Vogue 9017 and Butterick 4856

08 Oct Vogue 9017 and Butterick 4856

Greetings from Talbots 😉

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Hmmm…… my last two garments have turned out rather so-s0.

Contrary to most of the clothes I’ve sewn during the last year, my life is not an endless parade of beach vacations and parties. (Such a pity!)

Let’s look at the latest. My pattern is Vogue 9017.

I am trying to remedy my lack of everyday clothes with a few practical choices, and selected a gray ponte knit from Mood Fabrics.

It’s a lovely fabric. Mood Fabrics compares this particular ponte to a gray wool suiting, and the weave of varying shades of gray give the fabric an appealing depth of color.

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I could not pass up the interesting lines found in the sketch of Vogue 9017, a pattern designed for woven fabrics and stable knits.

                   V9017 sketch

  I particularly like the raised and curved waistline,

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and slim silhouette!

Mood Fabrics ponte knit

 Since all knits behave differently, I rarely make a muslin for knit clothing and did not make one for this dress. I adjusted the bodice length on all of the pattern pieces and fit myself as I went along. Rarely do I experience an issue free sewing project, but the pattern is well-drafted, and the ponte sewed very nicely.

To give the dress a sportier appearance I shortened the sleeves and used a contemporary zipper.

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 Once again I turned to the free Craftsy Mastering Zipper Techniques Class for zipper guidance, and am pleased with the result!

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But overall, my dress is rather lackluster.

Below is the garment I completed last week.

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The pattern is Butterick 4856, which is out of print. Continuing on my tunic quest, I used a cotton voile from Mood Fabrics. Fall colors in a lightweight fabric seemed perfect to me. The tunic had a nice drape until I sewed a heavier band around the bottom. I also believe I should have added a black trim around the neckline rather than gold studs.

Here I am at a football game.

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As much as I want to sew wardrobe staples, I’m finding the goal difficult to reach with pizzazz.

But I’m not giving up!

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 Until soon 🙂

goodbyevalentino
goodbyevalentino@gmail.com
118 Comments
  • Irene
    Posted at 07:40h, 09 October Reply

    Both pieces look wonderful! The dress must have endless possibilities for accessorizing.

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 06:31h, 10 October Reply

      Thank you, Irene! I simply love the Geisha jacket you recently made!

  • Alethia
    Posted at 07:41h, 09 October Reply

    Your dress turned out great! I think this will go on my list to purchase.

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 06:32h, 10 October Reply

      Many thanks, Alethia! You’ll do wonders with this pattern 🙂

  • Becky Bagwell
    Posted at 07:42h, 09 October Reply

    Maybe a little MimiG…show off your figure and show those great legs??? :)b

  • Carolyn
    Posted at 07:43h, 09 October Reply

    The gray ponte Vogue dress is a good basic that can be dressed up or down. Personally I would just add some snazzy accessories! I have this dress on my to sew list and yours has inspired me to move it up. Love the tunic too!

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 06:33h, 10 October Reply

      Thank you, Carolyn! You’ll make this pattern shine 🙂

  • Julie Starr
    Posted at 07:46h, 09 October Reply

    Maybe not flashy that’s just fine in my book. It sure has all the characteristics of a timeless classic – the kind of dress you reach for often and wear to show off statement jewelry, scarves, bags, boots, etc. The fit, length, fabric, comfort – all those important things prove that this dress is worth it’s weight in gold.

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 06:34h, 10 October Reply

      Thank you, Julie! You’re right in that it will probably become a go to dress. I’m still tempted to make a couple of alterations 😉

  • Jan Crews
    Posted at 07:48h, 09 October Reply

    The dress is classic. And lovely. Good job!

  • Jane
    Posted at 07:54h, 09 October Reply

    Dress is pretty & very well fit but can understand the hmmm aspect. I think the pattern lends itself more to color blocking (high or low contrast), more bold color, more textured fabric OR more accessories. Instead of 1 necklace, how ’bout 3? Scarves helped. That noted, there is a place in everyone’s wardrobe for a dress like this for certain occasions.
    As for the tunic, changing the bands would help. Do you have more of the print to work with to finish off the bottom? Removing the gold trim & adding another row of black instead would help.
    love your blogs!

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 06:35h, 10 October Reply

      Many thanks for your helpful suggestions, Jane! I may change that band on the tunic – good idea 🙂

  • Anne Kendall
    Posted at 07:54h, 09 October Reply

    Thinking it’s the sleeve length on the ponte that I find distracting and the fact that you wear brights so well, grey is a bit of a let down. Don’t get discouraged, it’s difficult to find one’s way into basics esp after all the wonderful wedding sewing you have just completed!!! The dress fits you very well.

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 06:37h, 10 October Reply

      Anne, Thank you for your comment. Others have commented about the sleeve length too and I think you’re right 🙂

  • lillug
    Posted at 07:58h, 09 October Reply

    Talbots, indeed!

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 06:40h, 10 October Reply

      Hi Cindy and thank you for your thoughtful comment! Clear colors work best for me, and there is a certain shade of gray I wear well. This is a little dark but I think I can brighten the colors with accessories. 🙂

  • Katalin
    Posted at 08:22h, 09 October Reply

    I love them both!
    I think the dress is a great wardrobe stable as it can be accessorised really nicely if you wish to have a fancier look. The fit is wonderful as always!

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 06:41h, 10 October Reply

      Thanks so much, Katalin! I am pleased with the fit. 🙂

  • Nancy
    Posted at 08:29h, 09 October Reply

    I love the dress – very elegant and you could dress it up with chunky jewellery or a colourful scarf – to me that’s the beauty of basic colours. I agree with you about the studs on the tunic. It’s a nice pattern and it looks good on you but the studs disappear with this fabric.

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 06:42h, 10 October Reply

      Thank you, Nancy! I hope I can take off the studs which are ironed on. If not, live and learn 😉

      • Carol S
        Posted at 10:12h, 11 October Reply

        A trip to the dry cleaners might get them off easily. Make a sample swatch and have it tested.

  • Lisa C in Dallas
    Posted at 08:37h, 09 October Reply

    I am agree with so many of the commenters. It is hard to get excited about a gray dress after you’ve finished such stunners lately. However, this dress has its purpose. It is a great basic and looks fabulous on you. The possibilities are endless and you’ve already shown. It may not be a red-every-eye-on-you when you walk in the room dress, but every day doesn’t call for that kind of dress. I think you’ll be surprised how many times you reach for this dress. Great job.

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 06:43h, 10 October Reply

      Thank you, Leisa! I’m in dire need of fall basics and I think you are right 🙂

  • Ebi Poweigha
    Posted at 08:44h, 09 October Reply

    This is such a great post, because it touches on something hiding in plain sight: that it’s easy to whip up something fabulous for special occasions, but much harder to whip up something fabulous for everyday wear.

    This is probably part of the reason why clothing manufacturers churn out such boring basics–if it’s tricky for us sewers to figure out staples we like, imagine the pressure when there’s sales figures on the line!

    That being said, a recent post on Already Pretty gives great advice on finding a balance between fun and practical, and Allspice Abounds has made a million awesome but practical Archers. 🙂

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 06:48h, 10 October Reply

      Thank you for your insightful comment, Ebi! …… and to take it a step further….. I believe ‘style’ is more about everyday dressing. 😉

  • Becky
    Posted at 08:46h, 09 October Reply

    I am going to disagree with almost everyone and say that I think the dress is a superb basic. You will wear it a lot when you figure out how to accessorize it in your style. It fits like a dream, is very flattering, and will never go out of style. If it feels too drab, try a bright jacket. Nevertheless, I really like it. I like the tunic, and in your quest for the perfect one, you will have lots of adventures. It’s a great separate. Are your perfectionist tendencies showing?

    • LinB
      Posted at 12:28h, 09 October Reply

      Agreed. And give yourself a reward for sticking to and finishing some basics! I always reward myself for finishing a dull-to-sew-but-necessary basic garment by stitching up something absolutely wack-a-doodle, that makes me happy.

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 06:49h, 10 October Reply

      You think I’m a perfectionist? 😉 I’m going to make a couple of alterations on the dress and enjoy it. Many thanks for the comment, Becky!

  • Mary Frances Giattina
    Posted at 08:55h, 09 October Reply

    Working in the legal environment, I find the gray dress perfect for everyday wear. Perhaps a matching jacket with classic buttons for the courtroom would be all I would add to it with a statement necklace. Great job :). Wish I had time to sew!

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 06:53h, 10 October Reply

      Hi Mary, It is a perfect dress for the courtroom……. which I rarely visit unless Hubs is trying a case 😉 I think however, I’ll be able to accessorize it for other occasions, and I hope you get a chance to sew soon!

  • Catty
    Posted at 09:51h, 09 October Reply

    I think your gray dress looks great! And all the ways you change it up are so fun! So glad you are posting. I really missed you during your wedding planning, etc.

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 06:53h, 10 October Reply

      Many thanks, Catty! I really missed my blogging Buddies this summer 🙂

  • Mary Lynn
    Posted at 09:54h, 09 October Reply

    I didn’t have time to go back and look for it, but would the gray dress look good with the Chanel jacket? It would be a wonderful opportunity to show off that gorgeous jacket! I’m so in awe of how beautifully you fit yourself – but you do have a great unlumpy figure to work with!

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 06:55h, 10 October Reply

      Many thanks for your nice comment, Mary Lynn! The fabric is too light for the jacket, but I’ll figure out what to do with it 😉

  • Carol Tuntland
    Posted at 10:12h, 09 October Reply

    I don’t think your dress is lackluster, but classic! Thank you for writing about making a muslin prior to sewing a design. Yes, I have always known that and done it many times, but I get discouraged about the process when I really just want to get the project done. I have made muslins with “junk” fabric to perfect fit and that has been useful. But, your attitude and your blog have given me fresh inspiration. Classics always provide the canvas for all our accessories and bling! And when I make the classic, I can afford to buy a little bling! I love your blog!

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 06:57h, 10 October Reply

      What a nice comment, Carol – Thank you so much 🙂 I quit sewing clothes years ago because the patterns didn’t fit……. Tacking on a little extra time for muslins has changed my sewing dramatically!

  • Jackie
    Posted at 10:19h, 09 October Reply

    Sarah,
    Please keep blazing the trail for snappy everyday clothes. It’s what we all need. I am counting on your inspiration!

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 06:57h, 10 October Reply

      Ah……. I hope I don’t let you down 😉 Many thanks, Jackie!

  • Fifty Dresses
    Posted at 10:20h, 09 October Reply

    Wardrobe staples might be so-so, but they are so useful! I love your versatile dress – and the fit is perfect!

  • Jan
    Posted at 10:21h, 09 October Reply

    I think your newest grey dress is a basic in your wardrobe. We all need those basics to “dress up” and inspire our creativity. As for the tunics, you may just not be a tunic person. I know I’m not, but do enjoy seeing your pairing of fabrics with certain styles. Keep up the good work!

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 07:03h, 10 October Reply

      Thank you, Jan! I’m determined to find, buy, or draft a flattering tunic pattern 😉 I own and have seen too many beautifully fitting tunics to give up just yet!

  • Joan
    Posted at 10:21h, 09 October Reply

    I agree that your ponte dress is a great basic, but the CONTRAST with “occasion” clothing and fun summer clothes is harsh!

    I would consider changing the neckline from a jewel to a shaped neckline of some sort (a faced slit, a bateau or ballet, etc.) IF you want the dress to be a little less career-oriented, as dark brown up to your neck reads “serious, conservative”. At first, I thought it was a bit funereal, but the color may read darker on my monitor than it actually is.

    Also, I would consider doing a shorter or longer short sleeve: a cap sleeve OR a slim sleeve to just above the elbow. Both would be more stylish or alluring (a bit more skin showing with a serious dress).

    Please don’t get me wrong: this is fine-tuning. Your new sheath looks wonderful on you as is and is perfect for accessorizing easily with its simple and high neckline.

    But if you’d like the dress, without accessorizing, to be inherently a little more interesting, that is what I’d suggest. Also, perhaps royal blue, or your best brown, or canary yellow (my favorite color on you) and brown?? Deep orange-red? Or an unusual green or blue-green? All would work in a Southern winter!

    On another point: Sarah, do you usually require a FBA??

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 07:07h, 10 October Reply

      Joan, Thank you for your helpful suggestions, and I am definitely changing the sleeves.
      The FBA is a complicated answer but here goes…… Now that the pattern companies are including cup sizes I do not need one….. I even go down a cup size because they are so roomy. Princess seams always run large on me, but straight fitted clothes sometimes require an FBA………… and I find that tricky because they always end up too big. Any suggestions?

  • Diana
    Posted at 10:27h, 09 October Reply

    I think your grey dress is lovely and what a perfect fit , but for that extra pizazz you are looking for why not try a Marfy pattern and 3217 in particular ? I could see you in this dress and we have seen that you definitely have the skill to make them, Marfy have so many gorgeous dress patterns for this Autumn.

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 07:09h, 10 October Reply

      What a lovely pattern Marfy 3217 is! Many thanks for your comment, Diana 🙂

  • Lauren
    Posted at 10:47h, 09 October Reply

    Its just the colour. Black and grey are just that – dead neutrals. The dress fits fine, and as always very well sewn. I would just indulge myself with a beautiful silk scarf in colours you like and it will look great. The grey background is the perfect background for other colours.

  • Carol
    Posted at 10:52h, 09 October Reply

    I agree with another person who commented. You could consider taking up the hemline and sleeves about 1/2 inch or 1 inch and the difference would be great. I’m a shorty and the hemline on any dress makes all the difference. As for the color and style, it’s a GREAT dress to accessorize! The pic with the grey and white scarf is all that! This dress is what I call a “blank canvas”! My blank canvas dresses are the ones that get the most wear!

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 07:11h, 10 October Reply

      I agree with everything, Carol and plan to shorten the sleeves, hem and take the lower side seams in just a bit. Many thanks for the comment!

  • Andrea McDowell
    Posted at 10:56h, 09 October Reply

    I think the dress is gorgeous. Yes, it’s basic–but that’s what you were aiming for, right? You could easily make it up again in a brighter colour or with the colour blocking option for more pizazz, but as is, I could see it with a lovely bright jacket and shoes.

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 07:11h, 10 October Reply

      Thank you so much, Andrea! Yes, I was trying to make a basic 🙂

  • Ann-Britt Uhrbom
    Posted at 11:32h, 09 October Reply

    We need regular weekdays to make feast days appearing in a more beautiful shimmer. It´s the same thing with dresses. We can´t only have party dresses in our wardrobe – if so – they will be regular too. Your everyday dress looks great and provide great opportunities for variation. Different necklaces, scarves, shoes and boots give you lots of opportunities to dress up or down.

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 07:07h, 11 October Reply

      Thank you, Ann-Britt for your nice comment! It’s so true…… and, accessories is certainly one of the answers to making a plain garment come to life. 🙂

  • Deborah R Penner
    Posted at 11:35h, 09 October Reply

    The gray dress is lovely. The pattern is quite flattering. Have considered this for my stash. Now will order it.

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 07:08h, 11 October Reply

      Thank you Deborah. It is a very well drafted pattern which I highly recommend 🙂

  • Catherine
    Posted at 12:00h, 09 October Reply

    Just add a gorgeous statement necklace – !!!!!

  • Margaret
    Posted at 12:20h, 09 October Reply

    Sarah, I love your new gray dress — it’s just the sort of thing we all need in our closets. Nice pattern choice, too. Sometimes it’s good to take a break from the special occasion clothes we seem to make, and go for what is practical and will get the most wear. 🙂

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 07:09h, 11 October Reply

      Thank you for the comment, Margaret! I’m all for taking a break from special occasion clothing 🙂

  • Alex in California
    Posted at 12:23h, 09 October Reply

    You’re right. It is a simple looking dress compared to your more imaginative creations. The dress fits you well and looks good on you. I know you will always accessorize it beautifully. Think of it as a variation of the little black dress.

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 07:13h, 11 October Reply

      Hi Alex and thank you for the comment! This dress might become my prototype for accessorizing 😉

  • lisa g
    Posted at 12:30h, 09 October Reply

    personally, i’m a huge fan of basics in less bold colors because your accessories can really elevate and/or change the dress to suit so many different occasions. so often it’s the less exciting pieces that i reach for over and over because of the versatility. that said, i do love it when you go with bright colors and florals! 🙂

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 07:14h, 11 October Reply

      Many thanks, Lisa! I too, love neutrals…… this one however is a challenge for me 😉

  • Joanne Jordan
    Posted at 12:32h, 09 October Reply

    Your basic dress is perfect! To spice it up a notch, am thinking of a scarf made out of the same fabric you made using Amy Butler Fabric for Style Arc Leah Lounge Pant would be nice. Even a shorter, sportier blazer jacket made from similar Amy Butler Floral fabric would be nice as well.

  • Sheree
    Posted at 13:13h, 09 October Reply

    I agree with others regarding the colour, and feel that a scarf in the right colours for you, will really lift it. The problem I see in it, is the length of the sleeve. For some strange reason ( and I have noticed this on myself) a short sleeve can be a bit “frumpy”. A 3/4 sleeve would look better. Having said that, I think, as usual, you have made a great job, it fits beautifully and it will be a good wardrobe classic. With your flair for styling, I am sure that you will find lots of ways of dressing this up.

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 07:16h, 11 October Reply

      Thank you, Sheree! Others have also stated that the sleeve is a problem and I plan to alter it. I thought shortening the sleeve would make it sportier, but finding the right length is obviously crucial 😉

  • Claire
    Posted at 13:55h, 09 October Reply

    I think the dress looks great as-is! I like the cap sleeve idea, especially if you accented it with lace over the ponte. Love your blog–looking forward to your follow-up post on your other wedding weekend outfits!

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 07:17h, 11 October Reply

      Many thanks, Claire! I like your lace suggestion and may try this on another garment.

  • Alice Elliot
    Posted at 13:57h, 09 October Reply

    Your dress is a great at basic dress and an also be considered a wearable muslin. Surely you’ll make it again! The tunic would be better with either black around the neckline, or change the sleeve and hem finish to match the neckline? Too glitzy?

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 07:18h, 11 October Reply

      Thank you, Alice! I do hope to make the pattern again. The studs and the pattern design compete with each other. Live and learn on this one……. 😉

  • kitchencoquinette
    Posted at 13:58h, 09 October Reply

    Love the dress as-is! I like the cap-sleeve idea. Just a thought–what about if you put some lace over the ponte to accent the sleeves? Love your blog–looking forward (and hoping) you still plan to post about your other wedding weekend outfits! It was so much fun to follow along on your MOB journey!

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 07:20h, 11 October Reply

      Thank you so much for your comment! I plan to pursue the cap sleeve alteration and will do a post on the wedding weekend if readers really want me to 😉

  • Cissie wellons
    Posted at 14:03h, 09 October Reply

    You may think this dress is a snooze fest but my guess is that you will wear it a lot!!! Love the lines. It can be dressed up or down — think CCC!!

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 07:21h, 11 October Reply

      LOL – Thanks Cissie! This dress on gets two Cs 😉

  • Jane
    Posted at 16:50h, 09 October Reply

    I dare I say this? I think the neckline on your beautifully made dress looks a little prim – even an inch lower would make such a difference, and, you have such a lovely figure why hide it under a tunic?

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 07:25h, 11 October Reply

      Jane, I value constructive criticism from readers – thank you very much! I agree with you about the neckline, and will make that alteration if I sew the pattern again. About the tunic … I find some tunics to be flattering and I am determined to find or develop a pattern that suits me. Having said that….. I agree with your comment.

  • Laura Casey
    Posted at 16:56h, 09 October Reply

    You know Sarah it is the perfect dress for so many occasions-church, meetings, lunches…etc….just put it on and you can go….why don’t you try some chunky gold jewelry….or maybe a leopard (in browns) scarf….I do know what you mean the outfit being lackluster…but it’s a staple…the pearls are not enough, the scarf is a bit too long…and blue scarf I think is the best.
    But you take than same pattern and make it in blue/green ponte knit with the center piece being black ponte and you’ll have a FAB dress….it’s more the somber nature of the grey…..But I still love it.
    LAURA

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 07:26h, 11 October Reply

      Somber! That’s the missing word in my post, Laura. The dress is somber………
      Many thanks for your helpful suggestions 🙂

  • maryfunt
    Posted at 17:16h, 09 October Reply

    Love this dress on you. Very flattering and can be accessorized many ways. It’s a great basic to have.

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 07:28h, 11 October Reply

      Do you really love this, Mary? Your clothes are so gorgeous. I think the dress is missing something. Many thanks for your comment!

  • Lynda Thomas
    Posted at 18:44h, 09 October Reply

    The dress itself is great and fits you very well. Don’t stylists always say ACCESSORIZE! A nice wide leather belt would be trendy now and of course the perfect scarf.
    I always look forward to your blogs.

    Lynda Thomas

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 07:28h, 11 October Reply

      Thank you, Lynda! I need some lessons in accessorizing 😉

  • marilyn
    Posted at 19:36h, 09 October Reply

    Hi. I’ve been meaning to mention that if you are looking for the perfect tunic pattern, give New Look 6110 a try.
    I have made this version several times now in both neckline styles and it is just so flattering.
    It has a bit of shaping on the sides but is still loose fitting so is my favourite go-to pattern for a tunic to wear with jeans.
    I would love to see what beautiful creations you will come up with for this pattern!

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 07:33h, 11 October Reply

      Marilyn,
      Thank you for introducing me to this pattern! There are some great renditions of it online 🙂

      • Sheree
        Posted at 10:08h, 12 October Reply

        I agree. It would suit you perfectly, Sarah.

  • Jessicathecat
    Posted at 20:46h, 09 October Reply

    Love the grey dress. I collect Vera scarves and it would be wonderful for showing them off; perhaps something similar for you? Also, (hate the name “statement”) necklace would be wonderful. Also, as someone mentioned, Chanel style jacket in a coordinating boucle and the classic sparkly buttons would be pretty I think. Also, finally, flashy shoes that pop color and similar bag would brighten it up if you wished.

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 07:33h, 11 October Reply

      Great ideas, Jessica! I need to learn how to accessorize 😉 Many thanks.

  • Heather Myers
    Posted at 23:08h, 09 October Reply

    I think you have a wonderful, well fitting dress. How to add more interest or uniqueness…. how about black leather piping on all the wonderful seaming? Fits the trendy zipper & boots, but maybe not your gorgeous pumps. A tiny woven ribbon ruffle or flat “piping” might work for next time – I loved all the added ruffles you showed some time ago, and present a more dressy look perhaps. I am personally no fan of tunics- V8792 is more my style. I dislike how oversized they feel on me & look on others with bell shape bottom, sleeves,…a shape I never see you wear otherwise. Hope that helps give food for thought!

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 07:36h, 11 October Reply

      Heather – great food for thought indeed! I still love tunics – IF I can come up with a flattering design. I find them to be great daytime wear – IF i don’t look like I’m wearing a sack 😉 I’ll check out the Vogue pattern. Many thanks!

  • Elizabeth
    Posted at 23:47h, 09 October Reply

    I really like the dress on you esp with the pearls and pumps. Great look for fall. Simple and elegant!

  • Sew, Jean Margaret
    Posted at 05:02h, 10 October Reply

    Your beautifully fitting grey ponte dress is the perfect blank canvas for accessorising. Brightly coloured scarves or chunky necklaces or a brightly coloured jacket will change the look instantly. I’m sure this dress will get a lot of wear.

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 07:40h, 11 October Reply

      Thank you, Jean! I’m going to figure out how to accessorize it for several occasions because it truly is a blank canvas 😉

  • Karen Mulkey
    Posted at 07:56h, 10 October Reply

    The dress and tunic are beautifully made and fit perfectly. I see that the problem is only the fabric colors. You usually choose lovely pale but clear, bright colors which compliment your coloring. I know gray is a popular color this year but it can be hard for lots of women to wear including myself so I steer clear of it especially up near my face.

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 07:42h, 11 October Reply

      You’re so right Karen. As one reader wrote, the dress looks somber. I can wear light gray against my face but this one doesn’t really work…… and the colors in the tunic make me look sick. Live and learn 😉

  • Urbanite
    Posted at 09:24h, 10 October Reply

    If you’re feeling hum drum about these nicely made pieces, it might be time for some high end snoop shopping. Nothing like it to kick start the incorporation of those little touches that elevate a wardrobe staple with a dollop of style, sass and wit.

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 07:43h, 11 October Reply

      Such a good piece of advice – it’s exactly what I need to do. Many thanks, Urbanite!

  • nancy
    Posted at 11:56h, 10 October Reply

    The dress fit is beautiful, I too have a problem with tunics and it may help to shorten and narrow the sleeves, it makes a big difference for me , there is a lot of fabric where the sleeves and hem end, on me it can change from “frumpy” to great

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 07:44h, 11 October Reply

      Thank you, Nancy! I’ll try your sleeve suggestion on the next one 🙂

  • gingermakes
    Posted at 12:33h, 10 October Reply

    The dress is so beautiful! It’s impeccably fitted and the curved underbust seam is really, really pretty. But I have to laugh a little that this is your everyday wear! I’d be lucky to look this good for a very special occasion! 🙂

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 07:45h, 11 October Reply

      LOL! I have to laugh that I implied this is my everyday wear. You won’t find me washing dishes or walking the dog in this one 🙂 Many thanks for the comment, Ginger!

  • Neroli
    Posted at 16:21h, 10 October Reply

    I like the cut and fit of both these pieces, and it also appears they are sewn well. However I wonder if your ambivalence is due to the colour. I am not sure autumnal colours are the best for you and I think you really shine when you wear “spring” colours. And yes, you can wear those colours in winter months. This is, after all, one of the reasons we sew, isn’t it, as we are not limited to what’s available in the shops.
    I love the cut of the Vogue and have just bought it in the sale. I wouldn’t have looked at it had you not featured this pattern on your blog.
    Keep up the good work!

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 07:47h, 11 October Reply

      Neroli,
      Thank you for your comment, Indeed I am a ‘Spring’ color palette, and you are correct…..sewing gives us the opportunity to wear our best colors year round.
      Good luck with your Vogue pattern – I highly recommend it!

  • Starla
    Posted at 02:06h, 11 October Reply

    The dress is stunning and looks perfect on you. I would love to see you make that same pattern in one of the new neoprene knit prints for everyday wear! It would be gorgeous! (Gorgeous fabrics and emmaonesock both have prints to choose from.)

    I’ve enjoyed following your ready-to-wear fast more than I can express. Your fabric and pattern choices are amazing. The fact that you don’t gloss over the speed bumps or slight hurdles you work through (not that you had any in this blog post) make this the best sewing blog of all. It’s instructive to see how you solve problems. It’s comforting to know that a seasoned sewist faces the same issuest the rest of us do. And, it’s both inspiring and encouraging to see that they can be worked through! Last, you introduced me to StyleArc patterns. How could I ever repay you for that?!? Sorry for thw gush, but I haven’t commented before, so I want you to know you are my sewing hero! Keep up the fabulous work!

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 07:53h, 11 October Reply

      Starla,
      Many thanks for taking the time to write such a lovely comment! Would you believe I bought this pattern as a possibility for a neoprene print fabric I bought from B&J? I doubt I’ll use it because this pattern has too many pieces for my busy fabric.
      I’m almost finished with another pattern…. but it is too simple. Maybe the third time will be a charm 😉
      I’m delighted you discovered Style Arc patterns – the best fitting patterns ever!
      Thank you so much for your kind remarks – I truly cherish readers’ comments 🙂

  • Sharon
    Posted at 03:50h, 11 October Reply

    Love your dress, it will be a great piece being able to be dressed up and down depending on your accessories, you can have a lot of fun with it. Another gorgeous tunic.

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 07:55h, 11 October Reply

      Many thanks, Sharon! You wrote exactly what I needed to read – You can have a lot of FUN with it – Thank you! I’m going to work on accessorizing the dress 🙂

  • Lexley- Brisbane AU
    Posted at 02:37h, 12 October Reply

    Sorry, but I am not going to be able to help you here as honestly, it wouldn’t matter what you were wearing, you”d look fantastic in a potato sack! Both look great and I too was also looking at this dress pattern only last week….Was it difficult inserting the zipper being a knit fabric?

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 16:08h, 12 October Reply

      Thanks for your sweet comment, Lexley! It was easy to insert the zipper. Follow the Craftsy instructions and it will be perfect 🙂 Good luck!

  • Alicia @ Pandora Sews
    Posted at 09:08h, 12 October Reply

    I really like the dress. Sometimes you need that basic piece so that you can accessorize to the skies! I would like to see it paired with a pop of deep blood red! Keep up the good fight with looking for tunic perfection. I have a feeling you are right on the verge of a tunic breakthrough!

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 16:10h, 12 October Reply

      Oh how I appreciate your words of encouragement, Alicia! Accessorizing isn’t my strong suit and I’ll take all of the help I can get 😉 I too, believe I’m getting close to just the tunic I’m seeking! Many thanks for the comment!

  • Eileen
    Posted at 09:43h, 12 October Reply

    Sarah, Another classic wardrobe basic! Shorten your sleeves and perhaps the hem a bit and consider wearing it with black booties to make it a bit more sassy.

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 16:10h, 12 October Reply

      Thank you, Eileen – I plan to do all of the above 🙂

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