Tuesday, June 21, 2011

Vogue 1236 - The White Dress

I love, love the white trend this summer. I've been wanting to make a white dress since I saw the trend. I know, white is not necessarily your friend, especially when you have a bit extra in spots but who cares!

I remembered this white seersucker type fabric in my stash from about 2 or so years ago. It was a Fabric.com purchase when they had all that Ralph Lauren fabric. I think it was all of $2.99 a yard. It's cotton and was only about 50" wide and I had just over 2 yards. I had initially wanted to make a shirt out of it but I've given up on fitted shirts.

I also really liked this Vogue 1236 from the get go. I should really avoid these dresses without a delineated waistline but I thought it might work because a) it's a DKNY dress and she designs well for curves and b) the fabric had vertical stripes.



This is a super easy pattern but I've been working on it for a week now. Life has gotten in the way of sewing. Between landscaping and my son's new gymnastics schedule, we've been so busy.

This is my second attempt at a dress for my husband's high school reunion this weekend. It's a casual affair or so I've been told, anything goes more or less. I'm not loving it enough to wear to his reunion but I did wear it to work today.

I like the shape, even though it may not be the best for me. I get bored wearing the same thing over and over again. I cut out a 14 which was the biggest on the envelope but probably should have added some width to the sides. It's probably a bit more snug than it should be. It is cotton so it's loosening up as I wear it. I'm also pushing maximum size here and am trying to lose a couple pounds. I love the neckline and shoulders, they fit very well for me.

All in all, this is a very nice pattern, quick, easy, and uses little fabric. A lot of bang for your buck. It's not the best shape for me but I will wear it. I've been trying to make some more basic pieces that I can mix and match. I tend to go bold with my fabrics and need some more simple pieces in my closet.

Swiper joined me for photos this morning. I hit the timer, went to my spot, and he followed me and sat down just right without any prompting. He even did it for the back view. He's a Border Collie crossed with a Staffordshire Bull Terrier and is my social misfit. He loves us, but won't let anyone else (other than my mom whom he adores) near him. I've had him since he was a baby so we think it's a biological thing...something is miswired in him. His littermates are fine.



14 comments:

Patty said...

I really like this on you, and I'm waiting for the next Vogue sale to pick this pattern up for myself :-)
I also like the white dress trend for summer, and I think adding pops of bold color with a belt, cardi or jewelery adds interest!

Amanda S. said...

It's a great little basic and I'll bet you wear it more then you think. The dog posing is too funny!

Victoria said...

Pretty dress! I never paid much attention to this pattern before. Your version is so classy:)

Carolyn (Diary of a Sewing Fanatic) said...

I like this on you...even with the cardi! Nice job!

Karin said...

I certainly don't think it is a bad shape for you! It looks nice and I like the white trend too.

Monica D said...

Well Done!!! Did you have to coach your dog for the pics? I notice he didn't miss a move, LOL

Heather said...

I really like this dress. I have the pattern, and a nice drapey chambray, now I just have to find the time to actually make something.

Kim said...

Thanks everyone! No, didn't have to coach the dog. He's kind of like velcro most of the time. Lays under my sewing table or cutting board when I sew too. I actually had a stranger today ask me if I made my dress? I was appalled and said, "Oh my god, does it look homemade?" She swore it was a compliment but I don't know!

doctoru said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
doctoru said...

it is soooo cute on you! You really could wear it to the reunion with some bright colored pumps for day or black patents for evening and chandelier earrings...

Sarah C said...

I think that looks great on you! You definitely need some bright chunky jewelry like Patty said!

K.Line said...

OMG - the puppy matches your dress and sweater in the last shot! So adorable! And I don't think the dress is an unflattering shape. I actually think it fits quite well...

Eugenia said...

The dress looks fabulous - it is cool and casual and very pretty in white. Love how Swiper makes the perfectly colour co-ordinated accessory!

Kathy said...

I really love this dress on you! Love your puppy. Oh and that woman that asked you if you made it? Perhaps she sews too? I often look at people and wonder if they made what they are wearing....just what us seamtresses do I guess.