Pattern Review Vogue 1086
100% Cotton Lawn (sold out)
Other similar fabrics Calming Waters, Marigold Floral Print, Rust/Turquoise Tribal Print.
The fabric sews and presses beautifully. I did not prewash the fabric. I never do because my intention is to always dry clean the completed garments after wearing them. I know some people swear by prewashing for shrinking (especially cottons), but I’ve never had a problem with shrinking.
I used french seams in the entire garment and didn’t line the dress. I thought about it, but didn’t like the effect of the skirt. So, I will wear (don’t laugh) a SLIP (imagine that!) with it.
The neckline was a challenge because my bust measurement and cup size is smaller than the pattern so I had to be sure that the fit was good. It’s still a little roomy at the top.
I also inserted the zipper on the right side of the dress to accommodate my recent shoulder surgery which won’t allow me to raise my left elbow to zip up the dress. Lesson here: I always analyze my designs and patterns before layout and cutting to make sure that I have covered my needs for fit. And then after doing that, sometimes the garments still don’t fit the way we like them to!!!
Accessories
Jacket Coldwater Creek
Shoes DSW
Necklace from a Galleria costume jewelry store
Thanks Beverly for sharing your sewing journey with us!!
Looking Good! You go Beverly!
Hi! The dress looks good. I'm currently working on mine, . . . I have 1 questions if you don't mind, when you were doing your french seams: once you sew 2 fabric pieces wrong sides together with a 3/8 inch seam and then press it right sides together, how big of a seam allowance do you make the 2nd seamline?? Thank you so much for your help!!!
Trim the 1st seam allowance down to 1/8" and then sew the second seam line 1/4".