Thursday, April 14, 2011

Vogue 1250 - Donna Karan NY Dress

This is the fastest dress I've ever made!  It took longer to make the pattern alterations than it did to construct the dress.



Some stats:

Pattern: 
Vogue 1250 - started with a size 20


Fabric: 
black/white abstract print ponte knit from fabric.com

Notions:
1 yard stay tape

Pattern Alterations:
First you should know that this pattern consists of 3 pattern pieces:  1 front/back piece, 1 top back piece and a back neck facing piece.  That's it.  So all of my alterations had to be made to the front piece.  After checking the finished garment measurements on the pattern piece, I determined that a combination of pivot & slide and adding some inches to the back would give me enough inches to fit my pear shaped bottom. 


I laid the pattern on the fabric fold and pivoted out an inch at the waistline and 3" at the hemline.  I also added 4" to the back seam and 3" to the hemline.  For the top back piece, I also did a pivot and slide to add 1.5" to the center back area.
 

I also squared off the curved top back piece which added another 1.5" to the side seam.


Again, this dress goes together 1, 2, 3.  Before you realize it you have a fully assembled dress. 

Construction Techniques:
The one construction tip that I would offer would be to add stay tape to the shoulder seams and I also added a small square of stay tape to either side of the side seam where the dart is formed. 

I serged the edge of the draped facing so that it would be finished and I also serged the hemline of the dress.  Turning up a one inch hem allowance, I used a double needle to stitch the hem down.  A good press and the dress was done! 

This dress can be made by a beginner sewist especially if you fall within the size range because you wouldn't need to make any alterations to the pattern.  Just make sure that you use a knit with enough stretch and you will be fine. 

Here's a pic of me trying to pose like the pattern cover:


And here is a pic of how I will probably wear it to work ~ with a black doubleknit cardigan that I've had it in my closet for forever.


I'm thinking about changing the pattern up a bit, so that there are side seams, and using my TNT dress pattern to make it happen.  I thought about making that version today but I have alot of patterns that I want to make and sooooooo much fabric to use that I'm not sure if will happen this season.  But who knows, I may yet stumble upon a great knit in the fabric closet and be inspired.

So this is the first garment I've completed during my 5 day sewcation...next up is Butterick 5600 and Toya I'm copying you because your version of this dress was so awesome!

Parting Shot:
Spring really is here in my corner of the world...the windows are open to let the spring breezes in and the trees are budding.  Saw a group of robins in the tree outside my kitchen window and I snapped a quick picture...look carefully he's in there! *LOL*


...as always, more later!

127 comments:

  1. This is super cute on you. I had dismissed this pattern, but now I'm thinking about it a little more!

    ReplyDelete
  2. This dress looks darling on you. It got me thinking about my figure flaws and wondering if I'm addressing them as well as you are. Rather than adjust a pattern, I just avoid those that don't meet my particular figure flaws (very straight bodied, no real waist -- sigh!).
    Thanks for inspiring me to look differently at the patterns I choose.

    ReplyDelete
  3. I love the dress on you. My stash includes some really fun printed knits and now I am inspired to get them sewn up. The pattern is so flattering on you. Glad to know it is easy to sew up as well.

    ReplyDelete
  4. I know that you make a lot of beautiful dresses, but I have to say, this dress is just perfect for you. This dress for some reason just screams perfection and beauty and elegance. I'm loving it! Keep looking awesome. ^_^

    ReplyDelete
  5. you need to make another one, this is seriously fabulous on you, wow, this fits so good, its truly flattering.

    ReplyDelete
  6. THIS IS BEAUTIFUL ON YOU!!!!!!!!! It took NO time for me to make it either. LOVEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE it!

    ReplyDelete
  7. This dress looks great on you. While I like your TNT variations, it's nice to see something totally different. It's very flattering & stylish.

    ReplyDelete
  8. My first comment on your blog....I LOVE this dress on you! I'll have to take a look at this pattern. The adjustments you made were spot on!

    ReplyDelete
  9. I just got back from Joann's and almost bought this pattern. Your dress is so cute I wish I had!

    Great job!

    ReplyDelete
  10. This dress is really nice. I love the print and you look so good in it.

    ReplyDelete
  11. YOU LOOK AMAZING!! That is all.

    ReplyDelete
  12. You look fabulous in this dress, the style and fabric are so chic. It's amazing how often the most simple styles look the smartest.
    Super!

    ReplyDelete
  13. What a lovely dress. I love sewing with knits too. I really like reading your blog, this is the first time I've commented, a bit of shyness I think. I like the way you sew to enjoy the process and to get clothes that fit your personality and figure.

    ReplyDelete
  14. This dress on you is making me drool. I need to start wearing dresses.

    ReplyDelete
  15. I really love that dress! So fun and modern!

    ReplyDelete
  16. So good to see this on you! it looks great and I can't wait for the next Vogue sale to pick up mine!!

    ReplyDelete
  17. Well, call me Casper, Caroline, but I'm one of the Guilty Ghosts! I've been a fan of yours for about a year now, read all your posts and have grown to think of you as a sewing sister. It's time I said thank you for your fantastic inspiration, your great shopping tips (Fabric Mart? Oh my!).

    I saw this Vogue pattern and thought I'd never be able to wear it (I'm a curvy girl)--but you absolutely rock the dress! Thank you so much for your spirit and generosity--may blessings be on your head!

    ReplyDelete
  18. love it!
    that fabric is just wonderful & a really good fit for the pattern.

    ReplyDelete
  19. Wowie! Look at you! This is so sleek on you. I love the print you chose too, very chic.

    ReplyDelete
  20. I love the dress on you! Now I want to make one for myself. I am pear shaped too, so I can reference this review to help if I make it! Thanks!

    ReplyDelete
  21. Work it C! I love this dress on you.

    ReplyDelete
  22. Super cute dress, Carolyn. I think my teacher daughter needs a dress from that pattern. Enjoy the spring day and your sewcation.

    ReplyDelete
  23. I agree with the other comments, this dress is perfect on you!! From the pattern, I expected the cowl to be lower on the body, maybe exposing too much, but it is perfect!

    ReplyDelete
  24. Wow, you look so hot in that dress! It's on my list, waiting for the next sale...

    ReplyDelete
  25. Carolyn this is fabulous and fabulous on you!! BTW I have a cut of that fabulous fabric. I just made this pattern in red ity knit. I just gotta hem the sleeves which I will do tonight.

    ReplyDelete
  26. I love that dress on you!

    ReplyDelete
  27. How cute!!! I'm so glad you posted this.
    My Mom just bought that for me and I was worried I wouldn't like it, but I love it on you!
    yea!

    ReplyDelete
  28. Love the dress. I just jotted down the pattern number, so I can buy it the next time Vogue's are on sale!
    P.S. I am commenting today on the blogs I read. Yea!!

    ReplyDelete
  29. That's an adorable dress! I just made a couple of cowl necked tops, and was thinking of trying a similar styled dress. Now I'm sorry I didn't snag that knit when I saw it.

    ReplyDelete
  30. Very nice! A definite nonsob (my verification word)!

    ReplyDelete
  31. Love this style on you..!! fabulous dress Carolyn

    ReplyDelete
  32. You can fuss back at me if you like, but I don't know WHY you don't make more knit dresses! That one is beautiful! As were the other two that I remember you making. Like I said, go ahead and fuss at me (do you know what fuss means - it's a southern term, take off that cardigan and use it only in your air conditioned work place. That dress looks FAB!

    ReplyDelete
  33. You look stunning in this! This is such a flattering dress on you and I love the fabric. Feel free to make a "kajillion" more of these---this pattern is a true winner!!!

    ReplyDelete
  34. Super cute and glad to see how fabulous this looks on a bigger woman especially since I am working on the alterations for this one too. I added to the front for an fba and I am going to do the same as you and take out a little of that side curve.
    It's also cool how well the print works with this pattern as I was only seeing it in the solid they show.

    ReplyDelete
  35. Carolyn, I love this dress. I need to learn how to look past the model and see the garment for what it is. I get too influenced by seeing the model and knowing I look nothing like her so discard this dress, skirt, blouse, etc.

    Your dress looks great on you and reading how you altered I feel like I could give this a try. Nice fabric! Enjoy your sewcation!!!

    ReplyDelete
  36. Love the drape in front. Love a fast gratifying project. Perfect for transition weather...although chicago is still a wintery mix!

    ReplyDelete
  37. Carolyn, that dress looks great on you! That's such a fun print! Now I think I'll make me a version in a fun print as well!

    ReplyDelete
  38. That dress looks amazing on you. I am starting to sew for myself again, and you are a real inspiration to me.

    ReplyDelete
  39. This is a GREAT pattern for you! The dress looks great and to know how quick it comes together makes me want the pattern! How did you learn to do alterations to patterns? I just ordered a book Fit to Flatter or something like that LOL - I researched it forever and now can;t remember the name!
    Maria

    ReplyDelete
  40. One of my favorite dresses you made all year. Its very cute and flattering.

    ReplyDelete
  41. I passed this pattern by as I didn't think it would look good on me..going to have to re-consider.. You are ROCKING this dress!!!!

    ReplyDelete
  42. You look fabulous in your new dress and I love the fabric you've used.

    ReplyDelete
  43. Stunning dress on you and how lovely that it is such a quick make.

    ReplyDelete
  44. You know I would never have thought to put that dress on my body-I love the lines, but the front with no seaming or shaping...I would have sighed wistfully and gone right past it.

    Now, not so much-I'm thinking it might just be worth a try. It is absolutely ELEGANT on a full figure, and I would never have thought it would be.

    ReplyDelete
  45. This looks great on you! I was considering a purple knit. I need a lovely print, also.

    ReplyDelete
  46. I read but rarely comment but have to say I Love, love this dress. It looks amazing on you and sooo flattering. It looks so easy to wear as well. I will be looking for this pattern.

    ReplyDelete
  47. Your dress turned out great! When I first saw the photo of the tree, I thought it was SNOW, yet again!

    ReplyDelete
  48. Perfect fabric for the perfect dress. Hotness!

    ReplyDelete
  49. Now I really like that dress on you because it shows more of your figure. You look like your lost 10 pounds....but I don't like the cardigan...takes away from the beauty of the dress! Great job, this should become your TNT. Love your blog girl!

    ReplyDelete
  50. I am impressed you can figure out how to alter these one piece patterns, they are a mystery to me! The dress looks fantastic on you, don't change anything but make another one or two or...Can't wait to make this one myself too.

    ReplyDelete
  51. I love your dress! As always, you did a great job.

    ReplyDelete
  52. Great Dress! Great fabric choice!Great Poses! I believe that we'll see that dress on numerous blogs in the near future. Now, I've got to have that pattern!!

    ReplyDelete
  53. Wow! That dress looks gorgeous on you! I could never do all those alterations and make it work... Great job!!!

    ReplyDelete
  54. Fabulous! Donna Karan really knows how to dress a woman. This is high on my list to make. This looks gorgeous on you!

    ReplyDelete
  55. LOVE the dress, Carolyn! You rock that patterned knit!

    ReplyDelete
  56. It's a great dress, it fits you very well, but it became very diferent for the original model, don't you think? You can do it again with more drapping in the top and you'll have a total diferent dress.

    ReplyDelete
  57. Simple and stunning! I love it. Must be super comfortable, too.

    ReplyDelete
  58. I would never have given that pattern a second look, but I might have to go get it. Tonight. You look very good in it, without the sweater. thanks, as always,again, for taking time to share. You need youy own show!

    ReplyDelete
  59. cute dress! and so simple. Love It!

    ReplyDelete
  60. This dress looks fabulous on you.

    ReplyDelete
  61. I recognized the dress pattern as soon as I saw your photo - I have the pattern pieces spread out on my cutting table right now! I'm just deciding what fabric to use. You used a ponte knit, huh? I wouldn't have chosen that but it sure does look like it worked well for this design.

    ReplyDelete
  62. You look great. This pattern is on my list of Sunday dresses.

    ReplyDelete
  63. I love your dress, it's very flattering on you! You are making me want to wear dresses!

    ReplyDelete
  64. Loved these ponte knits they had on Fabric.com - I ended up buying a few of them myself. You look good in white, you should wear it more often!

    ReplyDelete
  65. Popped over from a few other blogs (following sewing blog links) and after reading your "front page" a bit, I felt like I should leave a comment!

    My daughter is a budding seamstress. Loves the creative process. I'm always on the lookout for fun things for her. I'm the visioneer...wishfully thinking I'll step away from the norm and pick up sewing again!

    Love that dress on you. Very fun!

    ReplyDelete
  66. Isn't it just wonderful when you can make a dress that looks so good in such a short time. You look great!

    ReplyDelete
  67. Oh, wow! Now I have to go and buy this pattern! I want a dress that looks just like yours, very fabulous. And it's fast to make, what could be better than that?

    ReplyDelete
  68. Wow! That's gorgeous. Love the pattern, love the fabric. You are so cool!

    ReplyDelete
  69. You're just way to Awesomely Inspirational!!
    Love, Love, Love the dress on you!!! The pattern number is on my list to get!!!
    Thanks for the peek at Spring your way....West Michigan is no where's near your pic just yet!!! But I sense it coming!!! Woohoo!!

    ReplyDelete
  70. My daughter http://www.coles-corner-and-creations.com/ told me how cute this dress was on you. She was excited because I just bought her this pattern. She's right you look great in this dress. It's so flattering. I also bought this pattern for my younger daughter and can't wait to make it for her.

    ReplyDelete
  71. I love it! The fabric is a hit.

    ReplyDelete
  72. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  73. I love you in a print, it is a little unexpected. You are my sewing inspiration more than you know. Enjoy wearing the dress, you look fantastic.

    ReplyDelete
  74. Fantastic dress, Carolyn. I may have to try this one!

    ReplyDelete
  75. Can't remember if I told you how fabulous this dress is. It's a bit more form fitting than your usual dress and it's stunning. g

    ReplyDelete
  76. This is really flattering! The style really works for you.

    ReplyDelete
  77. Oh very nice on you. Love that it went together so quickly too.

    ReplyDelete
  78. This pattern looks better on you than on the model!

    ReplyDelete
  79. Girl, You are rockin' that dress. Love, love.

    ReplyDelete
  80. This is really lovely. I am going to make this pattern! (BTW I have changed my identity to BeckyMC like it is on pattern review to avoid confusion with the other Becky that commented on your comments post. I'm BeckyMC on pattern review, but I've only don't a few posts.)

    ReplyDelete
  81. Hi Carolyn,
    Your dress looks way better on you than the envelope picture would suggest (is the print, or is it you?)
    I think I had better put this pattern in my shopping cart!
    Vicky F

    ReplyDelete
  82. I have been really "chicken" to put a dress on my body - but you have really inspired me to quit being so silly and if I want to wear a dress, just WEAR a dress! I went out and bought this pattern on my lunch break (it was the last in the drawer at JA) and I am going to get this sewn up this weekend and wear it next week. You are such an inspiration and I really appreciate the time you take to show your alterations. You've helped me more than you will ever know. :)

    ReplyDelete
  83. Oh man! That pattern totally escaped me! It looks fantabulous on you! Now to run to J's to pick it up before the $3.99 sale is over!

    ReplyDelete
  84. Three pattern pieces! Sounds like my kind of dress.

    ReplyDelete
  85. Love, love, love this! Simple, yet stunning and easy to make, too. The fabric you chose is a great neutral and can be styled all sorts of ways.

    ReplyDelete
  86. This is SUPER flattering! I love this shape on you!

    ReplyDelete
  87. That is GORGEOUS on you! Great job!

    ReplyDelete
  88. I LOVE this dress! It looks great on you! Your pictures are pushing me to try something I haven't done in a long time - a knit dress.

    ReplyDelete
  89. I love this dress on you! I will give this pattern a second look.

    ReplyDelete
  90. Wow! I mean, triple WOW! You look stunning in that combination of fabric and pattern. Love the subtle design on the fabric. I hope you'll make this pattern again. :-)

    ReplyDelete
  91. Carolyn,

    I do love the shape the dress gives you....I am going to give it a try also.

    ReplyDelete
  92. You look AWESOME in that dress! I would have never thought of buying it judging by the malnourished model on the pattern envelope. But your curves make the dress look fabulous. I think Vogue should put YOU on the cover of their pattern! I'm going to have to get this one, too. Make more!

    ReplyDelete
  93. Wow, Carolyn! This dress looks gorgeous on you! Guess who else is buying a copy of this pattern now? Mwahahahaha ...

    ReplyDelete
  94. Great looking dress, Carolyn--I love the way the neckline drapes on your version (more flattering, I think,than the model's).

    ReplyDelete
  95. Carolyn you have no idea how happy I am to see you make this dress and to see how great it looks on you. I fussed around for nearly a whole week trying to decide if I could get away with a dress with a cool neckline like that but wondering if it was going to be too tight across my stomach (couldn't tell from the picture on the envelope) and now I see it on you I understand this pattern better. BTW I like the more form fitting look to some of your latest creations - really shows off your figure.

    ReplyDelete
  96. Just beautiful Carolyn. This one is one of my favorites of your dresses!

    ReplyDelete
  97. You look great in this dress I would have never thought to to look at this pattern You have made me start thinking outside the box so to speak The pattern designers never think to put full figure ladies on the envelope and I never think to alter the pattern even though I have every alteration book and video you can think of. I am going to get this pattern I have the fabric , Vogue patterns were on sale last week of course at Joanns so I will wait until they go on sale again thanks for post

    ReplyDelete
  98. Gorgeous dress. You've made me add it to my to-do list!

    ReplyDelete
  99. How did I miss this pattern? Your version is beautiful! Simple and elegant, your alterations surely paid off!

    ReplyDelete
  100. I love this dress on you!! You look fabulous! I would never have chosen this pattern for my plus-size self,but after seeing you in it, I want to try it! You should get a % from Vogue for showing their pattern so beautifully!

    ReplyDelete
  101. Wow, what a beautiful dress. I just threw away an email reminding me of the Vogue sale at Sewingpatterns, thinking I didn't want any. I'll go back and order this one. You're quite an enabler!

    ReplyDelete
  102. Carolyn,
    That dress is just lovely on you. You look so beautiful. I just purchased that pattern last week after seeing it on Adrienne. I will definitely be making this one this Spring for work.

    ReplyDelete
  103. Hi Carolyn, I just love this dress on you. It is modern, stylish and very very flattering. I am a curvy girl too and would never have considered that I could wear that style of dress. I can't wait until the pattern becomes available in Australia.

    ReplyDelete
  104. Va-va-va-voom! This dress gives you quite the hourglass figure. It is incredibly flattering! I love that it was so quick and easy for you to put it together, and I hope we get to see a lot more of this pattern!

    ReplyDelete
  105. Wahou, I'm absolutely in love with this dress ! The dress is so much better on you than on the model !

    ReplyDelete
  106. I hope you don't mind, but I bought this pattern and also the fabric from fabric.com. If you ever see me wearing your dress, feel free to throw something at me! I just couldn't help myself, it looks so great on you! Did you line this dress?
    JudyP

    ReplyDelete
  107. The dress looks fantastic on you!! I also have this pattern. It's going to be my little black dress for the summer.

    ReplyDelete
  108. Love, love, love! There is something really fresh about the print. You look fabulous!

    ReplyDelete
  109. WOW! That's the first thing I thought when I saw your dress. Looking at the red one, I wouldn't think of it as too plus-size friendly but you've totally made me see how sometimes, with a little alteration, you can make things work. The fabric is amazing too. Great job!

    ReplyDelete
  110. Hey, I can't believe I am just seeing your version of the dress. I bought this pattern on Sunday during Joann's sale and am cutting it this week to wear to work. I absolutely LOVE your version. Funny thing is - I have the exact same fabric from Yardage Town. Now I'll look like a complete copy cat if I make my dress with this fabric. Well, I go with another fabric first and then make a copy cat version for number 2!

    ReplyDelete
  111. That fabric was made for that dress, and that dress was made for (uh, and by) YOU! Winner!

    ReplyDelete
  112. Looking good!! I want this dress/pattern now!

    ReplyDelete
  113. Very pretty dress and it looks great on you!

    ReplyDelete
  114. Hi! Just wanted to let you know that we like your version of V1250 so much that we posted a link to your blog from our Vogue Patterns facebook page. Great job!
    http://www.facebook.com/pages/Vogue-Patterns/162123863798229

    ReplyDelete
  115. Great job, Carolyn. This dress is flattering and chic!

    ReplyDelete
  116. You look beautiful in this dress. Love it!

    ReplyDelete
  117. I LOVE this. It's actually one of my favorite pieces that you've made - it's really, really great. The fabric, the cut, perhaps that it's a bit different from the structured woven dresses you usually make (which is what I gravitate towards, too). It's fabulous!

    ReplyDelete
  118. That dress looks great on you! The funny thing is, I almost bought some fabric quite similar to that on line. I put it in my cart; I took it out. I put it back in, took it back out. In the end I was afraid it wouldn't look good because of the high contrast and because I am not stick thin. (I'm not even kinda thin.) But your dress looks fabulous on you! I think I'm going to give that fabric a try after all!

    ReplyDelete
  119. This dress is soooooo nice on you! I love the print, fabric and fit! This is a must have!

    ReplyDelete
  120. Had to come and see the original 1250 and I must say I think it looks really flattering on you, but I understand about not being comfortable. Your the one that has to wear it not us so your peace of mind is more important! :) I'm scared to death of knits but you make them look so easy and beautiful.

    ReplyDelete
  121. That print is GORGEOUS - it makes the dress look so classy (well, even more classy ;)

    ReplyDelete
  122. Vogue is gonna sell right out of this pattern because of you.
    I love it on you, and like others have said, ditch the sweater. And yet again, like others commented, you make me look at patterns with new eyes.
    Just fab Carolyn, just fab on you.

    ReplyDelete

Thanks for stopping by and leaving a comment! It is so appreciated!

LinkWithin

Related Posts with Thumbnails