Review: Vogue 1298 | Eye Spy Eyelet!
10:45 PM
I love a crisp, clean, cool and sparkling white dress. For me, it's impossible for it to be summer without one. I've been seeing lace and eyelet everywhere, so I decided that eyelet would be my choice of fabric for this dress.
I used Vogue 1298, a pattern by designer Rachel Comey. I bought this pattern as quickly as I could get my hands on it. I was sold at the gorgeous halter back and the curved hemline.
The description is: lined dress has straps extending into bands, close-fitting, front pleated bodice, back waistband, pleated skirt with raised waist, side back seams, shaped front hemline, invisible back zipper, and no side seams.
Based off of the pattern envelope AND my flat pattern measurements, I decided that I didn't need to add any additional length. I wanted to this dress to be casual and it was okay if it fell above the knee. I cut a size 14 on top and graded to a 16 at the waist. I did a 1" FBA and added a horizontal dart. I also sewed in a nude colored strapless bra (I cut the band off at the side seams), because this dress is obviously NOT "bra-friendly". And being 41, there is NO WAY I'm leaving the house without the girls bound up, doing what they're supposed to be doing!
I used a cotton eyelet and lined it with a light-weight broadcloth, both from Hancock. And where the instructions advised for "sew-in interfacing", I used cotton batiste.
With this being a curved hemline, I'm so glad that it had a hem facing. The hem turned out perfectly! And instead of the lining being free hanging, it's slipstitched to the hem.
Close-up of the back: Look! No gaping!
I really like this pattern. What I didn't like is that it was more empire-waisted than I thought it would be. That plus the pleating equals "maternity-ish". Hence the reason I added this great belt. But other than that, this is a great, well-drafted pattern and the instructions were precise. And this hemline is so on trend!
See, I'm not the only one that can rock eyelet! My little princess Isabella -- The Future Fashionista, decided to get in on this trend!
I love shopping for baby girl clothes, A LOT more than I enjoy sewing them. One of my favorite stores is Janie & Jack. For those of you not familiar, those prices are no joke! Maybe for a special occasion outfit, but for everyday clothes?! Nope... I can't do it. She'll grow out of it after barely one wearing. So while browsing for ideas, I was inspired by the "Tea Time Bright Collection". I was sold at eyelet, orange and madras!
For the top, I used McCall's 5610 and cotton eyelet and batiste for the lining, all from Hancock. I cut the infant size medium. It was a little big in the shoulders and I had to take several inches ( I don't remember how many) out of the shoulder straps. And since I was using scalloped edge eyelet, I decided to only use one row for the ruffle. The top has a thread loop center back closure, with a tiny 3/8" buttton.
For the shorts, I couldn't find an option like these for infant girls, so I used a baby boys' pattern -- McCall's 6016. I eyeballed this pattern and knew it was going to be huge! I cut the size small and still had to make waist adjustments with the elastic so that they wouldn't be too big. And I cut around 2" off at the hem and still made 5/8" hem. They looked like pants before I altered them. I think they mixed in a toddler pattern for infants. Notice I added grosgrain bows for a girly detail. Oh... I used a cotton madras from Hancock. I had no problem matching the pattern. It was quite easy!
It was so much fun sewing for Isabella. I hadn't made clothes this small in almost 15 years! I enjoyed it so much that I picked up more patterns for her!
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74 comments
I love your use of eyelet for this pattern! The design of the back is fabulous. I can't get over how cute Isabella is. The little outfit you made for her is just darling!
ReplyDeleteThanks MushyWear!
DeleteI love your dress (kudos on the no gaping back!) and love your shoes. But that baby girl it just too too cute. The picture of her back with those adorable chubby arms almost made me want a third baby. Almost.
ReplyDeleteAnd yes, Janie and Jack has the cutest clothes, but how can one justify those prices when they are worn for a few months tops? I love your version, and I'll now look to J&J for inspiration for my 2 year old.
That hem is delicious. Definitely a winner for summer!
ReplyDeleteThanks poppykettle!
DeleteI love all of it! That back is so gorgeous, and I'm such a fan of the curved hemline. And your daughter is TOO PRECIOUS. When I got to the picture of the back of her top, with the little button, it was just too much! So much adorable!
ReplyDeleteThanks Charcoal Renderings!
DeleteThe two of you make a lovely pair of fashionistas! Did you insert the bra between the dress and the lining or is it next to your skin - it's a good idea!
ReplyDeleteAllison, no I couldn't put it between the fabric and the lining since it's eyelet. It's right on the inside. Thanks!
DeleteWhat a gorgeous baby! She has such a bright smile. She really steals the show.
ReplyDeleteYour dress is pretty. I have some eyelet fabric sitting in my stash for a couple of years now. You're an inspiration for me to get moving and not let another summer pass me by!
Thanks Karin!
DeleteYou look so cute and summery. And you knew this in advance. "I cute a size 14" Lol
ReplyDeleteHa typo! Thanks Sassy T!
DeleteLove your dress and Ms. Isabella steals the show!
ReplyDeleteThanks Bunny! We're all use to Isabella stealing the show, LOL!
DeleteOooooo two adorable outfits!! What a cute cool, crisp look for summer! Isabella is sooo cute in hers too! What a happy baby!!
ReplyDeleteIsabella is the star here, she is a little fashionista in training. Cuteeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!
ReplyDeleteThanks Alethia!
DeleteI love so many things about this. I love the use of eyelet. I really love your shoes. And, I just adore Isabella's ensemble. Soo, I love so many thing about this post!
ReplyDeleteThanks Cidell!
DeleteIsabella is simply adorable in her new outfit! You've got the bug now so you're in trouble. Try the Oliver & S Patterns. They've got some cute styles. And of course, youre dress is lovely too! I really like the additional of the belt and adding the bra to the inside was inspired!
ReplyDeleteCarolyn, I've opened Pandora's sewing box! I'm going to look at the Oliver & S! Thanks!
DeleteYour dress is gorgeous, I agree the back detail and hem are great design features. Isabella looks darling in her new custom made outfit. Have fun sewing for her.
ReplyDeleteThanks Lori!
DeleteErica, you look fab--of course!
ReplyDeleteIsabella is very adorable; one can tell what a happy baby she is. Tyna
Thanks Tyna!
DeleteLovely dress. You look stunning in white eyelet. I always feel "sweet" when I wear it, and you make it look more sassy than sweet. You are my fashion hero!
ReplyDeleteThanks Gordita!
DeleteYou are both beautiful as well as styling ;0 Long time follower, first time commenting. I enjoyed so much the pictures of Lovely Happy Isabella. I can see how she is so much fun to sew for.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful baby and baby outfit. What a cutie! I love your dress, especially the back. It would make a nice hi-low maxi dress too.
ReplyDeleteOhhhhh!!! She is ADORABLE!!!!!!!!!!!!!
ReplyDeleteThanks Adrienne!
DeleteYou look alright but Isabella is doing it!!!!
ReplyDeleteLOL @ 1969! I know, right!
DeleteLove the style of this dress with the curved hem & Isabella's outfit is adorable!
ReplyDeleteThanks DeniseAngela!
DeleteShe is adorable, perfect baby fashionista!
ReplyDeleteI love, love this dress. I picked it up becuz of that hemline and back, but put it down because it was not bra friendly. Thanx for that tip, now I get it next sale, yes!
Thanks Mz.Choize!
DeleteYou and your granddaughter look beautiful!
ReplyDeleteThanks Regina Gee!
DeletePriceless! You and grandbaby look adorable!
ReplyDeleteThanks Necie!
DeleteThanks Sing!
ReplyDeleteLove the back of the dress. Isabella has been blessed with your cheek bones. So cute!
ReplyDeleteThanks Leanne!
ReplyDeleteYou look awesome, Erica, as always!! Thanks for the tips and inspiration. This post is making me want to get out the eyelet I just bought and DO something with it.
ReplyDeleteIsabella is a dream, and her new top is sweet! Nice job.
Shelley
Thanks Shelley!
Deleteyou look great in that dress, love the back! Isabella is just too cute and that outfit is adorable. I remember sewing clothes for my girls when they were infants, it was always so fast because they are so little, lol
ReplyDeleteThanks Mimi!
DeleteLove your dress, just don't think I am bold enough to go backless. :)
ReplyDeleteLoooovve Isabella's dress. Started making dresses for my girls since their first birthday. We hardly have store bought dresses anymore. hoping they keep loving it.
Thanks Zoeope, I'm sure your girls will always love their custom made dresses!
DeleteIsabella is just so gorgeous. She looks like she was having a great time. Both outfits are great.
ReplyDeleteThanks MareeAlison!
ReplyDeleteYour dress is gorgeous, I just love the back and hemline. Oh my, Isabella is a doll! You two are so cute together.
ReplyDeleteThanks Sherita!
ReplyDeleteGreat dress and absolutely adorable baby girl. How precious!
ReplyDeleteThanks Beaute Jadore!
Deleteyour dress is stunning and little Isabella, well afraid she stole the show.
ReplyDeleteThanks pdiddly!
ReplyDeleteI love the dress on you, and Isabella is simply adorable!!
ReplyDeleteThanks Aisha!
DeleteBeautiful dress and I love your granddaughter's outfit. I thought you bought the baby's shorts from the website you linked until I read you used them as inspiration. Great job as usual.
ReplyDeleteThat fabric was a pretty good match for the shorts! Thanks Levone!
ReplyDeleteErica, I laughed when I saw Isabella's outfit...I knew you would get the bug to sew for baby sooner or later. Guess sooner came first.!!! lol. I'm loving it! Your dress is awesome too. Way to go, from one Mimi to another.
ReplyDeleteLOL! Thanks Andrea!
DeleteI LOVE this dress-- it's a stunner! You look so beautiful!
ReplyDeleteYou two lovely ladies are looking fierce. I loved how you used the eyelet fabric. It's amazing to see what you can do with one piece of fabric. You are looking sassy and little Miss Isabella is looking too cute.
ReplyDeleteWow you both look fabulous. She's do adorable
ReplyDeleteThanks Aminat!
DeleteYou both are gorgeous!
ReplyDeleteThanks Candice!
DeleteFabulous !! Love the eyelet and the idea of adding an inside bra. Isabella's outfit is just too adorable.
ReplyDeleteThanks Renee!
ReplyDeleteCute dress! But the baby - TO DIE FOR PRECIOUS♥
ReplyDelete