Review: Vogue 1488 | A Bold-Colored Shirtdress for the First Day of Spring!

It's the first day of spring and boy, was I ready! It's almost 80°, sunny and just beautiful outside. For the last couple of weeks right after the move, I came down with the flu. I don't know if it was already baking or if it was because I was super exhausted. But I'm so glad I'm feeling better right now and I'm enjoying my new sewing studio. But let's talk about this dress!

This dress is Vogue 1488, by DKNY. 

Unfortunately, this pattern is discontinued. If you all remember last year, the licensor of the Donna Karan trademarks decided to end pattern licensing with McCall Pattern Company. So when Hancock Fabrics closed their doors last year, I gobbled up every single Donna Karan Collection/DKNY pattern that I didn't already have in my collection that I wanted. And this was one of them. If you want this pattern, I suggest searching Etsy.com or eBay.

This design is from the DKNY Pre-Fall 2013 Collection. 

For my dress, I cut the size 14 and lengthened it by one inch at the waist. My fabric is this delicious designer Bright Rose Crepe from Mood Fabrics.com. It's a poly/acetate crepe with an amazing drape. It's absolutely gorgeous visually and to the touch.

Sewing tip: To ensure a clean finish on neck bands, pin the neck band to the WRONG side and stitch. And instead of having to slipstitch to finish and then edgestitching, or trying to stitch in the ditch and while catching the underside... you can just pin in place and edgestitch to finish.

Love the way that turned out.

A favorite detail are the yokes. The front and back yokes have mock tucks. I think this is such a polished look.

And the sleeves are perfect for warm weather.

The sleeves have narrow hems with back-folded cuffs...

and button tabs.

Since I currently live too far to just run to JoAnn's for buttons, I found these in Walmart. And they're super cute. They look like spring!

I'm so happy with the way my first spring piece turned out. It's great motivation to keep sewing and I'm so excited about new clothes!