Vogue V8685

On Christmas morning I was greeted with a fantastic gift from my parents... a large basket overflowing with fabric, notions, and fun sewing tools! (Yay for my new rotary cutter!)  Included was V8685, which my father picked out as a dress he thought would work for me. 



And I have to give the man props, because having just finished my first version of this dress, it is both work-appropriate and flattering...

I initially cut out the size 20 which fit perfectly in the bust and hips but graded the waist down to the 14 to get the fit right.  Other fit issues were the oddly loose sleeves for a fitted knit dress and the length.  I made the longer length which the pattern describes as "below mid-calf" but it actually hits about an inch below my knee.  Now, I'm tall (5'9") but if I actually wanted this dress to hit my mid-calf or below I would have to lengthen by at least 6 inches. 

I made this first version out of a very light-weight poly knit that was included in my Christmas basket of sewing wonders.  I would love to try the version with the fitted skirt and cap sleeve in a heavy double knit.  I may also try the full skirt again in a cotton sateen which I think would be sort of fabulously 50's if accompanied with a skinny belt in matching fabric and a fitted cardigan.

If I make this again I think I would line the midriff and yoke to add a little more structure around the waistline so it doesn't show every miniscule flaw.  The other option is to get more serious about my diet and eliminate the flaws themselves... But I think that proper tailoring is much easier!

All in all this is a great easy pattern.  It took about 6 to 8 hours of work (would have been quicker if my serger hadn't kept jamming) over the course of a few evenings and I now have an outfit for tomorrow!