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
V1162
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.


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37 comments

  1. Love it! You look fabulous my friend!

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  2. It 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.

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    Replies
    1. thanks! I like the hiding element of the side pleats for sure! We are so excited he's done, thank you!

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  3. stunning dress! and beautiful fitting. congrats to your husband too!

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  4. What 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.

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  5. That 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! :)

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    Replies
    1. Thanks, 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.

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  6. can't believe you finished it on the way... what a great story! you look fabulous in this dress. so flattering!

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    Replies
    1. Thanks, I wouldn't recommend it! I didn't even think to take a back up, close call!

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  7. good choice of pattern very flattering -

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  8. What a wonderful blog this is. Learning to sew is on my bucket list.

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  9. Lovely dress! I love the side pleating, and it fits you beautifully.

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  10. Definitely 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.

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  11. The dress is gorgeous! It fits you great!

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  12. You look fabulous in that dress. Love the pattern.

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  13. That looks amazing! How long did it take you?

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    1. It 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.

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  14. Vavoom! You look stunning. Beautifully done...in the nick of time.

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    1. Thanks Chris! I wish I'd been more prepared but I guess it worked in the end

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  15. Wow, you look stunning!
    It turned out amazing. And you look awesome for having a 5 month old, if I am remembering right.
    Way to go!

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    Replies
    1. oh thanks, but as for looking good--there was some serious shapewear involved! It seems each baby does more permanent damage!

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  16. It really looks beautiful on you. I totally agree with the above comments, you are stunning. Congratulations to your hubby and to your whole family.

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  17. terrific 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.

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    1. Thanks! 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!

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  18. It looks beautiful on you! Great modifications (what the heck with those giant flowers...???) and great fabric choice too. Doesn't look homemade at all!

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    1. I 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!

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  19. I agree!!! You look fabulous!!!

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  20. Really well done ~ bravo! Love the color choice.

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    1. Thanks, I'm hoping the gray would work for different times of the year.

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  21. Replies
    1. Thanks Andrea, the pattern does help give an illusion of a waist, as I don't really have one!

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  22. Thanks for all your comments, talk about a self esteem boost! I really appreciate it!

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  23. Love 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!

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