Vintage Vogue 2230 - Full-Length Black Sequin Gown!
12:00 AM
Every now and then, I need to cut the damn fabric and sew the damn dress! It doesn't matter whether or not I have a specific place to wear it. Because that's always the number one question: "Where are you going to wear that??" My answer: Around my house... To the grocery store... Anywhere... and Everywhere I'd like. Sometimes, I just want to sew something because I CAN and it makes ME happy. No other reason required.
This project was already on my cutting table when True Bias and Closet Case Patterns decided to host the Sew Frosting Challenge. It's basically just sewing all of that "impractical" shit you've dreamed of sewing or cutting that fancy fabric just for the unbridled joy of it. So, what better confection to whip up than a full-length evening gown... a backless, shiny one at that!
My pattern is vintage Vogue 2230 - by Isaac Mizrahi that was released in 1998.
It's from his Fall 1997 ready-to-wear collection.
My fabric is Black Jersey Knit with All-Over Circle Sequins from Mood Fabrics. I used the white version of this fabric for Vogue 8961, earlier this year. When I posted this dress on Instagram, I was asked how difficult is this fabric to sew? It's not. It's jersey with flat, round sequins. I used my sharp needle and my walking foot with the lightening bolt/stretch stitch. I only originally bought around 2 yards of this fabric, so I used a slinky stretch jersey for the sleeves.
I cut the size 14 and I added 5 inches to the length. I was surprised at how long the sleeves were. At first, I thought my fabric had some how stretch out.
But I looked at the envelope and saw how the sleeves were slouching at the wrists of the model. The raglan sleeves have darts at the shoulder and the armholes are finished with 1/4" elastic.
The elastic is carried around the entire back opening as well.
The collar has 3 hook and eyes closure.
Even though I cut my normal size, I found that the dress was a little big at the waist. I'm thinking it was because of the weight of the fabric. So I had to go back and take in the center back seam. And I left the hem unfinished because I like the way the fabric drapes and it looks perfect from being cut with a rotary cutter. Before you even ask about a bra... I'm not wearing one.
Cheers to the ladies for organizing and encouraging the Sew Frosting Challenge. And just like there shouldn't be a special occasion for drinking champagne, there shouldn't be one either for sewing up something fabulous.
.JPG)
39 comments
I saw this one on your Instagram feed, and was anxiously awaiting the posting to your blog. The dress is gorgeous and looks amazing on you!
ReplyDeleteI agree sometimes it feels good to make a dress "just because" you feel like it.
As my niece would say, "This dress is the bomb!!"
Thank you Sandy!
DeleteIt looks fabulous, but doesn't it feel itchy and scratchy around all the edges where the sequins edges can touch the skin? Just looking at that collar is making me itch! :)
ReplyDeleteIt doesn’t. And if you’d read the post that I referenced from the last time I used this fabric, I mentioned that it’s not itchy at all. Thanks!
DeleteYou look gorgeous in that splendid dress!
ReplyDeleteThank you Funga!
DeleteDammmmmn! You look gorgeous in this! As always your garments fit well and beautifully sewn.
ReplyDeleteThank you Linda!
DeleteThis is a beautiful dress. Ok I'm a size 6 (just throwing it out there in case you feel led to make another! (smile!!!))
ReplyDelete😂 Thank you Nylse!
DeleteYou look amazing! Well done 😀
ReplyDeleteThank you so much!
DeleteOh yes, yes, yes! OK, so normally we have an event and make the dress for it. Now you have the dress and get to find a fancy place to wear it. Sounds like a fun adventure.
ReplyDeleteIt’s always good to be ready! Thank you!
DeleteYes! A) It's a total show stopper and you look amazing in it. Well done as usual!
ReplyDeleteB) I'm so tired of people asking me where I'm going to wear each dress I make. Out to mow the lawn, if I want! You should be able to sew what you want without getting the 3rd degree, and kudos to you for making that amazing dress .
Exactly! Thank you Gretchen!
DeleteJust in defense of us nosy ones, when I ask that question it’s not - at all! because of disbelief regarding wearability, who cares! I just love getting details or the lack there of!
DeleteYou are a knockout in this sequinned gown, Erica, and I love the shiny/matte combo. The holiday season is just around the corner and I think you've made the perfect outfit for at least a party or two!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much Peter!
DeleteAll that gym time is certainly worth it. You look fabulous! I wondered where you were planning to wear it too when I saw it on instagram but your're right, sometimes you just have to have that fabulous dress even if you don't have a place to wear it, now. There's always a romantic dinner for two.
ReplyDeleteThere are often things I turn down attending because I didn’t find out about it in enough time to sew something. So now I’m ready ahead of time. Thanks so much Nancy!
DeleteStunning! As always...such an inspiration!!
ReplyDeleteThank you Bobbie!
DeleteI am all the way here for this dress! You look gorgeous as usual!
ReplyDeleteThank you Tamika!
DeleteWhen an artist paints a picture, does anyone question-as-criticism "Where are you going to hang that?"
ReplyDeleteWe are fortunate to live in an age when we no longer have to sew to provide clothes for the family (women's work). Sewing does NOT have to be utilitarian.
And now, I'll get off my soapbox. You look stunning and that is beautiful work!
Great way to state it! Thanks Vernetta!
DeleteAgain, I am not turned on. Maybe it is because where I worked for 20 years. You are just asking for trouble in the dress, if worn outside. Maybe it should stay inside and off the web. Just an suggestion. It is not just "Me Too"
ReplyDeleteWow what an inappropriate and wrong comment.
DeleteGenevieve, I don't even comprehend illiterate gibberish. What is that? LMAO!
DeleteSorry you don't understand. Just walk down the street and look back, is there anyone behind you who should not be. Is there anyone who is watching you as you are coming home from a wonderful event? Just my thoughts as others wrote their thoughts. Happy safe travel on a wonderful weekend.
DeleteJust stop Donna. In trying to clarify your statement, you made yourself sound even more ridiculous. You’re one of those people who have to reach up in their rear ends to pull out an EXTREME situation to validate their point. Girl, who is taking a stroll down a street in a gown??? Know when to bow out of a situation gracefully.
DeleteStupendous! Cheers to you.
ReplyDeleteThank you!
DeleteEchoing just about every other comment ... this is absolutely drop-dead gorgeous! And now you're ready for anything...
ReplyDeleteWOW ...and WOW again! That is spectacular and you are WEAR-ING IT! You've made this just in time for all of the Holiday bashes! News Years Eve Ready! And it's a 1998 pattern but so current.
ReplyDeleteStunning!
ReplyDeleteAnd IIIII eee IIII will always love you! You look amazing! Just like Whitney in the Bodyguard :)
ReplyDeleteHello, beautiful fashion of the dress. You look very nice in it and you've matched it wonderfully.
ReplyDelete