Vogue 1020 - Side ruched animal print dress

Can you take another dress? How about another knit? I didn't really notice this pattern until I saw the white blouse Erica did and thought it was so cute. However, I'm not a huge fan of tunic-length tops on my body, so I opted for the dress instead. When they write "close-fitting", they mean it!!! I cut my normal 12, and it fits, but I've got to make sure I don't eat any big meals while wearing it because there's no way of hiding a full stomach.
It might be hard to see here, but there is ruching all along the left side. This pattern lends itself really well to busy prints since it's such a simple design. I found this fabric at Hancock's and fell head over heals for it. Turquoise, brown, and in animal print? They must have had me in mind when they made it.
This was very quick to make. My fabric was pretty thin, a must for all those gathers, and I was able to do french seams down the sides without any bulk. I did bias tape around the neckline to get a nice topstitch, and also at the sleeve/bodice seam for a clean finish. This pattern calls for an invisable zipper on the right side but I found that totally unnecessary. It has so much stretch that it fits easily over my head.

Here's the pattern picture. I like the dress and tunic, but am not planning to reuse this pattern for any of the other garments.

Up next is Simplicity 2858, in a gorgeous maroon butterfly brocade. I'm doing the shorter length jacket (also in maroon) on the pattern envelope but with the smaller collar and loops around the buttons.

Bummed

This is my Back-To-School U-Neck vest from Fitted Knits that I started way back here, minus the neck edging. This turned out really big, which is why I'm so bummed. I kept thinking it would tighten up once I got the trim on it. And since it is knit bottom-up, I couldn't really see how large it was until the shoulder seams were sewn together. So, 5 weeks spent knitting down the drain. I'm so new to this that I haven't figured out how to pick yarn either. This doesn't drape very nicely. I don't know if it's because it's too big or what. The one thing that's slightly comforting is that I can unravel the yarn and use it for something else. Since I already bought matching fabric to make a complete outfit, I'm going to try using this yarn for Mina's Tuxedo Vest from Custom Knits, pictured below. I'm planning to extend the ribbing to hit right below my belly button. I certainly have plenty of yarn.

But, I'm sick of looking at that brown color, so I'm starting my next project. It's the Turtleneck Tube Vest, also from Fitted Knits.

I picked the pink to match a recently sewn jacket that I love but don't have anything to wear under. I've got the first 2 inches out of 4 done for the neck and am loving this bamboo yarn. It's so soft and has a great sheen. I'll show you the complete outfit once I'm done with this turtleneck. Pray for me that I don't end up with 2 knitted wadders in a row. I'm going to be so depressed if that happens.

New Vogue patterns!

Vogue has their new line of patterns up. Check them out here. There's quite a bit of choice - something for everyone, it seems. I found 3 that I'll definitely be purchasing, and 1 that I like and will think about.

This first one is my favorite, 8532. It's totally me. Fitted, tailored, refined, with an interesting neckline. Does look a bit low and off the shoulders. I'll have to make a muslin for sure. Check out the blackline drawing to see what the back does. I like both views.

This next one is 8536. After my latest knit shirt success, I'm wanting to make a few t-shirts. I especially like the mock-wrap green one. These have a small amount of gathering at the bust side seams for a flattering fit.

I just love the knit shirt on 8546. It has an interesting neckline and front and back princess seams. The pants look nice, too.

The last is 8533. I like the tunic with contrast neck and sleeve bands. I'm sure I've seen this same design from other pattern companies. Not sure I love it enough to add it to my collection...