Looking at the number of sewing that I’d done in the past couple of month, apparently sewing and summer is not a nice combination for me. Fortunately the weather is getting cooler now and my sewing mojo slowly crawled back. I found this pretty eyelet orange fabric in my favorite local fabric shop who sells out of print fabric, and it was turned rightaway into a dress that night.

The pattern is out of print Vogue 8313, marked as ‘very easy’. I bought it for $1.99 on a sale in Vogue Patterns site. From the pattern envelope: “Misses’ Petite Dress: Dress has V-neck front and back, front and back darts, all in one sleeve and upper section, self bow over upper edge of zipper and back slit at lower section.”

According to the bust size, I should have made size 8. But after checking the finished measurements, I decided to cut size 6 all over. I think checking the finished measurements is a much more reliable way to find the right size. There is not much pattern alterations other than shortening the bodice and hem considerably.

The upper bodice is not lined, the seams are finished with French seams. The lower section is underlined with skin-colored lining and the raw edges finished with overlocker. I didn’t have orange invisible zipper on hand so I just used a yellow one as the zipper pull would be covered with the bow anyway. The bow is handstitched to the right side of the dress, the left side is attached using a pair of snaps.

The back of the dress is quite low, a low-back bra is essential here. I suppose you can also go no-bra with this dress, but the neckline is quite wide that the dress might fall off the shoulders. Of course, it wouldn’t be nice when it happened.

I sewed a pair of store-bought bra strap holders to the inside of the dress’ shoulders so the dress would hang on the bra and no unintentional exposure would happen. In fact, I really love these little bra strap holders and would put it on every dress from now on. These are one of those little things that can make your life much more comfortable.

As mentioned by the pattern, it was quite an easy sewing. It would even be a lot faster if I didn’t use eyelet fabric. The lines are quite flattering I guess, I love seeing it on my body. With such a low back, I know this dress won’t be one of my daily dress. Anyhow, it is nice to have a perfect dress to wear when an occasion passes by!

 Pattern is Vogue 8313 (out of print) size 6.