fraction of the retail cost.

I love the ruffled details:
I also love how Tracy Reese dresses are finished even though they are unlined:
The armholes have bias binding; the dress is constructed with French seams and the invisible zipper has a Hong Kong finish.

I'd thought about omitting the contrast waistband and the bow, so that I could just belt the dress if I wanted to. But I decided to go ahead and add them. I thought that was a really cute detail:
Pattern Alterations or any design changes you made: I made a 1" FBA and I lengthened the skirt my usual 3".


Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others? As much as I love this design, I wouldn't sew it again. It's a very unique style and I only need one version in my wardrobe. But I do recommend this one!

First is B5520:

Inspired by this Jason Wu dress from his Fall 2009 Collection:

Next is B5522:

Deadringer for Trina Turk's Hijinx dress from Spring 2008.
(yeah, I know... I have an excellent fashion memory!)

That's about it for me with this collection. I'll probably only make B5520, ONLY if I find lace that I like for the sleeves.

Sidenote: Eva Mendes' dress is very similar to the fabric I used for my skirt!