18 Nov The McVoguerick Tunicbiblicity dress
I don’t know what else to call it. It’s done – it took forever – I like it……
Introducing the The McVoguerick Tunicbiblicity dress.
It was time for a new black winter dress; an all purpose dress to wear whenever and wherever.
As mentioned in the last post I had it bad for another Oscar de la Renta RTW dress.
I love the way this dress skims the body, but I had no pattern that included all of its features,
so I gathered patterns from my stash that bore any resemblance to the dress and created a muslin.
I used Simplicity 1586 for the bodice. The bodice was similar but frankly, I was sold on the words Amazing Fit . What a great marketing tool.
After cutting the bodice from the pattern, I measured the upper bodice length from Vogue 9047, a pattern I’ve successfully sewn twice. I cut the bodice into an upper and lower bodice at that point. I did not add a seam allowance due to my height. The seam allowance was already built in to the upper bodice, and by eliminating the seam allowance for the lower bodice, the bodice length was automatically shortened.
I tweaked the Upper and Lower Bodice pieces until achieving the fit I was seeking. Sewing an upper and lower bodice allowed me to gain a wonderful fit under the bust (shown in the lightened photo below) and in the mid-back area.
The flounce was cut from McCall’s 6988. It worked out perfectly but I was prepared to use Mary Funt’s incredible Flounce Tutorial if necessary.
I placed the flounce four inches below my hips.
After sewing the bodice muslin I selected the sleeves from The Tunic Bible. I’ve substituted this pattern piece before in other garments.
Mood Fabrics’ Single Wool Crepe was perfect for this dress pattern.
Its pebbly surface creates a gentle texture, and the excellent drape makes it ideal for numerous garments.
The crepe also features a slight give along the crosswise grain.
I lined the dress with Mood’s Black China Silk/Habotai. The lightweight China Silk made for an ideal lining which was drafted from the muslin pieces.
Thank you all so much for your opinions regarding lining the flounce! I was concerned that lining the flounce would affect it’s overall drape and movement, but after learning the flounce was lined in the ODLR dress, I decided to line it, and the lightweight silk did not affect its drape or movement.
Lining the flounce also provided an easy way to hem the dress. The lining and fashion fabric were sewn right sides together, on the lower edge, flipped and then attached to the bodice. FYI – Mood’s China Silk is available in 95 colors!
After justifying how much money I saved by sewing this dress I bought the embroidered boots. It was a weak moment and a big splurge, but just so you know – I did not embroider the boots 😂
In closing, I am pleased overall with the result, but in seeking perfection, I want to sew it one more time with a few more tweaks!
If you’re wondering what to sew next – think basic black!
Happy Saturday 🙂
Roxanne Reynolds
Posted at 08:48h, 18 NovemberSarah, it is a beautiful dress — with or without the boots.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 08:50h, 18 NovemberThank you, Roxanne! Nice to hear from you😊
Jean Feller
Posted at 08:53h, 18 NovemberThis is just stunning!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 08:57h, 18 NovemberThank you, Jean!
Gail Cunningham
Posted at 08:54h, 18 NovemberI absolutely love this dress. And those boots…what a fantastic outfit. Having followed you for three or four years, this may be my favorite of all your creations!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 08:59h, 18 NovemberMany thanks, Gail! I had a great inspirational photo to go by, and though it wasn’t the most pleasurable experience in trying to recreate the pattern, it was worth it 😉
Mary Fioretti
Posted at 08:54h, 18 NovemberI have a question for you. In each of these patterns, did they also have a lining or did you have to adjust for that as you assembled the dress?
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 09:00h, 18 NovemberMary,
I created a lining based on my muslin pieces. I should have stated that in the post. Thanks for asking 😉
joyjc
Posted at 08:57h, 18 NovemberYou did a great job on this dress and I knew that you would. The boots are just too cute!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 09:01h, 18 NovemberThank you, Joy! Just couldn’t resist the boots………………
Peggy Murphy
Posted at 09:04h, 18 NovemberYour dress is beautiful! As always, you have inspired me
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 09:09h, 18 November🤗 Very sweet, Peggy. Thank you for your comment!
Suzanne Landau
Posted at 09:24h, 18 NovemberAlways beautifully made, you look gorgeous in black. Now do tell us, what brand are those boots!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 09:39h, 18 NovemberMany thanks, Suzanne! The boots are Kate Spade 😉
Julie Culshaw
Posted at 09:41h, 18 NovemberA perfect dress. Your sewing tips are wonderful tools for the rest of us.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 08:10h, 19 NovemberThank you Julie! Hopefully the next will be ‘more perfect’. The process was one of trial and error but the end result gets a thumbs up. 😉
Sharon S. Kane
Posted at 09:42h, 18 NovemberHow do you do it??? Wasn’t it just last week you were asking readers for suggestions for the dress, including flounce and now in the blink of an eye you have produced a beautiful LBD. It goes without saying that your sewing skills are to be admired but also your organizational skills must be off the chart. Your garment is beautiful! Not to detract from your dress, however, I have to add that your monogrammed scarf looks super and the boots….I am drooling over them.
Sharon
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 08:13h, 19 NovemberLOL – I’m passionate and focused but no off the chart organizational skills here 😉 Many thanks for your lovely comment, Sharon! I too drooled over the boots until they were mine…. the big splurge!
Lone Star Couture
Posted at 09:44h, 18 NovemberBeautiful outcome! Lots of thought went into this dress and it shows. I’ve seen those boots and they were definitely worth the splurge! Happy Thanksgiving!!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 08:14h, 19 NovemberHappy Thanksgiving to you, Dorcas! Enjoy Charleston :). :).
PsychicSewerKathleen
Posted at 09:53h, 18 NovemberWhat a great idea to line the flounce then attach it to the body of the dress – this would work with bell sleeves as well. Thank you! I will definitely be stealing this idea 🙂 Beautiful dress! I couldn’t agree with Dior more 🙂
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 08:15h, 19 NovemberMany thanks, Kathleen! You’re so right about this technique working with bell sleeves 😉
Jeff Laskowski
Posted at 10:12h, 18 NovemberGreat ensemble! You look gorgeous.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 08:15h, 19 NovemberThank you, Jeff!
Bernadette O'Brien
Posted at 10:20h, 18 NovemberWow, you did it. What a quick turn around from concept to completion. Looks wonderful. It helps me to see how different patterns can be melded together to create your own design. Thanks for the Dior quote. That one needs to go up on my sewing room wall.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 08:17h, 19 NovemberThe Dior quote needs to hang on my closet door as well! I printed the dress image weeks ago to study the lines so the concept has been on my mind for a while.
Thank you so much for the comment, Bernadette 🙂
Pamela Elaine Smith
Posted at 10:24h, 18 NovemberSarah everything about this LBD is just so chic, I prefer the longer length sleeve you chose better then the ODLR.! It seems to balance better with the flute hemline. Ah I couldn’t get my tounge or my spelling around the name you gave the dress pattern. Ha ha x Pamela from Wales Uk.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 08:20h, 19 NovemberHa Ha Ha Mc – Vogue – er – ick Tun-ic-bi-ble-ic-i-ty 😀
Yes, if I was going to make a true winter dress, I wanted long sleeves! Many thanks for the comment, Pamela.
June W Lovell
Posted at 10:26h, 18 Novemberstyling it with scarf and boots …. oohhhh
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 08:22h, 19 November😀 The dash of pink on the scarf pulls it all together in my opinion, and the boots…….well……….it was a weak moment!
Denise Thompson
Posted at 10:30h, 18 NovemberI love that! Now, after all that work, you have another custom pattern to use.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 08:23h, 19 NovemberHi Denise! So nice to hear from you :). I agree, this is definitely a custom pattern and I certainly hope to use it again!! Many thanks.
Claire
Posted at 10:32h, 18 NovemberThis is ace! And it certainly suits all lifestyles. I think this silhouette is perfect as a “power dress” as you have styled it with pumps and pearls–no nonsense but a little discrete feminine style with the flounce. And then a quick change of shoes and accessories and it’s quite relaxed and whimsical. Next Goodbye Valentino pattern, perhaps? 😉
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 08:26h, 19 NovemberA dress for all seasons and reasons! (except summer and weddings 😉). I know I’ll be wearing this one quite a bit making it worth the trouble…..
Thank you so much for your comment, Claire!
Kathryn Barnhill
Posted at 10:57h, 18 NovemberThat truly is a great lbd! However I must disagree with Mr Dior because at a certain point if life, black just makes you look like a Sicilian widow. I’m there now but this would be sensational in colors that do work for me. Thanks for sharing you inspiration and how you made it work!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 08:29h, 19 NovemberThank you, Kathryn!
LOL – I know the look you’re talking about 😉 However, wearing black need not be head to toe. Wool crepe comes in so many colors that I’d like to make one more in a bright color similar to the inspiration dress.
Linda LaMona
Posted at 11:24h, 18 NovemberYour dress turned out perfect, IMHO. Looks good on you and I love the embroidered boots.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 08:30h, 19 NovemberThank you so much, Linda!
Margene
Posted at 11:36h, 18 NovemberThe time invested makes this a winner. How exciting to pieces from several patterns and have a spectacular outcome. Love the boots and while you didn’t say anything about the topping on the cake, namely your scarf with the monogram embroidered on it. Love your style and presentation!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 08:35h, 19 NovemberMany thanks, Margene! I embroidered the scarf a couple of weeks ago. Here is the post 🙂 https://goodbyevalentino.com/monogram-madness-and-a-giveaway/
Jennifer Shaw
Posted at 11:48h, 18 NovemberWhat a spectacular dress! Such style and finesse. Alas, I too can no longer wear black, it wears me. I agree with Kathryn Barnhill- for some of us black just does not work. Thank you once again for sharing your panache.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 08:37h, 19 NovemberThank you so much, Jennifer! I once read that wearing white around your face will offset an unflattering color, Olive is the one color I cannot wear – EVER!!
Susan Tinnerello
Posted at 11:50h, 18 NovemberJust stunning! Of course, is there any thing you don’t look beautiful wearing? You are so adorable. I just assumed you embroidered the boots as you have picked up that skill quite quickly and have made some pretty garments. There is a method where you embroider a matching fabric and then glue it to the shoe/boot. Then you could also say Foodbye Kate.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 08:39h, 19 NovemberSusan – Thank you for introducing me to the embroidery technique. I will certainly research it , but giving up buying shoes?????? NEVER!
Many thanks for your comment.
Gayle
Posted at 11:52h, 18 NovemberLove your dress Sarah! Excellent job as always. I envy your sewing skills and hope I can sew as well as you do some day.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 08:41h, 19 NovemberThank you so much, Gayle! Doesn’t it take 10,000 hours of practice to become reach expert status?
Anne Scanapico
Posted at 11:59h, 18 NovemberWhat a beautiful LBD. I am so impressed with the many patterns you used to develop the look. Maybe sometime you do a blog on the ins and outs (procedure) on how to incorporate other parts into a pattern. Love the dress. I actually have a beautiful wool crepe that I have been dieing to use. LBD is the goal for the fabric, just don’t know what style yet. I live the flounce but I don’t look good in that style…thanks so much for the inspiration.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 08:54h, 19 NovemberAnne,
Thank you so much for your comment! The procedure was a trial and error process, and I think that’s the case when trying to combine different pattern pieces. Good luck with your wool crepe – such great fabric!
Beth (SunnyGal Studio)
Posted at 12:15h, 18 Novembervery pretty, I love wool crepe and am surprised that more people don’t use it, as it is so nice, particularly for a dress, and comes is such great colors.. and I always love a flounce, so fun to wear.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 08:55h, 19 NovemberThank you, Beth! Where do you find wool crepe in various colors?
Sandy Gammage
Posted at 13:34h, 18 NovemberLove, love, love this dress.
I am unable wear wool. It makes my skin crawl and as a result an never comfortable in a garment containing wool. What other type of fabric would work with this type of pattern? I have been wanting to add an LBD to my wardrobe for some time. You have inspired me.
Thank you.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 08:56h, 19 NovemberThank you, Sandy! This dress would be great in a Ponte 🙂
Joan
Posted at 13:37h, 18 NovemberWonderful job, Sarah! I enjoyed your explanation of choosing the pattern pieces and lengths to assemble your muslin pattern.
Can you elaborate on your decision to start the flounce 4″ below the hip?
Love that you show us various ways to style your LBD! One of my fashion shortcomings is wearing what I have in different ways, so I appreciate your great ideas.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 08:57h, 19 NovemberJoan ~
Many thanks for your comment. There was no scientific reason to place the flounce where I did, but based on the length of the flounce I found that to be the most flattering placement 🙂
Joan
Posted at 13:39h, 18 Novemberp.s. GREAT boots!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 08:58h, 19 NovemberMy 2017 wardrobe splurge 🙃😉🤗😊
Diane James
Posted at 14:04h, 18 NovemberThe dress if fabulous! Wonderful to put all those patterns together with such great results. I also love the large link necklace. Is it a fashion piece? If so, would you share where purchased and/or brand? Thanks!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 09:00h, 19 NovemberThank you so much, Diane! I bought the necklace a few years ago at a church bazaar for $7.00 – one of those wonderful purchases that come along on very rare occasions 😉
Carolyn
Posted at 14:32h, 18 NovemberI love how you pattern hacked your way to the perfect designer knock-off! Lovely dress and fantastic boots!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 09:01h, 19 NovemberHa – Ha – Ha! There was some major hacking going on here, Carolyn! Thank you so much 🙂
Vanessa Thomas
Posted at 14:47h, 18 NovemberIt is beautiful!!!!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 09:01h, 19 NovemberThank you, Vanessa!
Barbara Keero
Posted at 15:33h, 18 NovemberAs the kids would say: ADORBS!!!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 09:02h, 19 NovemberSuch a nice compliment! Thank you, Barbara 🤗
Becky Bagwell
Posted at 15:43h, 18 NovemberYou nailed it , again! Perfect fit!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 09:02h, 19 NovemberThank you, Becky!
Margaret Winters
Posted at 18:26h, 18 NovemberWOW! It came out beautifully!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 09:03h, 19 NovemberMany thanks, Margaret 🙂
Dorothy Ferguson
Posted at 19:03h, 18 NovemberBravo! What a fun yet elegant dress you created. Just love it, you make me want to see if so have something like that in my stash of patterns! Thank you for sharing the process.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 09:04h, 19 NovemberThank you so much, Dorothy! I’m beginning to think our pattern stashes are a wealth of designs just waiting to be hacked ;). 🙂
Judy Duerson
Posted at 19:46h, 18 NovemberYears ago, I combined patterns to achieve a look I was striving for. It has been years since I have done so. You inspired me to perhaps try to do that again. Your dress turned out so pretty. The scarf, necklace, and boots all provided a nice added touch. You do fabulous work and I always look forward to your new endeavors. Keep up the good work!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 09:05h, 19 NovemberThank you, Judy! While I don’t want to make a habit of hacking patterns, I’m relieved to know it can be done successfully 😉
Lisa Lacy
Posted at 21:22h, 18 NovemberLove the dress and when I saw the boots…I immediately thought…OMG She is even embroidering all her shoes….!😂😂
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 08:52h, 19 NovemberThank you, Lisa!
When I walked into book club last week I was asked if I embroidered the boots, so I knew I needed to clarify the issue from the beginning 😉
Becky Hopkins
Posted at 21:25h, 18 NovemberSuch an elegant dress! Great job copying the original. You inspire me!!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 08:50h, 19 NovemberMany thanks, Becky! …… My readers continue to inspire me 🙂
Jill
Posted at 22:05h, 18 NovemberI’ve seen many a Frankenoutfit on the sewing blogs I read but this is, by far, the best one yet! Amazing job!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 08:50h, 19 NovemberThank you, Jill! It definitely felt like a Frankenstein project at one point and I was thrilled to work through it 😉
Linda Dunbar
Posted at 23:11h, 18 NovemberI love this dress. And I was inspired to go buy the boots until I saw the price. Not for me and my conservative clothes budget bu they are fantastic with that dress. Now, Susan pointed out a hack to embroider on fabric and glue to boots. Hmmm, I have that beautiful icon. Maybe I’ll try that on some old boots of mine.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 08:47h, 19 NovemberThank you so much for your comment, Linda! Let me know if you’re able to create an embroidery appliqué for your boots. I find this concept fascinating and if your Icon can do it, then mine can too 🙂
Carol Epling
Posted at 08:40h, 19 NovemberLove, love, love it! My kind of dress!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 09:11h, 19 NovemberThank you so much Carol 🙂
Becky Thompson
Posted at 09:17h, 19 NovemberStunning. Absolutely stunning and wasn’t doing a pattern hack fun? I enjoy the creative process of doing that because it really gives my sewing brain a work out. On the next version, have you thought of a contrasting color for the flounce lining? It would give a little fun peek of color here and there. Great job lady! Oh, I featured you on my blog for the McCall’s 6844 – bought the same fabric and everything. It turned out fabulous! https://powertoolswiththread.com/2017/11/08/mccalls-6844/
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 14:23h, 19 NovemberThank you, Becky! Your sweater turned out just great and the burrito method worked like a charm :). Thanks for featuring me on your blog !
Julie Starr
Posted at 11:03h, 19 NovemberGreat vision with this clever mash up, Sarah! The outcome is classic and elegant and something I’m sure you will reach for for years. Doesn’t Cissie have a name for this type of dress? Three C’s… cocktails, church cemetery I think it is!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 14:26h, 19 NovemberThank you, Julie – Yes, Cissie’s CCC dress! I see this one hitting the three Cs regularly – well hopefully not the cemetery 😉
Joanne Burnett
Posted at 11:59h, 19 NovemberBeautiful dress! I think it would look great in any color. And the boots just make the look. Thanks for sharing!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 14:27h, 19 NovemberMany thanks, Joanne! I’d like to make it in a bright cheerful color too 🙂
Vancouver Barbara
Posted at 14:23h, 19 NovemberYour dress fits you to perfection! This is why we sew, hoping to achieve what you have achieved. Also to save money so we can splurge the savings on beautiful boots!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 17:56h, 19 NovemberThank you so much, Barbara! Of course – – we sew to perfectly fit ourselves and to splurge on shoes 😂
Mary Funt
Posted at 16:51h, 19 NovemberYour remake of the designer version is fabulous. Great use of multiple patterns and it fits you perfectly. I agree that a contrast flounce lining in the next version might elevate this even further. The boots are amazing and after saving so much on the dress, you definitely deserve them. That’s how I justify my shoe splurges also! Thanks for the reference to my blog post about drafting flounces. I’ve picked up quite a few new followers.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 20:03h, 19 NovemberMany thanks, Mary! Your tutorial about drafting flounces is unbelievable – hope all is well and Happy Thanksgiving 🙂
Sheri Lewis
Posted at 18:04h, 19 NovemberVery inspiring! Thanks for the photo tutorial on putting several patterns together.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 20:02h, 19 NovemberMy pleasure, Sheri! Thank you for your nice comment 🙂
Tiffany
Posted at 19:38h, 19 NovemberOnce again you truly amaze me!!. I am in awe of how you used several different pattern pieces to create the look you wanted. I love the outcome!! And the boots are gorgeous too!!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 20:01h, 19 NovemberMany thanks, Tiffany! What’s that comment about desperation breeding ingenuity……………….. 😉 ?
Maggie ecger
Posted at 19:39h, 19 NovemberThe dress is so classy and the boots. WOW. Beautiful outfit
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 20:00h, 19 NovemberThank you, Maggie!
Karen Helm
Posted at 22:08h, 19 NovemberYou definitely deserve those boots after working through this project so successfully! Love the dress and the boots and I am so relieved to know that you did not do the embroidery on them (although I bet you could!)
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 06:05h, 21 NovemberLOL – Many thanks, Karen! I don’t know if I ‘deserved’ the boots, but I like the way you think! 😊😊
MaryEllen
Posted at 12:35h, 20 NovemberThis is a great dress Sarah – I love that you shared all the tips in making this & hacking so many patterns !
My only regret is that I thought -wow – she’s going to show us how she embroidered boots !!!🤣🤣🤣🤣
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 06:10h, 21 NovemberLOL – I knew I needed to clarify that little bit of info from the beginning 😀 However, I have enjoyed reading about the technique to create a shoe appliqué !
Many thanks for the comment, and Happy Thanksgiving, Mary Ellen!
Maria
Posted at 13:01h, 20 NovemberWhat a beautiful dress…. I can’t say we expected anything less! 😉 Thank you for sharing… motivating… and inspiring!!! 🙂
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 06:11h, 21 NovemberAh…… such a sweet comment! Many thanks, Maria 🤗
Karey
Posted at 18:28h, 20 NovemberI like your hack, especially the pockets. I thought I had seen a similar Burda pattern to do a similar hack in my magazines. Do you think the Burda Tango dress (02/2016 #112b) could also be used as a starting point for something similar.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 06:13h, 21 NovemberKarey,
Great dress! Do you plan to sew this dress? It does have several similarities 😉
Karey Harrison
Posted at 06:42h, 21 NovemberLots of similarities lol. By the time you realise what you’ve written its too late to fix 😉
Until I saw your dress I favored the straight Burda view A. Now I’m reconsidering. Love seeing what others make of patterns transforms how I see them.
Jana Rezucha
Posted at 09:34h, 24 NovemberDitto what everyone else said! Love the fun name and you in the twirly girl pose. The dress is absolutely exquisite. Thanks again for sharing your process.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 06:30h, 19 DecemberMany thanks, Jana 😊 It was quite the process!
Mary Stern
Posted at 13:56h, 25 NovemberBeautiful dress and I earned a lot from your process. Thank you,
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 06:29h, 19 DecemberThank you so much, Mary!
Tomasa
Posted at 19:43h, 25 NovemberStunning! And I love the boots.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 06:29h, 19 DecemberMany thanks, Tomasa! Like I said…….. they were a splurge 😉
Nita
Posted at 20:42h, 30 NovemberAawesome! I think I even have the Simplicity pattern – now all I need are the advance skills! …and speaking of the Tunic Bible…look what Bette Midler is wearing in this video! http://bettemidler.com/videos/divine-intervention/
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 06:28h, 19 DecemberHow could I have missed your comment until now???? Oh….the holidays, that’s how. Thank you, Nita for the link to the video. She’s wearing quite a tunic, indeed!
Elizabeth Daniels
Posted at 23:02h, 30 DecemberInteresting rtw Sewing fast… I heard of it today at work in a conversation while on sales floor
at a local rtw store… in Springfield Ma.. the Sewing fast subject came up…I love Sewing and thinking about joining….thanks for the inspiration…
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 07:07h, 31 DecemberHop on board, Elizabeth!