I made this Vena Cava Vogue 1228 (sorry I don't have a photo of the pattern) out of some fabric I got at The Spoolette High Tea - maybe the second one.... anyone recognise it? I'm not often drawn to but but I like the pattern and it's mostly navy. It's a polyester chiffon but it's quite nice and it was easy to work with.
I cut it out last year and had it in a bag... it's such an easy pattern I'm not really sure why it took me so long but probably by the time I got to it, it was out of season and then forgotten and shuffled around in the sewing room. After the coat I really wanted something quick and I really didn't want to cut anything out. I had a Lekala cut and half done too, but couldn't bring myself to finish it (it's done now.. that'll be the next post).
I do remember Up Sew Late had made a couple and so I read up and garnered that the top was very low. I am about 15cm shorter than Gabrielle (I think she is about 175cm and I'm 160ish) so if she needed to pull up the neckline I would for sure... basically it's the pleat at the front made a little deeper. I made French seams which really was quicker than threading the overlocker. If I had the overlocker threaded in a dark colour I would have been lazy, no doubt about it, but it was threaded in the fuchsia of the coat so I didn't dare as the fabric is a bit transparent. In actual fact French seams are really quick and this had no tricky bits to slow me down. I didn't add the sleeve cuffs although I had cut them out. As you can see I don't need them... my T-Rex arms are barely there as is. The fringing on the bottom is from some fringing my sister found in her op shop finds. It is excellent quality cotton fringing (? well it's natural fibre if not cotton - burn test result). I did a burn test first, then a wash test and it didn't shrink and it was good as new. I have a lovely red and a twisted fringe in an off white so there may be more fringing around. I really like it. It dances as I walk. I feel it really elevates this dress and I really love wearing it.
I was not sure this would suit me but I feel good in it and it fits really well. I think I made a 10 in the shoulders and graded out for my hips. It really fits at the back too with no sway back adjustment so WIN. There is no photo of the back - my photographer isn't interested in back and side views - he feels one is enough.... sheesh! I hope to make more soon. Thanks to the Spoolette who donated the fabric. The pattern was an op shop find from my considerable stash (that is so big now I am getting mentally prepared to put them up for sale on Etsy as I won't sew with them all and some I don't like for me but loved the artwork and/or style). I'll let you know though as I have some great patterns and they will be priced to find a new loving home.... just don't hold your breath - it's on the bottom of the to-do list).
Also as this fabric is transparent, I needed a slip. I had a remnant of the softest navy rayon about a metre long. I used Burda 2711. It's just 2 pieces and the front has a dart. That's it poking out at the top of the dress... I don't like that but it's probably good for work. I do love this pattern and I shall use it to make a linen dress from it too. My own 'Ogden' if you will, it's so similar (I mean really it's so basic I couldn't bear to spend USD$14 or whatever for such a basic pattern). I didn't have enough fabric to do anything more fancy. I had to straighten the sides a little to fit the fabric I had. I ran some pre-made bias binding and then added some straps. It's perfect and so comfy. I did wear a slip I made from a Style Arc pattern, but it was made with a synthetic fabric and it was SO hot.. wearing two plastic bags.
I am also making some more shorts for my son using Burda 9965 (no photo). The fabric I bought for a few dollars in Toowoomba in September when we went to the Carnival of Flowers. I was really please with my sewing of the back pocket.. finished and snipped the threads... then I saw this....
Do you see what's happened? I had both pieces of the back together and so I had to unpick the pocket and do it all again. Rats! They are waiting for zip/fly and waistband and they'll be done. Burda shorts are a really great fit for boys.
Next I'll talk about my first Lekala experience. Oh and thanks everyone for the very lovely comments on my coat. I'm really chuffed 😊.
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