Three ways, at least!
As you can see, I've been busy creating different permutations of Vogue 8229. On all the dresses, I omitted the bottom ruffle. I actually don't dislike it and I wouldn't mind trying a dress with the ruffle included, but I just wasn't into it with these for some reason.
1. Mod-inspired, sleeveless shift made of B&W graphic print silk. Here I added 3/4" to the top of the neckband becuase I felt it needed to be a bit bolder without the sleeves there. The finished width here is 2.5"; on the other dresses the neckband is 1.75" wide.
2. Flutter sleeve dress make of silk crepe de chine from Nanette Lepore, it's black with a tiny floral print (I got that last few yards of it for only $6.50/yard at the Sawyer Brook closeouts section!). I shortened the sleeves by ~4" and omitted the elastic.
3. Easy breezy shift with elbow-length sleeves made of cornflower blue linen/rayon blend. As drafted, the elasticized sleeves covered my elbows, so I shortened them by ~2". Also, I added pockets in the side seams using a pattern piece from a robe pattern that I have.
The silk versions are just so wonderfully body skimming and figure flattering. The linen version is admittedly a bit of a potato sack. I think it's because of the voluminous sleeves, and the fabric is a bit less drapey than the silk. I don't really mind though. I think it'll be one of those comfortable dresses I keep reaching for over and over this summer...
I had a lot of fun with this pattern and I'm certain I'll use it again this season, but for now I'm looking forward to trying something new!
All three dresses are really nice. The silks are lovely on you, but I can see how the linen blend is going to be a great summertime basic.
ReplyDeleteThat pattern is still sitting on my pile....I think it will be there a while yet.
Those dresses are lovely on you! They turned out just lovely.
ReplyDeleteI hated this pattern when I saw it. It was the ruffle. I just couldn't see past it. But, these are amazing. It's on my list and I've got a great graphic print for them.
ReplyDeleteYeah, this pattern is definitely a winner, especially when you see $200+ versions in the stores!
ReplyDeleteThose dresses are darling! I love that swingy look on you.
ReplyDeleteFantastic, I love all three of them. That shade of blue is gorgeous.
ReplyDeleteThose are all very cute! I was wondering what kind of silk fabric did you use for the black/white version. The pattern calls for silk-like broadcloth, but I'm having trouble finding silk broadcloth I like, and thought maybe I could use a silk charmeuse instead?
ReplyDeleteHi Tope, I don't really know what type of fabric the B&W silk is... it behaved like a nice woven cotton in many ways, it was easy to work with (not too slinky). I think you could definitely do this in charmeuse. In fact, charmeuse would be fabulous!
ReplyDeleteI think I may go with a charmeuse, then. Thanks for the advice! Love your blog :)
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ReplyDeleteAfter being inspired by your pics, I had a go at a silk version of the dress and have come to a bit of a halt. It's just not hanging well on me - I suspect my less-than-perfect body has something to do with it - so I've put it aside for a bit.
ReplyDeleteYour dresses look so fantastic that I was quite disappointed with mine. Am hoping a break will give me a fresh outlook on it!
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