Remember this planned project? I finally managed to finish one of them, right when summer is definitely over. Apparently I’m not very good at planning projects.
Anyway! The dress is finished and I love it! The fabric is Juicy Couture silk with pinkish background and black heart prints all over and the pattern is Vogue 1288 from Badgley Mischka Platinum – Vogue American Designer line. From the pattern envelope: “MISSES’ DRESS: Close-fitting, lined dress (fitted through hips) has overlay, contrast bias trim and invisible back zipper. Bias binding (lining) finishes seams.”
I cut size 6 on bust and waist, tapered to size 8 on hip. As usual, I shortened the bodice and hem and made a swayback adjustment before cutting the pattern. This pattern is quite simple, it is a basically a sheath dress with waist-length overlay.
I didn’t follow the pattern instructions when sewing the dress.The dress on the pattern envelope is made of sequined chiffon with contrast trim along the neckline, armholes, and hem of both the overlay and the skirt, which required specific techniques of sewing. I didn’t use contrast trim, so my way of sewing the dress was quite simpler.
First, I attached the side seams of both the outer fabric and lining. Then the outer fabric and lining were attached at the neckline and armholes, leaving about 5 cm gap on top of the straps. The seam allowances were clipped and the dress was turned right side out. Then I sewed the shoulders and slipstitched the lining to the dress. Actually it is similar to the way I sew a reversible bag.
The hem of the overlay was overlocked, then folded inside and topstitched. All seam allowances -except for french seams for the overlay- were finished with overlocker instead of bias binding as the pattern instructions suggested.
This is my first time sewing with silk, and I happily realized that it was not that difficult! Here’s a helpful post on Mood blog that I read beforehand. In addition, I also used fabric stabilizer spray to help me dealing with the slippery fabric. Mine is made in Japan, but I think it is similar to Sullivans Spray Fabric Stabilizer.
My fabric snagged a bit, indicating that the needle was not small enough. Also, silk is so delicate that sometimes I didn’t realize there was an additional layer underneath the ones being sewn. I spent sometime freeing the hem of my dress that got caught on the neckline. But other than that, there were no major hair-pulling moments.
I just love how I’m feeling wearing this dress. The overlay is flowing gracefully with every movement, as you can see in the picture of me pretending to walk against the wind from the fan. And silk is so soft to the touch. This won’t be the last time I’m sewing with silk!
Pattern is Vogue 1288, size 6 on bust and waist, size 8 on hip.
24 Comments
Great dress Novita, and perfect choice of shoes to go with it!
you look so darn cute :)
I wonder of you’d be interested in a recent purple design of mine?
I found your site whilst googling to fin purple silk bias binding (haven’t found it yet)to use on a tank I want to make from my Geo Chevron Amethyst fabric design on Spoonflower(http://www.spoonflower.com/fabric/1757760) which I’ve purchased in a silk/cotton mix.
I’m not a very experienced seamstress so we’ll see if the end result ever makes it onto my blog!
Cheers
Hi Clair,
Your chevron design is amazing! I think it will also looks wonderful as knit dress.
Thank you for letting me know about your design, all of them are great.
Hopefully I will see the tank in your blog! :)
I always admire this dress when I flip through the Vogue pattern book. It looks gorgeous on you! And the fabric choice is just perfect. Your work is so inspiring.
sewcollegiatechristine.blogspot.com
This dress is gorgeous Novita! It’s so pretty, and the top has so much movement in it, it must feel really amazing to wear!
Beautiful!
That is a very pretty floaty dress.
Oh yes, this is so adorable! This pattern’s simplicity is really nice for a print, and I love the one you chose. On top of that, it looks great on you! Very good work, as always. :)
Love this dress so much! It’s really, really pretty, and it looks great on you! Silk is the perfect choice!
super good on youuu mbaa…. very nice fabric..i wish you can teach me how to sew in Jakarta…. :) :)
Novita… great dress! I’m very envious on the fabric – where did you get it? Mood?
Also, thanks for the tip of the fabric stabalizer spray… do you use it before cutting or before sewing? I’m curious as I’ve never used or heard of it before.
I got the fabric from ebay! Here’s the link to the store: http://stores.ebay.com/Mays-silk-store.
As for the stabilizer spray, usually I use it before cutting. I placed the pattern pieces on the fabric and sprayed the stabilizer sparingly around the pattern before cutting it. Sometimes I also sprayed a little before sewing slippery fabric. You can also use it on thin knit fabric who tends to curl :)
Love it!
It looks beautiful on you!
I love this dress so much! Super cute, now I need to get that pattern:)
You should! I think it would look good for dancing! :)
You dress looks great. I love that fabric. I think it will look great with a blazer to bring it into the early fall weather. With some shoe booties.
Great fabric!! Hearts are adorable, suits the style of the dress very well. So cute and feminine and it looks fab on you :)
Wow! Beautiful! The overlay looks so pretty and light. I love silk. This is really gorgeous.
Very pretty dress on you. I did not look twice at this pattern when Vogue first published it and am now rethinking it. I love the overlay and the fabric. Did you know that the fabric in the right hand corner of your photos matches it almost perfectly? (Can’t tell if it’s a sofa, throw, or something else, but you match your decor! :)
It’s actually an IKEA throw on my couch. I’ve tried to move the couch out of the way then decided that it was too much work :P
Lovely!
Oooh, the badgley mischka dress is always so feminine. And it looks SOOOOO good on you. Amazing job, as usual! Feels, so 20s no?
Btw, good tip with the stabilizer, I will definitely use it next time working with silk.
I agree with the 20’s feeling. Actually when my husband saw the dress, he thought it was supposed to be a flapper dress. Of course he didn’t use the word ‘flapper’, but I think he got the vibe as well :)
Positively gorgeous, that style suits you so well.
Thank you! :)