A pattern review - Vogue 1285

I made this dress right before I went to PR New York.

Pattern Description:

(From the pattern envelope): Lined, mock wrap dress has collar, close-fitting bodice with bands, hook and eye, fitted skirt, overlay with mock band, belt loops, sleeveband and invisible left side zipper. Darts are stitched on the right side of fabric. Lining forms attached slip with shoulder and lingerie straps.

Pattern Sizing:

8-24

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?

Yes

Were the instructions easy to follow?

Yes

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?

I like the unique design features like the collar and the darts stitched on the outside. What I didn't like was some of the construction details. Following the instructions, this is what I came up for the collar and bands.

This is a hot mess! WTH. I almost chucked the entire project but after sleeping on it, I decided to fold a small tuck all away around to cover up the mess.

Fabric Used:

I'm not sure what to call the fabric I used. It looks like a ribbed ponte'. It could also be the reason my collar band looked such a mess!

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:

As usual I made an FBA and a wide back adjustment. I also lengthed the bodice 1" and the skirt 2" as well as added width to the waist. To reduce the bodice to fit the skirt, I added an extra waist dart but didn't sew it on the outside.

After the wide back adjustment I took in a dart at the shoulder, sewing it on the outside but eliminated the skirt dart.

I eliminated the side zipper, the lining and the hook and eye. I added thread loops for the chain belt I purchased to wear specifically with tis dress.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?

I think I'd like to make it again in black.

Conclusion:

I really like this dress. Put it on your list.