Sunday, May 01, 2011

Vogue 1250 Again

I am in the throes of a severe case of Sewing ADD.  There are so many new patterns that I want to sew...with so much fabric inspiration...which I've so thoughtfully provided...that I am finding myself flitting from thing to thing.  Whatever presses hardest against my creative urges, gets worked on first...so I find myself in the position of remaking V1250 while I still have two other projects in various stages of completion.

The first I started a few weeks ago...Butterick 5598.  I've finished all of the pattern alterations and taken the dress apart now that I've figured out how the dress will fit.  So it sits...waiting for me to be inspired to take it up again:


The second garment is Butterick 5600.  This one is closer to being finished.  I have a shell done and the sleeves and tabs have been constructed.  They are just waiting to be added to the dress.


So even though I have these two very detailed and involved projects waiting for me...yesterday afternoon I got the urge to remake Vogue 1250.  Why?  Because I really wanted this dress with side seams instead of that whole wrap around piece that the original pattern has going on.  Also, the original dress has a very snug fit. 

So what do I like most about the dress?  It's the cowl neckline and the sleeves.  What don't I like about the dress?  The very snug fit of the original.  It's why I don't make or wear alot of knit dresses.  Skimming my figure is okay...tightness or really fitted is not me.  I didn't even like this fit when I was thinner...it's just not me.

Here is my version now...


I used my TNT dress pattern pieces and cut a new front piece by creating my pattern sandwich.  I traced a new version of the DK front piece giving me more space in the abdomen area as well as adding some flare to the hemline.  Both of these changes give me a better fit without altering the silhouette of the dress front.


For the back, I altered my TNT dress pattern so that it would have the curve of the original pattern but not the back seamline.  Both of these pieces were cut on the fold where the original had the top on the fold and the bottom with a center back seam. 



I know sewists are really into swayback adjustments, but I feel a straight line from neckline to hemline is more slimming on my bodacious booty than adding the swayback and emphazising just how much is back there.


I'm much happier with this version.  I will wear both versions but this is the favorite. 


Another shot with the same black cardigan that I used with the original version.  The fabric from this dress is from Vogue Fabrics.  It is a fused knit.  Of course, since it is a simple sew the only notion is a yard of stay tape that was added to the shoulder seams to stabilize them.  Because I omitted the large side darts, I constructed the side seams as I would my regular TNT dress.

I'm heading back into the sewing room to finish up Butterick 5600 now...but there is something else gnawing around the edges of my brain so I know what's up next and sadly it's not Butterick 5598.

...more later!

39 comments:

  1. Lovely dress! Really nice fit, and the fabric looks so comfortable. The cowl neck is very flattering.

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  2. Gorgeous dress! I know what you mean about flitting between projects. They get finished eventually. . .
    Ashley x

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  3. Beautiful dress, Carolyn! That neckline is so flattering. I think you look fabulous in both versions of this pattern.
    Ease preference is such a cool concept. It's too bad that it takes much trial and error for most people to figure out their own preferences. Sewing would be so much more rewarding for many if the process didn't take so long.

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  4. That is a flattering neckline, Carolyn, and I love the new dress. It looks especially nice with the cardi. I also love the blue starburst dress in the hangar shot.

    I LOVE the phrase "sewing ADD". I am suffering from the same thing!!

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  5. Very nice dress. I love the looks of cowl neck. Flitting between projects?? I'm still flitting between patterns - and just purchased 2 more!!
    Marcia

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  6. Your dress is very pretty! I like the little sleeves and cowl as well. I feel your pain on the sewing ADD. Whenever I get that way, I try to knock out a few quick patterns to feel accomplishment, but that doesn't fix the UFOs still hanging around weeks later. :-)

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  7. You look great in your new dress Carolyn.

    I'm often suddenly inspired and swept in new sewing directions too. It's exilerating though, isn't it?

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  8. Very nice! I need to cut out my revised version of the 1250 as well.

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  9. You look great in both your 1250s. I am glad you showed how you put the parts you liked on the TNT (second version). I love the cowl but am not certain about the original's fit on my body. Once again, you and your dresses look fabulous!

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  10. At least your ADD is between projects that are cut out and partially sewn. Mine happens at the pick out a pattern and fabric stage. so I never get started. The 2nd version of V 1250 is lovely. This pattern seems to work so well for everyone who makes it, and it is fast and easy. It is my pattern collection too.

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  11. Regarding Vogue 1250, I like both of them, however, I like the original better, even though you feel it's a little snug for your taste. From the photo it appeared to be a close fit but not tight. I understand what you mean about sewing add. When I get that way, I start reading sewing blogs to clear my head.

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  12. I'm not sure which one I like better. I like them both. Like you I like the idea of side seams which add more opportunities for fit. Lookin' good.

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  13. i still love the fabric from Butterick 5600. What a great print.

    And the cowl! Awesome :-) It fits so nicely- I'm jealous, this is the big benefit of TNT!!

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  14. That turned out nicely. I love the cowl neck. If you shortened it, it would make a great summer top, too.

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  15. Really good idea to recut this pattern. It was seriously tight on me and I had to add a godet piece up the side to even fit into it. I think the skirt as it was with just one seam down the back wouldn't fit anyone but a stick.

    Can't wait to see those great buttons from G St! Peg

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  16. Very beautiful dress. Love it with the cardi too. I thought you would lead the way for me to get through the Butterick 5598! I think we will end up sewing it together. My daughter gets home from college tomorrow - so I plan to cut our version out this week. One of the things I really appreciate about you (and it inspires me) is that you don't do UFO's - so I know you will get yours done soon. I, on the other hand, am a UFO magnet.
    Blessings,
    Patti

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  17. Your ADD sounds familiar. I have three weeks before vacation and can't decide what to sew!. The dress looks good on you and I agree with the swayback adjustment. I don't want to bring attention to my backside either.

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  18. The nice thing about having multiple projects underway is that sometimes you can finish a lot in a short period of time.
    Love that cowl neck, especially peeking out from the cardigan. And the starburst print is so cute and current. Love it.

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  19. The dress is super. I love cowl necks. I like wearing knit shirt instead of button ups and I feel like the cowl neck dresses them up somehow. The fabric you used for the first version is stunning too.

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  20. A draped neckline is always attractive!

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  21. Carolyn I am afraid that I'll have to disagree with you on the fit-I very much liked the more fitted dress on you! However, I do understand the whole "am I comfortable with this look" problem-However you like it, it still looks great on you!

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  22. I agree with you in that I don't like to wear the fitted knit outfits, but I do think that the previous version of the dress was very flattering on you.

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  23. I love the fabric and the neckline. It almost looks like there is too much fabric around your waist and hips. That being said - I think it looks good.

    g

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  24. Nice dress! I too, know what you mean about flitting between projects. It's something I do all the time even though I try not to. Even so things do eventually get finished.

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  25. Great dress! I get sewing ADD all the time too, but then its a great feeling when those half finished projects are completed.

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  26. Another great looking dress! I like the neckline on you. On the pattern it looks low. What kind of tracing paper are you using for your patterns?

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  27. Your dress is beautiful! I am very impressed with your thought process as to how you carry out your pattern adjustments and why. This is a great help to me as I am determined to create several TNT patterns for myself and my family.

    Thank you
    Maire

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  28. That looks super! If summer ever appears, it would look great with white accessories, too.

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  29. I like the new version (although the first version is hands-down, my favorite thing that I've seen on your blog!!) That collar is great!

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  30. Nice cowl neck!

    I've got a bit of sewing spring fever, too, but with less to show for it. Sigh.

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  31. The dress looks great on you and have totally fallen head over heels over drape necklines.

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  32. Looks great! I understand what you mean about not doing the swayback - sometimes a sleek line is better than fitting or overfitting. Another smart figure tip!

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  34. Your post is amazing! Your dress just wonderful! Speaking of super great dresses.......
    Would like to ask you something...Did you by any chance happen to see the Michelle and President Obama interview today on Oprah?
    If so....were you as captivated by Michelle's dress and red heels as I was? I was CAPTIVATED! Any comments you could share..fabric type etc.? To me...what she wore today....was a piece of art!!
    If you don't have time to respond, I so understand...as we're all so busy...but I was just a wondering!!!

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  35. I think this version is great, but I still love the first one. But one should always feel comfortable.

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  36. What a stunning dress. I agree, this version is much more you than the first.
    Thank you for once again showing that, with a little patience and perserverance, a ho-hum pattern can become a favourite.
    And hooray for your experimental sewing this summer. I look forward to followiing you on your adventures.

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  37. Great dress looking! I just saw Erica B.'s version. This is a winner. I'm putting it on my list.

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