Charcoal Formal
3:16 PM
Event: Husband's Graduation
Fabric: wanted to keep it less formal so I could wear it on more occasions so I avoided satin and went with light weight charcoal suiting
Pattern: Vogue 1162
Changes to Pattern:
-lost all the ruffle rose stuff on sleeves
-chose not to line dress due to hot summer weather and time
- skipped back vent and just closed seam with shorter hem line
-drafted neckline to come in closer to center to cover bra straps
-skipped the bra inserts
Experience: Pattern is easy to follow and has a flattering shape with the gathered side bodice. It was a good learning experience to dabble a little in formal wear. I started it two nights before the event and thus was sewing the hem and all the finish hand sewing crap in the car on the way to the graduation dinner. I had to cut the tail of the zipper at the babysitter's house when I dropped off my kids. Tim Gunn would have been impressed I think, I barely made it work.
37 comments
Love it! You look fabulous my friend!
ReplyDeleteIt looks like it fits you perfectly! I'm a fan of the side-gathered look... I find it very flattering. Well done you. And how exciting that your husband has graduated.
ReplyDeletethanks! I like the hiding element of the side pleats for sure! We are so excited he's done, thank you!
Deletestunning dress! and beautiful fitting. congrats to your husband too!
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful dress, and on such a tight timeline! Amazing work :) Congrats to the hugs, too - obviously for the graduation, but also for having such an awesome lady at his side.
ReplyDeleteThat turned out so pretty! I love the changes you did to the pattern (that rose ruffle stuff on the sleeve is crazy!) I love that color on you. I totally would have been doing the same thing. I am such a last minute gal, and I can totally picture you sewing on the way to graduation! :)
ReplyDeleteThanks, I had to just go with fabric from my stash as it was so last minute and glad this worked, I don't even remember where or when I bought it.
DeleteLovely dress!
ReplyDeletecan't believe you finished it on the way... what a great story! you look fabulous in this dress. so flattering!
ReplyDeleteThanks, I wouldn't recommend it! I didn't even think to take a back up, close call!
Deletegood choice of pattern very flattering -
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful blog this is. Learning to sew is on my bucket list.
ReplyDeleteLovely dress! I love the side pleating, and it fits you beautifully.
ReplyDeleteStunning.
ReplyDeleteDefinitely can't tell you were finishing it at the last minute. I saw this when you posted before about your husband's graduation, and I liked it. It looks so amazing, and is perfect for this occasion.
ReplyDeleteThe dress is gorgeous! It fits you great!
ReplyDeleteYou look fabulous in that dress. Love the pattern.
ReplyDeleteit came out just perfect!
ReplyDeleteThat looks amazing! How long did it take you?
ReplyDeleteIt took two nights, it's hard to say as one night I turned on a movie and at the end of the movie all I'd done was put in the sleeves, I'd guess 5-8 hours including the cutting out and handsewing finish stuff. I also took longer adjusting the neckline.
DeleteVavoom! You look stunning. Beautifully done...in the nick of time.
ReplyDeleteThanks Chris! I wish I'd been more prepared but I guess it worked in the end
DeleteWow, you look stunning!
ReplyDeleteIt turned out amazing. And you look awesome for having a 5 month old, if I am remembering right.
Way to go!
oh thanks, but as for looking good--there was some serious shapewear involved! It seems each baby does more permanent damage!
DeleteIt really looks beautiful on you. I totally agree with the above comments, you are stunning. Congratulations to your hubby and to your whole family.
ReplyDeleteterrific job very nicely done great fit and you have a new baby. Oh wow. The alterations that you made in the design are quite an improvement and you did a very clearly written description. Congratulations to all of you.
ReplyDeleteThanks! It was actually a lot of work to make all the ruffles and flowers, you've got to really love them to go to all that effort for floral sleeves!
DeleteFantastic!
ReplyDeleteIt looks beautiful on you! Great modifications (what the heck with those giant flowers...???) and great fabric choice too. Doesn't look homemade at all!
ReplyDeleteI know, I think the rose sleeve idea could be cool in a crazy huge couture gown, but here they seemed way overdone for a simple sheath dress. Glad it doesn't look too homemade!
DeleteI agree!!! You look fabulous!!!
ReplyDeleteReally well done ~ bravo! Love the color choice.
ReplyDeleteThanks, I'm hoping the gray would work for different times of the year.
DeleteLove it! Super great shape!
ReplyDeleteThanks Andrea, the pattern does help give an illusion of a waist, as I don't really have one!
DeleteThanks for all your comments, talk about a self esteem boost! I really appreciate it!
ReplyDeleteLove this dress, Jessica! Its beautiful and you look great in it! It was so fun to see you at the reunion the other night! I meant to tell you that I also loved the dress you wore that night, I assume you made that as well? :) Hopefully I will get to see you a bit more now!
ReplyDeleteThank you for stopping by, we love to hear from you!