Review: Vogue 1392 | Being Ladylike While Walking on the Wild Side!
11:15 AM
When I saw this pattern when it was first released, it instantly went onto my list to pick up during the next pattern sale. And I happened to run across this beautiful panel print -- Black and White Jaguar Printed Cotton-Polyester Jacquard (sadly, it's already sold out) and knew that it would be perfect for this dress!
Okay, so let's talk about this pattern! This is Vogue 1392 - Kay Unger. This is a beautifully designed pattern and it's listed as "easy". Well, it's not difficult, but there are A LOT of steps that take this dress to the next level and makes it not just another dress. And here's why:
First of all, this pattern requires quite a few notions.
I cut the size 14. I added an inch to the bodice and two inches to the skirt.
The border print was really easy to line up. (When print-matching, you MUST cut the fabric on a single layer and NOT on the fold.) I just had to decide how I wanted to use it. I cut the front bodice pieces so that the larger print would flow to the back.
The pattern *suggested* that the bodice pieces be interfaced with fusible interfacing. Since I had silk organza, I decided to underline instead. Some people hand baste using silk thread. But hey, I'm lazy so I machine basted. Notice that I did the darts as well. When you underline, both pieces of fabric are now treated as one!
Have you ever wondered how dresses like this one, that are not knits stay in place at the shoulder? With an elastic strap, that's how!
And it's secured to the lining with a French tack (or chain stitch).
Here's the inside. Don't you love seeing the inside of everyone's garments? I do! Let me tell you about my lining fabric. This is my first time using a twill polyester lining and I like it! It's really cheap ($2/yd). So I think I'll be using it more often!
I love dresses with pockets!
Here is the organza petticoat and the lining for the skirt. The silk organza is sewn with French seams and finished with a narrow hem.
The dress is hemmed by using seam binding and hand sewn.
All in all, this dress went together beautifully. There were beautiful touches added that you just don't get in a lot of patterns. Full skirts are so of-the-moment and I feel that the organza petticoat would be welcomed addition to add body to the fullness. Now let me tell you about the craziness that occured as I was getting dressed to actually wear this! Remember I had mentioned that I was going to be a panelist at Bloganista? Well, that was for Saturday morning. I finished this dress around mid-day on Friday. I tried it on to check the fit. It was fine. On Saturday morning... right before I was due to leave (I'd even allotted myself an hour for photos), my husband had just zipped me up. And as I sat down to put on my shoes, the worst imaginable thing happened! I felt my zipper separating and the feeling of air hitting my back almost made me cry! But hey, I'm a seasoned seamstress, right? We know how to deal with these sort of things, RIGHT? So I did a quick 15-20 minute replacement. Cool. I still have a little time left.
Even after the zipper fiasco, I still love this dress. And it was definitely a great story to tell throughout my day!
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83 comments
Oh the zipper drama! I absolutely love the detailed shots. Thank you so much for sharing. You look fabulous in the dress, great job to you and your hub for making it work.
ReplyDeleteThanks Grace!
DeleteI really love this dress, you look fabulous. I cannot imagine replacing the zipper 3 times!
ReplyDeleteI couldn't imagine it either when I was doing it! Thanks Lori!
DeleteWow! That sucks! Hey, are you wearing a strapless bra with this, does the dress have built in cups, or can you just get away with nothing. I love the open neckline, but the only thing I can think of that would work might be an adhesive bra ( I hate strapless bras)
ReplyDeleteA strapless bra worked out fine for me. Thanks Nancy!
DeleteHa! Great story and beautuiful job on this dress.
ReplyDeleteThanks Genevieve!
DeleteThis dress is fabulous! But after reading this post and way over my head construction steps.....I'll be buying mine from the stores forever. LOL
ReplyDeleteI'll never learn to sew but I'll happily continue living vicariously through you! :-)
I know the feeling of when you have our heart and mine set on wearing a particular outfit. Glad that zipper gave out while you were still at home!!!!
That was my thought too! So glad this happened before I left! Thanks onefromphilly!
DeleteI love love that dress. Your husband is a hero and you two make a super cute couple! I love the metal zip with the whole look. :)
ReplyDeleteThanks sewprettyinpink!
DeleteErica, this dress, blog post, the details are everything! I really enjoyed the detail shots of this dress.... Love the photo of you and the hubby!
ReplyDeleteThanks Candice!
DeleteLoved seeing shots of the innards. Fabulous as always.
ReplyDeleteThanks Miriana!
DeleteThanks for sharing. Beautiful dress, beautiful work, as always.
ReplyDeleteThanks Melanie!
DeleteI had that happen while in front of a class of seniors. They asked if I were feeling okay and said that my face "looked funny." Luckily, I kept a sweater in class, which solved the problem until the sewing teacher could sew me into my dress for the rest of the day. Never a dull moment. I love your dress, and I covet your fabric. An organza slip? Is it very warm to wear? Brava.
ReplyDeleteWow Judith! I would've wanted to leave for the day! I always laugh at questions regarding whether something is warm to wear. It's summertime in Alabama. Every single place you go will have air conditioning and the temp inside will be 68-72 degrees! I practically needed a sweater! Thanks!
DeleteI am glad it all worked out! You look beautiful!
ReplyDeleteSo am I! Thanks Vanessa!
DeleteThat zipper tried to hold you down! :-D
ReplyDeleteI love it so much! SO MUCH!
I told that zipper, "Not today!" LOL! Thanks Mrs. Smith!
DeleteOMG, that zipper fiasco! But you look beautiful as always. This pattern is such a winner on you: It really highlights all your best features. Love to see you make it again.
ReplyDeleteThanks Meg!
DeleteI love this dress and fabric. You look perfect!
ReplyDeleteI started to use the medal zippers again and I sew them by hand. I stopped using blind zippers - I don't like them.
I love metal zippers too! Thanks redpointtailor!
DeleteWow, I can't believe you kept your cool to replace the zipper TWICE! It was well worth it! The dress is amazing.
ReplyDeleteI can't believe it either. I really wanted to just go back to bed and pull the covers over my head! Thanks Sharon!
DeleteWhat a supportive hubby - Bravo Mr B!
ReplyDeleteI love seeing the inner workings of this beautiful dress. It looks gorgeous on you.
Thanks Clio!
DeleteGreat story and great save. It made me smile. It's wonderful to have a great husband at your side. The dress is gorgeous and I don't blame you for wanting to wear it to your event. Bravo, Erica!
ReplyDeleteThanks Cennetta!
DeleteThat zipper story cracked me up. The dress is wonderful -- great use of the border!
ReplyDeleteThanks Peter!
DeleteLove that print and the slight off shoulderness. So modern southernbellish. I'll bet your conference was wonderful!
ReplyDeleteIt was great! So awesome to be around so many fabulous women! Thanks Faye!
DeleteVery beautiful:)
ReplyDeleteThanks Rebecca!
DeleteJust gorgeous Erica! I can't believe you put in two new zippers in an hour - that's fast! Great work under pressure, lol.
ReplyDeleteI picked out the first couple of stitches and literally ripped the zipper out! The underlining probably saved the fabric from tearing! Thanks Amanda!
DeleteGreat dress, great zipper story and a great hubby! The dress is beautiful inside and out. Those extra touches make a difference.
ReplyDeleteThanks Robin!
DeleteBeautiful dress, you did a wonderful job it looks great on you.
ReplyDeleteThanks Geannene!
DeleteBeautiful dress, beautiful shoes and styling as always! #flawless
ReplyDeleteAnd i love you and your husband! I hope to have someone just as supportive!
oh... do you have a tutorial on an exposed zipper?
I don't have a tutorial. They're pretty common and you easily find a few on Pinterest and Youtube. Thanks !
DeleteOne of the details that first hit me was the wonderful metal zipper. Lemons out of lemonade!
ReplyDeleteLove to see you in your garments. You're gorgeous but I REALLY love seeing your process. Thanks for that.
I was thinking the same thing! Why didn't I use the metal zipper from the beginning? LOL Thanks Bunny!
DeleteAll in all you rocked the dress, i just admire how you make your own outfit, i wish i had the ability to do the same. You are an inspiration xx
ReplyDeleteThanks Bernadette!
DeleteErika, that dress is a thing of beauty! So many couture details! I will remember your zipper fiasco every time I install a zipper! Your hubby saved the day! Love the detailed shots too!
ReplyDeleteThanks Norie!
DeleteOops! Typed a k instead of a c in your name!
ReplyDeleteNo problem. It happens often!
DeleteI'm thinking by the third time, you could've put that zipper in blindfolded! Way to persevere, it was so worth it!
ReplyDeleteJJ
www.dressupnotdown.blogspot.com
I practically did! Thanks JJ!
DeleteI love the detail shots. Thanks for sharing them. And, you're husband is the greatest. What a terrific story.
ReplyDeleteThanks Cidell!
DeleteWow! What a beautiful dress. I love all the details. Your workmanship is impeccable. Thank you for showing us the inside of the dress. Yes, your husband is a gem!
ReplyDeleteThanks Tomasa!
DeleteSorry about all the zipper dramas, I would have gone crazy! I love the dress, inside and out and I think the pattern placement is genius!
ReplyDeleteThanks Allison!
DeleteYou're terrific!!! Like this dress❤❤❤
ReplyDeletePinkQueen
Thanks Pink Queen!
DeleteWhat a beautiful dress Erica. And just as immaculate on the inside as the outside. I've said this before but it bears repeating: I learn so much by reading your blog. Thanks so much for sharing your passion. The zipper drama had me on the edge of my seat. Your husband is a hero!
ReplyDeleteThanks M. Inez!
DeleteBravo to you for your perseverance and to your husband for being supportive! I love it when I feel supported and encouraged to do the things I love and my loved ones want to see me succeed! Kudos all around!
ReplyDeleteThanks Alicia!
DeleteWow, what a coincidence, I made the same dress and the exact thing happened to my zipper. I re did it with a lapped zipper instead.
ReplyDeleteInsane! I don't know what this type of zipper has against this dress! LOL Thanks Jopix!
DeleteAs always Erica, you have sewn a beautiful garment. I have just received this pattern so Im thinking of making it for an upcoming wedding early Sept. Your review has probably sealed the deal. Sorry you had such a hard time with the zip but arent we blessed to have such amazing hubbys!!
ReplyDeleteThanks Blacklabelblog!
DeleteSo glad you fixed it. Third time is the charm! Now THAT is a fabulous dress!
ReplyDeleteThanks Justine!
Deletecould you tell us more about the elastic stay (at the shoulder)
ReplyDeletethanks!
I don't know what more you'd like to know. It's elastic inserted into a fabric casing.
DeleteYou did a great job on the dress. I just made the muslin. The elastic just sits on the shoulders, correct? Do I really need a petticoat plus a lining?
ReplyDeleteThat's right Rose. It does. And no you don't necessarily need the petticoat. You can easily omit that step and just do a lining if you want. Thanks!
DeleteSince I took the fullness out of the skirt, I won't need the petticoat. But I am having problems with the "sleeves". Did you lower the armhole? I either have too much material in the bust area or not enough, thus no hugs.
DeleteWhat a beautiful and figure flattering dress! I love all the nice details and upscale finishings. I also love the inside of the dress almost as much as the outside! Now, I need to go get this pattern at the next pattern sale :) And, what a sweetie husband to be ready to run out and get whatever you need. I can't say my husband would offer as much so eagerly in a situation such as this, especially if it involved a fabric store ;)
ReplyDeleteI love it.
ReplyDelete