So, I made a dress.
I finished the dress a couple of months ago but didn’t hem it until this weekend. Thankfully the weather is still pretty warm here so I was able to wear it at least once before the season really changes.
The pattern I used was Vogue 8469. I had to make an adjustment to the bodice–adding about 4 inches to it in order for the waist band to actually make it to my waist (I did a muslin of the bodice and everything!) The fabric is cotton but with a titch of spandex so it has a nice body to it.
The dress is far from perfect–if you look closely it is clear I am not an expert seamstress. Putting in the zipper was my least favorite part (and now that it is done opening and closing the zipper by myself requires some serious arm bending). The waist is pretty snug so gaining weight is not an option (which I suppose is a good thing). As for the pattern itself, the sleeves turned out a little shorter than I was picturing and I wish they were a bit longer as I don’t love short cap sleeves on me. Overall though, I am happy with the way it turned out. And while I won’t be appearing on Project Runway anytime soon…I am pleased with my sewing progress.
Now that this dress is finally finished I can’t help but think of what’s next. Ideally something without a zipper. I mean really, do our clothes actually need zippers? I think a lot more people would take up and stick to sewing if zippers weren’t involved. Just saying.
very pretty…and even prettier in person!
It is a great dress! Seriously.
The dress is super cute, the sleeves don’t look bad on you, and two words: invisible zipper. Buy an invisible zipper foot and never fear the zipper again. It completely changed how I think about putting in a zipper.
GORGEOUS! Props to you for doing the whole zipper thing. 🙂
Beautiful! Ellie agrees. 😉
I love it! The pattern is so lovely on you, and the dress is very flattering. Congrats!
I love it! And I am so excited to see you. Maybe you could wear it this weekend. Just sayin’.
I love both the fabric and the fit. Great job, Erin!
Wow, it’s so pretty!! And it looks fantastic on you. I love the cut.
Very pretty & it looks great on you, too! I especially like the print. I second the invisible zipper hint. I’m a newbie & I find the invisible zipper much less intimidating that a regular one.
Your dress turned out great!! I love the length and the pattern, it looks like the perfect afternoon-tea dress.
It’s absoultely darling! Amen to doing away with zippers. I would be more interested in sewing if zippers weren’t involved so often. Especially since I have yet to discover a good zipper source. The ones at big box craft stores function, but seem so cheaply made to me. There has to be a better zipper source out there. Maybe zippers in high end clothing at second-hand stores would be a good place to look. You look beautiful. Very impressive.
I love it! I am totally with you on zippers though. Whatever heartache the zipper induced was worth it though–this dress is gorgeous.
it turned out so cute! I love it, and I’m glad you had a chance to wear it 😉 zippers cause me stress too, but in spite of that, you’ve inspired me to get on to making my dresses!
That is so cute! Great job! I have yet to try zippers because they scare me…and this post doesn’t do much to change that. 😉
So, it’s totally super cute.
And I pretty much adore you.
I am having a devil of a time learning to sew with this supposedly “easy” skirt pattern I picked up – I hope (a) someday I finish, and (b) it looks half as cute as your dress!
Absolutely Adorbs! I love it! And the sleeves look awesome on you. I’m with Meghan on the invisible zipper. Makes life so much easier.
Lovely! Great fit, great fabric, and from where I’m sitting the zipper looks great too. 🙂 Hmm, zipper-less projects–what about something in a knit?
It. Is. Fabulous.
The dress is beautiful! And you look absolutely darling in it. Your never ending talent never ceases to amaze me. Good job! Feel like whipping up a homecoming dress for Katie?
What a lovely dress it is! Love the color and the style suits you perfectly. Well done, Erin. (and your zipper is not that bad!)
Wow, great job! I love the fabric and the pattern! I have yet to tackle a dress, skirts (with elastic waistbands) yes, dress, no. I think it’s fab!
De-lightful dress! Seriously makes me smile to look at it! : )
I love this dress! I found your blog through Kara’s blog, hope you don’t mind 🙂
[…] I was picking my favorite end result I might have chosen my dress but in the end I had to go with this perfect day of sewing with my niece. The day we made […]
Okay, remember I’m just coming on board and my comments are so “after the fact” BUT you look darling!
I don’t like sewing zippers either