Review: Vogue 1384 | Shades of Grey Silk Georgette Dress!
12:00 AM
This is Vogue 1384 - Donna Karan Collection. Even though in reality this is simply a "wrap dress", it was something that stood out about this design: bias-cut and self-lined. Now, doesn't that just sound interesting? Well, it does to me!
I used a heavyweight silk georgette from Mood Fabrics for this project. The pattern pieces are cut on the true bias, on a single layer. I used 100% silk thread; a Microtex 70/10 needle and a 2.0 mm stitch length.
I cut the 16 and graded out to the 18 at the hips. I went up a size (I would normally cut a 14 and grade to a 16) because this dress is made of silk. I didn't want to have "drag lines" and I didn't want to cause pulling at the seams. I added an inch at the waist and lengthened the rest by 2".
As many of you already know that when you sew anything cut on the bias, you have to allow it to have for 24 hours before hemming. And even after that, I still feel like this dress may be "growing".
For closures, this dress uses two 5/8" snaps. I covered mine with fabric and here's how:
- Using lightweight fabric, cut circles twice the diameter of the snaps -- for both the male and female sides.
- Sew a row of running stitches close to the edge of the circle. But DON'T cut your thread!
- Punch a small hole in the center of the circle.
- Work the ball of the snap through the hole.
- Pull the thread to close the circle around the snap.
- And sew on to your garment.
- Repeat these steps for the other side of the snap.
Being that this dress is "self-lined", I left my seams unfinished. With the exception of the sleeves and the armholes. I used my serger. I had ever intention of using French seams, but I was watching a movie and mindlessly sewing and I forgot! But nevertheless, the serged seams worked out fine.
Note: I also added a tiny snap at the center front. There is no way this dress is going to stay in place without one. And I really hate when people add pins!
This fabric which feels great inside and out is extremely luxurious. Not one that you would want to have to apply the seam ripper. And also, make sure you have to hang nails. It pulls very easily. So make sure if you work with this type of fabric, that you don't snag it!
Being that this is a wrap dress, I may or may not make this one again. What I do love most about this is that unlike many other patterns for wrap dress and there are plenty, this one is designed for a luxurious woven fabric. I could really see this one lengthened into a gown for a special occasion dress.
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63 comments
its very nice Erica!...I love it....I sometimes shy away from working with the slippery fabrics just because of laziness (may as well tell the truth LOL)...but when I do decide to whip something up with the more delicate fabrics it always comes out cool; but like you said it definitely does require a little bit more effort....again, super pretty!
ReplyDeleteMsKRS, this fabric laid on my cutting table for a few days for that same reason! Thanks!
DeleteIt is beautiful, and you look stunning in it.
ReplyDeleteThanks Dk's Wife!
DeleteGorgeous dress.
ReplyDeleteErika...the dress is absolutely beautiful! You wear it well with the suede boots and the sparkly jacket. You are definitely one of the best dressed in blogland. If we ever cross paths it would be a pleasure to meet you a very talented person. My niece is learning to sew because of you!
ReplyDeleteSo great that your niece has taken an interest in sewing! Thanks bpatricia74!
DeleteThis is absolutely gorgeous, Erica. I didn't buy this pattern because I wasn't sure if I would ever wear it and thus couldn't justify buying it (I have sooooooo many patterns), so I love seeing that you did buy it and make it. I love that you take on the challenging fabrics and construction methods to make gorgeous and luxurious garments and we get to see how they turn out.
ReplyDeleteI don't mind being the guinea pig! LOL. Thanks Grace!
DeleteThis is beautiful on you, Erica. I remember seeing the pattern on the Vogue site and being very unimpressed, esp. because the fabric they use looks stiff. Isn't it time they used you to model for their pattern envelopes?!
ReplyDeleteHa! That would be a major coup! LOL. Thanks Peter!
DeleteOne word...."CAPTIVATING"! You always do a wonderful job and because of you I think I am going to put my big girl shoes on and start attacking the vogue patterns. I have always been scared of those patterns but I am going to just take my time.
ReplyDeleteYou should Ladyruss! Thanks!
DeleteBeautiful Erica you did a awesome job and that's for the detail reveiw.
ReplyDeleteThanks Geannene!
DeleteWow Erica you look amazing! They should put you on the pattern envelope.
ReplyDeleteThanks Catherine!
Deletewow wow wow wow WOW. !!!!! i have no words! my god woman you're stunning!
ReplyDeleteThanks Oona!
DeleteGorgeous dress on you, Erica!
ReplyDeleteThanks Amanda!
DeleteErica,
ReplyDeleteYou always bring it! Gorgeous as usual! Love how you make this dress look easy, breezy!
Thanks SheriNJ!
DeleteI've been waiting for this one to show up on the blog after the Instagram tease. It was beautiful on the dressform...it is stunning on you!
ReplyDeleteThanks Carolyn!
DeleteLovely. It skims the body just so. And I love any shade of grey. Any!
ReplyDeleteThanks MrsSmith!
DeleteThanks Tany!
ReplyDeleteI bet your hubby's jaw dropped when you wore that!
ReplyDeleteYou look so classy and so sexy!
You are such an inspiration. And gorgeous too!
ReplyDeleteThanks Hillary!
DeleteOne tiny thing seems like it could be adjusted (to me anyways). The point and snap holding the wrap closed seems to be just a little low. This might be due to cutting it in a size bigger? Or maybe it was designed to be that low.
ReplyDeleteYour styling of this dress is beautiful as usual. Love the sparkle and shine offset by the suede!
www.dressupnotdown.blogspot.com
It's meant to sit lower, not at the natural waist. Notice the model on the pattern envelope... it sits atop her hipbone. Thanks!
DeleteErica, this dress is impeccable! When I first saw this pattern my mind said, "Erica will make this"! Lady you look stunning and THIS first picture should be on the cover of the magazine. Just simply wow, I love this. Did you make the jacket, the entire outfit just flows so lovely. Great job, again! Perfection!
ReplyDeleteThanks Brenda and no the jacket was a purchase.
DeleteLovely outfit. The dress is luxe. Great job!
ReplyDeleteThanks Kelroc!
DeleteGorgeous fabric and style. You did a stunning job, as always!
ReplyDeleteThanks Sharon!
Deleteanother fabulous make and those boots...
ReplyDeleteThanks June!
DeleteAbsolutely fabulous on you......and the boots are perfect...(love the boots, may I ask the brand)?...
ReplyDeleteThanks Musline. The boots are Circa Joan & David.
DeleteLovely. You wear all that bias well!
ReplyDeleteThanks Bunny!
DeleteBreathtaking! I agree with Catherine D...they should put you on the envelope to sell more patterns! Not all bodies can wear bias like you can...rocking it front and back and the boots...perfect foil for the drapey fabric and sharp jacket!
ReplyDeleteThanks mrsmole!
DeleteYou always look sooo amazing!
ReplyDeleteThanks Sugartastic1!
DeleteThanks for the illustration on the covered snaps technique. Love your dress.
ReplyDeleteThanks Gail!
DeleteReally pretty. I love the way it drapes.
ReplyDeleteI have been reading your blog for years and love most everything you create....from the crochet days to your tailored pieces. This is a beautiful dress and love, love the natural hair!
ReplyDeleteThanks sewnovice for being a faithful reader for all of these years!
DeleteWhat a beautiful job! You look incredible (and I love your hair). I bought this pattern to make for my wife. She's bias-averse, but I'm hoping this will change her mind..
ReplyDeleteThanks PatternVault!
DeleteI have been reading your blog since I started sewing seriously for myself the past year. It's always inspiring to see the beautiful looks you put together. Thanks for the tute on covering snaps. I have never seen that done before, what a great tip.
ReplyDeleteThanks Couturemum!
ReplyDeleteIt looks beautiful! I'd like to work with more luxurious fabrics this year.
ReplyDeleteThanks Beth!
ReplyDeleteGorgeous dress, not sure how I missed this post!
ReplyDeleteHow did I miss this? This is OUT.STANDING!!!!!!!!!
ReplyDeleteMy new dress was thin, and needed some sort of ironing/wrinkle release--we ironed mine on low, and it was totally fine. You have to have a good support with something like this.
ReplyDeletebra companies