Jul 22, 2014

Finished Project: Vogue Sundress Hack Attack Take 2

If I kept all my failures to myself, what kind of (virtual) sewing bee buddy would I be?

Because we all have them (right, people? Right?). And if my M.O. is anything, it's keepin' it real. So check out this, my second sundress sewn (partly) from Vogue 8766 — a scroll-down nightmare.

Try it. The bodice looks great...lovely fit...nice spaghetti halter straps....cute daisy print...sweet button placket detail...and then (scrolling down), oh dear, that skirt:


My husband tells me it's adorable. I think he likes that it's, er, defining through the bodice. I do love the daisies. I choose the print because it had a Sassy magazine-circa-1992 sweetness to it.


But that gathered skirt...I thought I swore those darn things off a few years ago? On a lady like me, they just look dumpy. And, if this dress looks shorter at center front, that's because it is. I was trying for something...but it just looks like a mistake. Also, that white eyelet trim is a little twee. (However, if I were a Sassy magazine stylist, I would pair this with combat boots and a beekeeper's hat and maybe it would look cool.)


I once again used shirring to gather the back bodice. This time I used a single large rectangle for the back bodice and skirt. Last time,  I cut the bodice and skirt separately, and it turned out much better. I think the fabric choice this time around had a lot to do with it:

Also, I should iron more
I like this dress just enough that saving it somehow is important to me (After all, it's a lot of work shirring all those rows!). But how? Swap out the skirt entirely? Chop the hem straight and use some other kind of trimming to add length? What would you do?

26 comments:

  1. Truth? I'd wear it like it is! I think you are seeing all the flaws that no one else will notice. Enjoy wearing it, enjoy your husband enjoying it, and imperfect skirt bedamned! ;)

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    Replies
    1. Truth: I probably will wear it! (But I just won't be totally satisfied...and I may be a little self-concious)

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  2. Hard to tell the real problem without a straight on view of the front. Maybe if the gathers were more even around the waist.

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  3. I'm with Gillian! It fits, you look cute as a button and your husband likes it, too. Wear it!

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  4. I really don't see what the problem is -- it's very cute. But if we're going to nitpick, sure, the skirt lacks drape. A crepe fabric would drape better. But for a summer sundress, it's very sweet. Also, the front buttons gives it a strong vertical look, compensating for the bunchiness on either side. I say, embrace the twee!

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    Replies
    1. I like the phase "strong vertical look." It's words like those that convince me ...embrace the bunch!

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  5. I say add the combat boots and you are good to go - that is absolutely how I would wear it! ��

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  6. I agree with other commenters that it looks lovely. But if it's going to bother you too much to wear it, perhaps rip off the skirt fronts, add a dart and cut them A-line so that you have a smoother front but keep the fullness in the back?

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  7. Definitely not a fail! It's cute..maybe it's just a bit more 'girlie' than your used to? :)

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    Replies
    1. yes, very girlie. I should give it to someone.

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  8. As the others say, I think it's pretty cute, but if I had to suggest an improvement I'd lose the white hem border, and maybe try more of a tulip shaped skirt, such as the one on this salme pattern (which I'm gagging to make as soon as the Australian winter disappears!).

    http://www.salmesewingpatterns.com/collections/dress-patterns/products/digital-sewing-pattern-silvia-dress

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    Replies
    1. Oohh! That's pretty. Or maybe I will just leave it...and then make this Salme dress! Loveit.

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  9. A strip of patchwork blocks, with a strip of the same denim underneath, would look awesome, IMHO. You could incorporate some of that cute bodice print.

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    1. Interesting! I have to see how much I have left (answer: nnot much!)

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  10. I think all you need to do is remove the hem lace and add something more streamlined that blends in with your skirt fabric for a hem treatment. Also just steam the dickens out of the waistline gathers so they lay flat! :)

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    Replies
    1. Yeah, I think I am with you on this one. Maybe a navy eyelet hem instead. And steaming. Lots of steaming...

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  11. Super cute. I really like it...but without the trim on the hem.

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  12. okay imma agree with you! chop that hem straight but (and you're welcome, huzband) MINI LENGTH. gathered skirt mini length = sexy without slutty. in my 'o.

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  13. I'd just even out the hem and then attach another contrasting band or something. Or a non-contrasting band.. Just something! Haha but it's definitely a cute dress!

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