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From the Core

Vogue 9112 Tunic ("Dress")

6/10/2019

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After a tragic disappointment with another pattern, I needed something to pick me up. This asymmetrical pattern was exactly the thing. No two pieces are alike, and there are interesting curves and a forgiving silhouette. It's a 3D puzzle in fabric. An easy one, if you take it step-by-step.

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Mimi G Pattern: S8177 Pants

5/13/2019

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Front of pattern envelope.
Graded yoke pieces.
My dog likes to stand on fabric...
These wide-leg woven pants were the reason I purchased S8177. They are high-waisted, and with Mimi G, I knew there would be room for my ample rear. Otoh, there's a yoke, and a zipper, and my figure, and...

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Vogue 1297 - dress

2/3/2019

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Vogue 1297 is an excellent pattern for Apples. It looks fabulous in striped fabric, thanks to the giant pockets set at a slimming angle. It's also surprisingly easy to make, even when you're working with an older sewing machine like I do!

My first version of this dress was made with a substantial brick-red striped knit. It's not a scuba knit, but it is almost that substantial. I do think you could get away with a medium-weight knit. Anything too light might not skim over you as flatteringly (no surprise to most of us). The minor wubble in the front-facing pic is my not-very layerable shirt scrunching!

Awesome
  • pockets
  • flattering drape
  • fast/easy/professional look
Did I mention it has pockets? The pockets and dress never fail to get compliments, from people wanting to know where I got it. No one has ever asked if I made it. That means a lot to me! There is no need to match the stripes, so this really does cut and sew quickly. The thin piece at the neck was the only piece I paid close attention to lining up.

Not As Awesome
  • knits only (really)
  • best for stripes/solids
The second version of this dress, I decided to use a woven fabric, and put an exposed zipper in the back. The print on the second fabric was not striped. It was a small, busy print, and it came from the quilting section, which isn't "bad", just lighter weight than my knit. Please note that at this point, I'm not using the pattern envelope's recommended fabric, and the fabric's print is not like either shown on the envelope. The result was not flattering. I will definitely be making this dress again, in stripes or solids!

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Vogue 1429 Top or Dress

1/8/2019

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This pattern sat for more than a year in my Future Project pile. When I finally put it together in late 2018, I had barely enough of the chosen fabric. It got worse - I cut both sleeves the same. This is what happens when you don't purchase enough fabric and are determined to "make it work".

With some adjustment, I managed to put it together, using the dress length and adding another 4" to that. This allows it to be worn as a dress with tights, or with leggings as a long tunic. 

Awesome
The unique neckline/collar are beautiful. I did not do the contrast inset, yet the basic shape alone is a very tailored-looking detail. I will definitely be using this pattern again. Not sure if it's "good", but the top points of the collar are very close together on the pattern envelope, whereas on me it is more of a popped collar look.

Not Awesome
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There are only two bust darts in the pattern. The rest of the dress is a sort of tube. Clearly the dress shown on the front of the pattern envelope has been fitted. The lack of darts on the lower section of the dress resulted in the dreaded Tent Effect. 

Suggested Modifications: The next time I use this pattern, I'll be mixing it with the lower part of  George and Ginger's "Clover" or "Crimson" pattern. It's not really a surprise that using separate pieces yields a more flattering fit.

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    Opinionated, tea-drinking Apple with aspirations of sewing the perfect wardrobe.

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