Japonism
Easy Peasy Blooper-tini
I made this dress last year when it was really too cold to wear it and have been getting a lot of use out of it now that the weather is warmer. The fabric is a super light cotton voile, great for summer and with zero snag-factor (but I wear these silk shorts underneath to prevent possible wardrobe malfunctions-great for when I’m on my scooter).
I made up a size 8 which is described as corresponding to a 31.5’ bust on the pattern envelope and is a size down from my true measurements – so if you’re thinking of sewing this you might want to size down. When in doubt, lay the corresponding pattern piece over a similar garment that fits you well and you’ll know what size you should be using. Or bust out the measuring tape..
I love the fabric and the style but the silhouette does nothing for my figure. So this is just going to be one of those things that is high in wearability purely due to the comfort factor and the fabric used- I blame theknittingprincess-her beautiful Liberty version (modelled here, details here) turned my head and made me (incorrectly) assume the silhouette would suit me as well as it did her (big ups to her also for suggesting that I size down-the excess ease and lack of sizing consistency in big 4 patterns are exactly why I rarely sew with them). Having said that, I may make this one again. One day.
Pattern: Vogue 1228 Vena Cava
Fabric: Printed cotton voile.
Modifications: Used a size down from the suggested measurements on the pattern envelope.
Shortened the front and back by 2 cm at the waist.
Omitted the cuff tabs. The cuffs stay up fine without them.
Used a narrow hem presser foot for the hem and all interior seams including those connecting the cuffs to the pseudosleeves.
Other comments: the neckline is pretty wide so I can’t wear it over my favourite bra. Demi-bras work fine though, as does bralessness (although I’d warn against leaning forward if you’re rocking the latter-as I said, the neckline is rather wide).
3D microfibre tights by Fiore.
Raindrops&bellyflops made a very cool version of this pattern (along with an interesting cost-benefit analysis of the sewing involved) here.
I have a little bit more of this voile left and I was wondering what else to make with it. I’m tending towards something blouse-y with insane sleeves or perhaps a simple shirt/ top.
Suggestions?
Disclaimer: All non-self-generated images remain property of their original owners and are used here for purposes of illustration and discussion.
Love this dress. Will look up the pattern.
Absolutely beautiful fabric! And has anyone ever told you that you do have a perfect nose?
XD
I HATE the strangely massive ease in the big commercial patterns! It drives me insane and I get so annoyed with it every time I sew (the models on the envelopes would be wearing potato sacks if they actually followed the sizing guidelines). So this year I am planning to use more indie patterns and non-big 4 patterns.
Your dress is pretty terrific on you. You absolutely can wear a fuller dress like this and look great. I’m a pear shape and this would be awful on me… if I HAD to wear it maybe I’d belt it. But then again I belt almost everything.
Thanks for sharing my disgust with pattern ease.
I don’t think it looks that bad, maybe you’d like it better as a tunic top?
I really love this dress, your dress that is and had been wondering how it sews up, nicely I would say. It seems like fabric is really critical here too, perfect choice!
It may not be figure enhancing, or super showing but it’s very pretty and stylish…modern in a super good way.
I’d say it’s a winner for sure!
It’s so nice to see more pictures of you!
I must disagree when you say it doesn’t suit your figure — Both the fabric choice and the pattern really work! Maybe you just need to get used to that type of silhouette?
As for what to do with the leftover, I’m partial to the bow blouse in the middle picture.
i’ve often considered this pattern myself–i love your version, the fabric is super-flattering on you. if i decide to take the plunge, i will keep your experience in mind and consider tapering the side seams. but honestly, i think it’s a great garment on you and wearability and comfort are nothing to sneeze at
Pretty! I think the shape is really nice on you. I like the big sleeve combined with the shorter length. But I love big, obnoxious sleeves, so I say go for a blouse like that last photo. I’ve seen some awesome versions of this pattern on the interwebs. Looks perfect for a breezy summer dress.
It’s very much in the Vena Cava aesthetic in that it’s loooovely but it would do something for my figure – ie make me look even more of a (sexy) heifer than I already do.
Still, I absolutely adore the pseudosleeves. Like, I’d cut them and run away with them.
I like this! I think the looser shape balances out the low neckline.
Love the fabric so I vote for a simple shirt for the remnant. Simple being relative if you got with Burda, Patrones or Manequim, of course!
It looks stunning !! I like it very much
Very attractive on you! I think the attractive neckline and great fabric/color more than make up for any silhouette issues. I agree entirely on Big 4 fitting – SO much ease! I always go down a size or two.
I like it, in that looks good on you wouldn’t work on me way. How do you find the kimono sleeve and upward reaching? I’ve never quite resolved that one.
Wonderful! I love the fabric and the colour! You look great in this dress.
I think it looks good on you! The fabric is gorgeous and oh your tights! I love the subtle detail!
I’ve got this pattern and have been wondering whether or not to make it for the same reasons you outline above. I always sew a size based on the final measurements which is often a couple of sizes down from my actual measurements and rarely have a problem. I was thinking to make this is a drapey rayon blend to avoid the boxy factor. I do like it on you, side on its not super flattering but the front view is really nice,
This looks super comfy for the crazy heat of late! What’s the story with ridiculous ease? I just go by finished measurements now- much much easier.
Cute, cute dress. I vote blousy with sleeves, great for summer!
It’s very pretty on you x
what gorgeous fabric! Between the amazing fabric and the pretty neckline, the dress is a winner – plus it is comfortable.
I thought it was really rather lovely on you! Floating and non-figure hugging has a time and a place, and that was definitely last friday.
Very cute, love the proportions
I actually really like it on. Have you tried belting it? I don’t think it as bad as you do, just MHO. I also really like your tights, they are super cool, where are they from? I want some
Yea so do I. No. Says in the text.
Sorry, missed that, note to self read more carefully. Consider me told!
No prob. On phone.
Ooo this looks great! I have this pattern and had kind of forgotten about it but after seeing yours I’m keen to make it.
What gorgeous fabric & tights! I actually think it’s flattering, even though it doesn’t show off your figure. The sleeves really make the whole outfit.
Thanks. I quite like it too; I reckon fabric choice is pretty important with this one.
Are they kimono-sleeves and just rolled up? They look lovely and super comfy! Cool tights by the way!!
Thanks Jayco. The sleeves have wide cuffs (just rectangles) and I’ve folded those up.
Lovely!
I think because it’s not entirely shapeless, it still looks good, even if it’s not form fitting – looks pretty & comfy
I love this fabric, it´s super cute. And the tights are awesome, I like them very much!!!
Although it does nothing for your figure, I still think the dress is flattering! Wear that baby night and day!
I love it and think it looks great! I always forget to look at Vogue patterns for some reason, but I like this one a lot.
Lovely lovely fabric and dress looks perfectly cool and comfy. If you remake t’will be interesting to see if you do change the sizing ….
BTW did you line it?
I won’t change the sizing because narrowing it will change the silhouette too much-the sleeves are cut in one with the body. No lining it drapes well and doesn’t snag-I wear it over silk shorts.
I think this looks great on you, it makes me want to try out this pattern!
I think this dress is absolutely perfect for our blazing summer weather.
I love this dress and think it looks great on you. This post actually has some “scroll down” effect going on because when I saw the side view photos, I thought – not only do I love that dress, but I want those tights! I am actually a little jealous that you can pull this off (even if you feel that you can’t!)
I’m adding you to my reading list too. I look forward to more posts like this one.
Your version is BRILLIANT! Looks fabulous on you and actually fits you! I still haven’t worn mine, a year after I made it. I seem to have managed to outgrow it on the hip area. Hmmm.
Thanks for the mention. A huge compliment…and may help me get my blogging mojo back!
I just found your blog and love this dress! I am going to go out and buy this pattern today!