Betcha can't make just one.

I've noticed an interesting phenomenon regarding this dress. No one seems to make just one! Nearly every sewing blogger who has stitched up Vogue 1250 has made it at least twice, often several times. I'm not generally one to reuse a pattern. I just like variety in sewing, life and my wardrobe, but since I made my first one in May, I've been itching to make another.

I've also really been wearing my Vogue 8724 a lot, so I decided to try it out in a maxi length. I wasn't sure the proportions would work, so I searched around to see if anyone else had done it. I could swear I saw a maxi version on PR, but I couldn't find it! Anyway, I decided to just go for it. I can always chop it short if I hate it.

But I love it!! I actually think it looks better on me than on Sandra Dee, which never happens. She always looks better in my clothes. Anyway, to make it a maxi all I did was lengthen the skirt portion of that wacky front bodice/skirt front and back pattern piece by a total of 22 inches. The side seams are straight, so the skirt ends up a column. It is the perfect length to sweep the floor when wearing 5 inch heels. I may shorten it an inch though, so that I can wear it with sandals for a more casual look. I will say, if you are thinking of doing this, make sure that your bottom hem is VERY stretchy. I coverstitched mine, and it is holding together, but I think a twin needle hem would pop right out the first time you took a long step. Alternately, leave the CB seam open below the knees and hem the edges for a sexy slit back there. Hmm, I may have to do that next time...

The only other alteration I made was to take a small wedge out of the back bodice. I folded out about 1/2 inch at the foldline around the waist level and tapered it out to nothing at the side seams. That took care of the puddling I got above my hips in the last version. I'm totally in love with my new maxi! It is comfortable, fits well and looks good. Seriously, have you made this pattern yet? It's amazing!

And thanks for all the sweet comments about my little guy and his romper. I'm glad he made so many of you smile. He makes me smile every day, and I'm so glad I was able to share him a little.

Vogue 1250

Hear that sound? Yep, that was me, jumping on the Vogue 1250 bandwagon! This pattern has graced the curves of bloggers and PR members of every shape and size, and looks fabulous every single time. When I showed Mitch Adrienne's version, he sent me to the fabric store immediately.

Here is my  version. The camera just couldn't get the color right for some reason. It is actually a true purple, not blue at all. The fabric is a matte jersey from Hancock, which has a nice drape and skims the body beautifully. Of course, there is also some Spanx under there. I just had a baby, after all! And should you be wondering, this dress is nursing friendly. Between the stretch of the knit and the depth of the cowl, access is no problem.

The pattern is Vogue 1250, a DKNY design from the Spring pattern release. It only has 3 pieces, the front, which wraps to the back to form the skirt, the upper back and s back facing strip. The cowl is self faced. I was a little worried that the facing was going to be skimpy and flip out, but it stays put quite well. This is in part because it is sewn into the shoulder seam, giving a nice finish inside.

From the side, you may be able to see that the skirt is constructed all in one piece, with a dart over the hip. I'm not sure that I am loving that actually. It's not trivial sewing it so that dart stays flat. It would probably be easier to construct if the skirt had side seams. Perhaps not as interesting, though.

From the back, there is a waistline seam and a center back seam on the skirt. This is the only seam in the skirt portion. The back neckline is finished with a facing, which is just a strip of fabric folded in half and folded to the inside of the dress, then topstitched down. I know that several other sewists skipped the facing strip and simply hemmed the back neck, but my knit is a rather stable matte jersey, and it just didn't want to play nice with that treatment. The facing looks very nice and lies smoothly, but it is a bit more bulky than a hem would be.

I played a little fast and loose with the size on this pattern. Since there is only the one main pattern piece, there aren't a ton of opportunities to customize the fit. I used mostly a size 10, but graded out to the 14 at the shoulder seam, both the lengthen the sleeve a little and to allow for more shoulder and bust room. I also cut the center back seam of the skirt at a size 12 for a little more ease back there. I lengthened it 2 inches. I'm very pleased with the dress, and am planning to make it again in black, and perhaps in an interesting print. It is a very comfortable style and an easy sew. Carolyn wears hers with a colorful cardigan, which is so cute and perfect for the changing seasons. I can also see it layered with tights and a turtleneck in winter. Erica B made a self fabric belt for hers and Sigrid is styling hers with a wide purchased belt. How will you wear your Vogue 1250?