… the sign of the scales.
So at first sight there may appear to be absolutely nothing scales-y or balanced or anything at all even vaguely Libran about my ensemble. So what on earth is the Libran element here… ? Well ME! Yes, it is my birthday today. And I have made for myself a birthday dress, especially for socialising like the flirty sociable little butterfly that Librans are supposed to be. Hehe, I can’t help but laugh at that description since I am the complete opposite of a social butterfly, seriously! It’s a miracle that I’m not still tucked in the corner of the laboratory hunched over the HPLC, but actually do have friends, and a husband! Although maybe I just swapped the HPLC for the sewing machine? Yeah. I think I totally did. You just can’t escape your true nature…However, socialising has been had. Monday I had a delightful morning tea with friends, who gave me a Fabulous Fabrics voucher…. aah they know me so well! And I intend to make a nice dinner and cake to have with my fambly tonight.
But, enough blahdy-blah… my new dress. Florals, for spring. I know right? soooo innovative! 😀 But everyone loves to have a pretty new dress for the new season, yes?
This is Vogue 1194, a pattern I bought not long after it first came out and have just never got around to it. I made it pretty much to the pattern except with just a few minor variations… I folded the excess fabric at both shoulders and also at the centre of the skirt back into pleats, pictured below, rather than have gathers as per the pattern. I’m afraid I just do not like gathers very much, poor things. And I have shortened the sleeves to elbow length, more suitable for our warm weather.
The fabric is a gorgeous watercolour-y printed stretch knit from Fabulous Fabrics. So, actually I originally wanted to make this fabric into a lingerie set, and the day I bought it I was meeting my friend J for lunch and showed it to her. She seemed slightly horrified that its loveliness was never going to see the light of day and urged me to make a dress instead. I went away a little thoughtful, a little dampened, but still fairly determined to make lingerie. I showed the fabric to my mother, and to Cassie next, both of whom vehemently agreed with J that to make it into lingerie was the silliest idea they had every heard. Well, they put it more tactfully than that but that was the gist of it.
I felt even less certain about my lingerie plan.
The final kicker though was when I laid down my fabric and pattern pieces and discovered that the Vogue 1194 skirt pieces plus a few others pretty much fitted perfectly and I only needed to buy a bit more to get out the remainder of the pieces.
The universe was telling me something and I was finally getting it.
So I cut out the dress instead natch… and ended up making my lingerie set from my poppies print instead, so all’s well that ends well, no?
After all my talk about slips and linings the other day, maybe I should mention that the dress is unlined, but that I am wearing my beige satin petticoat underneath. Hope that’s not tmi. Or course the petticoat cannot be seen, which is just the way things should be, yes?
Details:
Dress; Vogue 1194, floral stretch fabric
Petticoat (not seen): Burda 8071, beige satin, details here
Tights; self-drafted, of black merino wool, details here
Shoes; Django and Juliette, from Zomp shoes
Pattern Description:
Pullover, mid-knee length dress has loose-fitting front pleated and gathered bodice, bands (twisted front), raised waist, A-line, front pleated and back gathered skirt, side pockets, stitched hems and long sleeves.
Pattern Sizing:
Size 8-14. Other reviewers noted that the pattern runs a little big so I went down a size from my usual and cut a size 8. This was a good decision.
Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you had finished sewing it?
In essence, although I wanted a springy dress so cut my sleeves to three quarter length.
Were the instructions easy to follow?
Very! and also it is rated an Easy pattern by Vogue
What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?
I have always liked the simple softly draping pleats on this one, and the flattering V-neckline. The skirt is full enough to allow deep side pockets and yet still appears slimline and not pouffy or bulky.
The look of the gathering on the skirt back on the pattern envelope caught my eye in a not-good way, fortunately it is easy to instead fold the excess fabric into a sleeker-looking box pleat.
For my size the pattern stipulates that 1.9m of fabric is needed. Cutting the sleeves to elbow length, I found 1.3m of fabric to be sufficient.
For my size the pattern stipulates that 1.9m of fabric is needed. Cutting the sleeves to elbow length, I found 1.3m of fabric to be sufficient.
Fabric Used:
Printed stretchy fabric
Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:
I pleated the excess fabric in the front shoulders, and also I folded a symmetrical box pleat centred on the skirt back joining seam, thus eliminating all gathering in my version of this pattern.
I hand-stitched the sleeve and lower hems.
Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?
OK, so I always say yes I will sew it again and then only occasionally do I follow through, but this is such a basic and classic silhouette and so easy to run up very quickly, so I am absolutely certain that I will, soon 🙂
And yes, highly 🙂
Conclusion:
Easy, stylish and flattering, this basic yet prettily feminine design is very lovely in my opinion. I’m very happy with my new dress!
I'm sure the fabric would have made very cute lingerie, but it makes an even more beautiful dress, Carolyn! I love your choice of pattern, especially the twisty band in front.
I was also thinking it couldn't already be Libra time already (my sister's a Libra, but her birthday falls in the middle of October) but here we are. Happy Birthday!
PS: I also really like your hair.
Happy birthday from one Libra to another. Funny thing is that I would never describe myself as a flirty social butterfly either! My training was as a chemist and I prefer solitary pursuits for the most part too. I think they got is wrong with that description!
Your birthday dress is stunning! I love how you placed the print at your shoulders.
Happy B-day! I'm really glad you made a dress from the fabric. I'm sure the lingerie would have looked great, but the dress is just a perfect garment to show off the lovely fabric.
Happy birthday, Carolyn! What an absolutely fabulous birthday dress. I think it was definitely the right choice to make a dress with this fabric – it would have been a pity to consign a print this gorgeous to sleepwear only. It turned out beautifully!
Happy birthday miss Carolyn, from a fellow Libra, I'll be celebrating a milestone birthday next month. I love your new dress! hmmm … gives me an idea … And your friends do know you well .. what a great gift!!
Oh man! So glad you turned this into a dress. That fabric is GORGEOUS and perfect for spring. Such good colors for you too. Happy Birthday!!!
Happy Birthday! September 25th is mine. It's a good month. Love the dress and especially the shoes.
So pretty — I don't think I've ever seen a knit that gorgeous in any fabric store here. I do think pleats are generally more flattering than gathers. Happy birthday!
happy birthday! bee-yoo-tiful dress!
i know a few librans too, and i laughed at "social butterfly." maybe the stars got that one mixed up 🙂
Happy Birthday. I'm a libra, too. (Birthday on Friday). It is still Monday on this side of the world. Funny to think you are already on Tuesday!
Happy birthday, gorgeous dress.
Happy Birthday! I feel like i'm sending this comment into the future because it's still Monday the 23rd where i live. =) Beautiful dress, i love the print! I spotted this same DKNY dress pattern today on another blog I follow: http://alittleofwhatyou.blogspot.com/2013/09/made-by-me-vogue-1194.html Must be a good pattern!!
Happy Birthday Carolyn! I like the dress very much – I agree it would have been a shame to hide that fabric.
Happy birthday! What a pretty birthday dress, lovely fabric and the pattern is great – it is in my stash too, waiting to be made (for some time now). I guess it also would make a pretty winter dress because of the long sleeves, so maybe this winter… I like the pleating, that is really something to remember. Thanks for the review and I hope you had a lovely day.
Happy birthday! Your dress is beautiful and very much like spring.
Happy Birthday! What a beautiful dress too! Vogue 1194 is my absolute favourite dress – I made it up a while ago and have worn it constantly! I'm going to make another one asap and your fabric choice is inspirational!
Glad you swapped the HPLC for the sewing machine:-) Happy birthday!!
Happy Birthday! Your dress is beautiful. I grappled with a fly zip today and eventually got it right after 3 attempts and a You Tube tutorial! Jo x
That is a very pretty dress. It is unusual to see you in bright florals but it suits you. Happy Birthday.
It is beautiful, Caroline. 🙂
Pretty, pretty! And yes, I really like the way the print is placed on the bodice. Happy birthday!
Happy birthday! Your birthday dress is very pretty.
Happy Birthday!! That is the most beautiful fabric I have ever seen. Your dress is beautiful too. The pattern looks just like one I almost picked up at a second hand store last week, but then decided not to at the last minute. I may swing by there on the way home to snag it. You have inspired me!! Again, have a great birthday—eat cake and make the fun last as long as you can!
Hope you had a great day and I too am glad that you made the fabric up into a dress. You look so lovely in these bright florals.
This looks wonderful! Happy birthday and I'm glad you made this into a dress. It will look perfect with sandals in summer
Happy birthday to you! Your new dress is beautiful and you look very lovely in it. I hope you enjoyed your day x
I like the hot colours in your fabric , they go lovely with your hair. It would have been my fathers birthday on the 24th, happy birthday Carolyn
Happy birthday and lovely dress, I am wild for watercolor prints.
pretty version of the dress, I made the same one in red. Happy birthday.
Happy birthday, Carolyn! The dress is gorgeous and you look stunning.
Happy Birthday Carolyn!!! Hope you had a Great Day! The dress is beautiful and the print it's perfect for this dress. I also got the pattern long ago and I finally got some fabric to make it, so it is on my cutting table. I hope my version looks as beautiful as yours.
It's still 23d of sept. here…we are in the past in england.. typical 🙂 but happy birthday to you! And The dress is looking gorgeous on you!
Happy birthday Carolyn. The fabric is very Monet like and the dress is fun and flirty. Have a great day.
Happy birthday!! Love the dress.. Very sweet and feminine. Gorgeous fabric made into such a lovely dress.
Happy Birthday. Wish you a happy, healthy year ahead. I love the print of this dress, looks big but still isn't overwhelming !
Just stunning, as usual. I actually know what HPLC is, do I win the prize for nerdiness? (high performance liquid chromatography. I was a molecular biologist in my previous life)
haha, yes! I realise now that I had intended to put in a footnote explaining what HPLC stood for, but forgot. It was such a big part of my life once!
Too, too, lovely for words! I am impressed that you found a bit of sunshine to take these photos. Happy birthday!
Happy Birthday! What a lovely dress! 🙂
That fabric is stunning! The fit is just perfect.
Happy birthday!
And your dress is so much lovelier than the pattern envelope.
Happy birthday! Lovely dress.
Happy, happy birthday! Oh, my, your dress is just gorgeous!!!
Happy birthday from another Libra, my birthday is due next week 🙂 Your birthday dress is simply gorgeous and the floral print makes it so much more impressive and feminine than the envelope original.
Many happy returns! Your dress is gorgeous and love the way you changed the gathers, they are not my friend either, to tucks.
Happy birthday Carolyn!!!!!!!!!!! A big kiss from me 🙂
What a lovely dress! The silhouette is femenine and very flattering.
Oooh, it's so pretty and dreamy and I do like the black tights and boots with it. The location is lovely too. Happy birthday!
Happy birthday Carolyn – I hope you've had a lovely day. Your new dress is just beautiful and I'm glad that gorgeous fabric has been made into a lovely dress that can be enjoyed by a much wider audience 😉
Happy Birthday Carolyn !!! And your birthday dress is so pretty!
Happy birthday – a really beautiful dress. And morning tea and family dinner are just about right for a non social doing a bit of social. Shoes are really lovely – sort of old fashionedey, dressy, but great for walking.
What a pretty and feminine birthday dress. Love the changes you made to this pattern and I am very impressed that you made your tights as well. Gorgeous outfit. Hope you enjoyed your birthday.
This is just stunning. That fabric is to die for! I have that pattern and am yet to make it up, you are swaying me. You look just beautiful!
That fabric- it be truly stunning! The simple lines of this frock really let's the fabric shine- rad as always 😀
And happy happy cake day to another lovely Libran!
So, so pretty Carolyn! Happy Birthday to you!
Happy birthday! I love how you converted the gathers to pleats.
Happy birthday! Your dress is wonderful so much nicer than the pattern photo. I think that fabric is one of the most beautiful that I have ever seen, truly lovely. I hope it wears well as it is so flattering.
First of all, Happy Birthday, Carolyn! I think your family should take you out for dinner, but I expect you've had that choice. Secondly, that is a gorgeous dress. Your remark about not liking gathers caused my brain to spark – this is probably one of reasons that I love your clothes, that they aren't full of gathers and ruffles and furbelows. I sometimes see things with these that I like, but I must be allergic to them in some way because I cannot bring myself to wear them on my body. Finally, have you lost weight? You're looking very slim in that dress. If so, I'd love to know your secret (walking and biking aside). If not, let me tell you that's a really great dress! Hope you have a lovely birthday!
Happy b'day! Gorgeous dress – perfect choice for a perfect fabric.
Happy Birthday, Carolyn! And what a gorgeous dress! I think I would like to wear this one everywhere, not just socializing. Love the print, it is truly beautiful
Happy Birthday! Your dress is beautiful…the print is gorgeous! Gathers are nice, but I love the pleats! Where is Sienna?????
You are a damn vision. A DAMN VISION IN FLORALS. Looooove this. And happy birthday my friend!
I'm glad they talked you into using it for a dress, because it really is quite lovely! Happy birthday!
Happy birthday!! This is just gorgeous (as a birthday dress should be!) That floral is… just… so lovely. Sigh. Gorgeous fabric + pattern pairing.
Here's to a wonderful year, hope your celebration was all that you wished it to be. The dress is so very lovely and looks so nice on you. It is indeed inspiring.
Happy birthday! Great print placement on that and the colours are gorgeous.
Happy birthday, and what a gorgeous dress to celebrate in. I'm glad your family and friends talked you into making this into something you can show off to everyone. It's just wonderful. I'm a huge fan of painterly fabrics, and I think you've done this one justice! My birthday was just the day before, so it's fun to know we are nearly birthday twins. Hope you had a grand end to your day as well!
Happy birthday! Love the fabric design and pattern. Great choice
Happy Birthday!
I've made this pattern twice, but both times for my sister. I really have to make one up for myself, yours looks so lovely. I do love the fabric, and I'm glad it's getting seen, but I don't think it's a waste to make beautiful fabric in to lingerie at all!
Have the happiest birthday! It's a pretty dress, like a watercolour painting!
Gosh this is the prettiest, prettiest fabric. A great dress for it! I am such a sucker for watercolor-y prints and if they're florals even better. Happy Birthday Carolyn! (Did you have enough left over at least for some knickers?)
Pretty dress and fabric! You look so happy with your new dress. Happy Birthday, Carolyn! Have the wonderful one!
happy happy birthday, lovely lady!
that's such a beautiful dress, and perfect one for spring (oh, i envy you for having springtime over there, my favorite season.. every autumn i want to move to southern hemisphere).. also, i can so imagine this fabric making a beautiful lingerie set, dunno why everyone around you was so upset with the idea 🙂 i love me some fabulous lingerie, it makes me feel special hehe
Happy Birthday girlfriend, and what a pretty dress you are wearing. https://www.facebook.com/SassySewingBees
happy birthday! i love how your dress is utterly lovely and feminine without being frothy or saccharine. well done!
so so glad you used this fabric for a dress! it is a fabric/pattern match made in heaven. lovely!
Oh, Carolyn! This is the most beautiful fabric print I've ever seen! I'm love with it!! You did well not to hide this fabric in lingerie clothes … This beautiful dress has to be admired by the public in the light of day. Happy Birthday!
A very pretty dress for your birthday. Hope it was as good as the dress 🙂
Happy birthday!
And I think you were right to use this fabric for the dress. It would have been a shame to hide it away.
That is a gorgeous dress. Hope you had a great birthday.
You look gorgeous!! And happy birthday, a bit late! I hope you had a yummy dinner and cake 😉
Happy Birthday Babes! Hope you have a gorgeous weekend! xoxo
Oh, I'm overwhelmed by all your wonderful wonderful well-wishes; thank you so much everyone for your kind words. 🙂
Happy birthday … This fabric is so amazing…. I got this pattern but was out off by the waist instructions.. You are making me want to go and revisit it
Oh, this is my dream fabric! It looks perfect as this dress, and you placed the floral pattern so thoughtfully. It's magical! I hope you had a wonderful birthday!
1st, Happy Birthday!!!! my best wishes to you!
2nd, this dress is just gorgeous and fits you incredibly well. Waoh!
Dear this fabric and this dress are a sweet dream. Thanks for your nice words! Kisssss from Madrid!
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