27 Jun Vogue Pattern 1802
I’m swinging now in one of the most fun dresses I’ve ever made!
One of the things I’ve sorely missed over the last year and a half was real in-person inspiration. Last week I visited a lovely boutique and tried on a swing dress with a tie back in four different colors, but it was the red one that jolted my memory.
Yes…..wait a minute…… Carlos has designed a very similar pattern, I remembered!! So, thanks to Carlos Correa at Vogue Patterns, I was able to make my own. Follow his fabulous Instagram feed here.
The pattern is Vogue 1802, and the dress is offered in two versions.
Throughout my life I’ve never worn the classic trapeze silhouette, because I thought I was too short to pull off the look, and the RTW dresses swallowed me. As we wrote in A Stylish Guide to Classic Sewing, most women can wear nearly every silhouette if the fit and proportions are correct.
I decided to take my own advice (page 61) and reduce the sweep of the bodice to avoid being dwarfed. Starting at the bust, I began to taper the fit eventually removing 10 inches from the sweep, but as you can tell there is plenty of fullness and shape left in the silhouette.
The weight of the ruffle slightly straightens the flair of the silhouette which also works in my favor being 5’2″.
By the way, I love the tie. The pattern shows it tied into a bow. I simply lapped the ties, knowing my hair would get in the way. It’s no bother and adds a nice detail to the dress.
The tie, the ruffle, the bold print and billowing dress silhouette dictated minimal styling. I’ve made the dress to wear to two weddings so I added a little sparkle. (similar accessories below)
I lined the bodice of the dress with a polyester lining. Though the pattern is unlined, the boutique dresses were lined and I wanted to dress it up. This time as opposed to my last dress….. I was able to easily attach the lining to the armholes by machine since the neckline remained open until I attached the ties.
Many thanks to all readers who offered advice for lining sleeveless armholes on the machine! I’ve got some great tips to try and will be in touch with some of you who offered to further enlighten me..
My fabric is from Textile Fabrics in Nashville TN. The lovely ladies of the Nashville ASG took me fabric shopping and I immediately knew this fabric would one day be a party dress. 😊 The fabric is a woven polyester with stretch. Textile Fabrics does not have an online store but offers fabric samples and mail order services. To my Nashville readers ….. please let me know if this fabulous place ever opens an online store!!!
Speaking of ASG, I look forward to speaking at the Baltimore ASG Annual Meeting in October – beautiful evidence of light at the end of the tunnel!
Until soon 😊😊
My Summer Favorites….
Gail Cunningham
Posted at 07:21h, 27 JuneNo doubt, this is my favorite make of yours ever! This dress is so much fun on so many levels…and what’s even more fun is that you MADE it (guess that’s no big surprise here!). Now go out and celebrate freedom and have FUN wearing this little number!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 07:40h, 27 JuneThank you, Gail! Right now it’s my favorite make too 😊😊 perhaps, because as you said it is so much fun, and don’t we all need a little fun right now! Have a good one!
Sharon Kane
Posted at 07:21h, 27 JuneWow, what’s not to like about this dress and your commentary about the modifications you made to the pattern to fit you. I always appreciate it when sewists go one step further to explain the whys and sometimes hows they modifiy a sewing pattern.
Sharon
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 07:41h, 27 JuneMany thanks, Sharon! I needed to make the modifications to get the look of the RTW dress, but primarily to make the silhouette work for me. 😉
Mary Anne Chambers
Posted at 07:28h, 27 JuneThis dress looks fabulous on you. At just over 5ft myself I understand your concerns and avoidance of styles for fear of being swamped.
With your alterations your have nailed it!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 07:43h, 27 JuneThank you so much, Mary Anne – this silhouette is one that could easily wear us isn’t it? 😂
Leigh Rollins
Posted at 08:06h, 27 JuneThis is a beautiful dress that you have made your own. Well done!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 08:23h, 27 JuneThank you, Leigh! So nice to hear from you 😊
Mary Schulz
Posted at 08:09h, 27 JuneThis dress is so pretty and unusual too. The floral print is one I might have passed by because of the bold pattern, but I appreciate the tips you included for petite ladies. I am 5’2” also. So nice to know that with proper tailoring, we can wear any style and look great! You will look absolutely stunning at the weddings on your calendar!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 08:26h, 27 JuneThank you for your comment, Mary. The fabric practically jumped off the shelf into my arms…….. but you’re right it is bold. I tried on four RTW dresses in this style. Three were solid – black, red, and navy. One was a big bold print, which led me to give it a try!
PatB
Posted at 08:41h, 27 JuneBeautiful, fun and perfect on you. Really made me smile 😃 feels hopeful. Appreciate your posts explaining your process and inspired by your style. Enjoy your weddings and the satisfaction of making your own unique, custom fit dress.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 09:27h, 27 JuneThank you so much for your nice comment, Pat! You’re right Hopeful is the word of the day!
Janine Sews
Posted at 08:55h, 27 JuneSuch a bright and fun dress for this summer of events that we have all been waiting for what seems like forever! This is a happy dress 😊
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 09:28h, 27 JuneIsn’t that the truth, Janine? I can’t begin to tell you how much fun it was for me to sew a party dress again……. finally 😊 Many thanks for your comment!
Mery
Posted at 08:57h, 27 JuneYour perfect summer party dress will be cute on you for years.
I enjoy your book and expect to continue enjoying it for years too.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 09:30h, 27 JuneThank you so much, Mery! One reason I sew the classics is to wear them for years 😊 Delighted you are enjoying the book!
Sharon
Posted at 09:00h, 27 JuneI love this, Sarah! Looks so beautiful on you. I think I will try one too, now! Thanks for the inspiration!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 09:31h, 27 JuneMany thanks, Sharon! You MUST try one 😉
Claire
Posted at 09:06h, 27 JuneInspo was Laroque? Your version is perfect. Fresh and fun for re-entry into the world.. I bought a similar Laroque lined tie neck blouse early in the pandemic and love it. I was mostly impressed she used silk! Have been searching for the right fabric to recreate a similar organza version with neck ruffle from Tyler Boe.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 09:35h, 27 JuneBingo, Claire! I spent at least an hour trying on clothes in LaRoque with the intention of buying a top that I had seen online and on sale. The top didn’t work out, but what a delightful hour I had. I left with a cute pair of earrings – one my rules of etiquette when doing inspiration shopping in a boutique 😊
Her designs are so pretty!
Good luck with your Tyler Boe shirt and many thanks for your comment!
Karen of Fifty Dresses
Posted at 09:12h, 27 JuneThis is fabulous, Sarah. I’ve never been a fan of the trapeze style, but you have made it perfectly proportional and with just the right amount of swing. The tie adds so much. What a fun and classy look to party in! Enjoy all the compliments you are sure to receive!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 09:40h, 27 JuneAhhh…… thank you for your nice comment, Karen 😊 I’ve never been a fan either until I tried on these dresses last week. I modeled one of Julie’s in the book and it felt all wrong on me……… I suppose because it was made for her! This one feels right however 😉
Vava
Posted at 09:26h, 27 JuneI love it! Would be interested to learn about the lining.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 09:51h, 27 JuneJust sent you a photograph
Mary+Funt
Posted at 09:34h, 27 JuneGreat job! You nailed the proportions, especially narrowing the trapeze so the volume didn’t overwhelm a petite figure.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 09:41h, 27 JuneThank you so much, Mary! Proportions, proportions, proportions 😊
Marolyn Sayre-Smith
Posted at 10:19h, 27 JuneBeautiful. You look like a doll and the proportions are perfect. Your sewing skills and sense of style are wonderful inspiration to me, an accomplished seamstress who has wanted a little push to sew something new. Thank you so much❣️
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 11:58h, 27 JuneMarolyn ~ We all need each other in my opinion! Many thanks for your lovely comment 😊
Heather Taylor
Posted at 10:23h, 27 JuneWhat a fabulous make! You could never get a style like that for a petite woman in RTW.
Is the flounce doubled? It looks like it is in the photos.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 11:59h, 27 JuneYou are absolutely correct, Heather which is why I thought I could never wear this silhouette until I made it myself 😉
No, the flounce is a single layer with a machine stitched hem. Many thanks for your comment!
Laura Casey
Posted at 10:26h, 27 JuneWowie! How I love this! The changes you made ‘made’ it perfect for your frame….proving it’s all about the fit. Now I’m a pink girl and do I love this on you……now I want one…..just a bit longer and bigger……perfect for a attending a summertime wedding indeed.
Glad your back sewing and inspiring me!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 12:00h, 27 JuneGo for it Laura! It’s so easy to wear and the ruffle and tie are icing on the cake 😊 So nice to hear from you!
Barbara Williams
Posted at 10:42h, 27 JuneYou have created a happy dress! It says, I am free once again, so look out. 😀 A very stylish and flattering dress, I love it!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 12:01h, 27 JuneSo true – it is my happy dress for sure! Many thanks for your comment, Barbara 😊
Helen
Posted at 11:25h, 27 JuneIt is so nice to see you back! I love seeing all your beautiful creations. You truly are inspiring!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 13:35h, 27 JuneThanks so much Helen! It’s very nice to be back 😊
Kay Gee
Posted at 11:32h, 27 JuneSuper cute!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 13:36h, 27 JuneThank you, Kay!
Joan
Posted at 11:59h, 27 JuneLovely dress, Sarah! I enjoy analyzing layout of (large-scaled) prints on dresses: I think your pattern placement looks terrific and flattering. I’m 5’1″ and love bold fabric, so I have to constantly monitor myself to not let the ‘love’ undermine ‘good sense’!
The A-line shift of my youth and the swing / trapeze silhouette are my two favorite styles for summer: both cool to wear and they allow one to eat without being self-conscious!
A couple of years ago, I purchased several swing styles for summer travel in petite sizing and all required taking in at the side seams to look their best; much better to make them oneself!
Enjoy wearing your fun, gorgeous and elegant frock!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 13:40h, 27 JuneI definitely did some layout analyzing on this one, Joan! It was all very carefully cut so the design placement was the same for each piece. I could have used more fabric from a comfort standpoint, but I guess I like to live dangerously 😂
My favorite silhouette is a straight shift and I actually cut out a straight muslin for this garment thinking I could never wear the trapeze ……….. I was starting to bore myself and went for the swing!
Many thanks for your comment!
Alice Elliot
Posted at 12:08h, 27 JuneThis is a real winner!! I also avoid trapeze styles because they bury me. My question is did you make a muslin to decide how much fullness to eliminate?
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 13:45h, 27 JuneAlice, I didn’t get into the muslin part of the process this time, but I made two muslins. As I mentioned to Joan I actually cut out a straight muslin for this garment thinking I could never wear the trapeze ……….. I was starting to bore myself and went for the swing. I cut a new pattern piece where I incorporated the straight cut and full pattern.
The bust measurements matched so I began tapering from the bust on the second muslin and tweaked until it was just right.
Also, what I like about this pattern is that is has a back seam, offering more control with the back fit.
Many thanks for your question and comment 😊
Alice Elliot
Posted at 20:38h, 27 JuneThanks! Encouraging.
Sandra Garnett
Posted at 19:29h, 27 JuneGorgeous!! Have you seen Ms.Manuela (Sewing Pattern Reviews)? In particular, her version of the Tessuti Bella dress – flounce at the back, plain at the front – cuts down of bulk but retains the trapeze swish. Regards, Sandra
Heather Myers
Posted at 15:56h, 27 JuneThis looks terrific! Wonderful proportion s too. Thanks for the hints. I’ve been looking for a similar style with a v-neckline but overlooked this pattern due to Vogue’s midi length red photo. Your ruffle is just the right length!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 16:27h, 27 JuneThank you, Heather! This would be so cute with a v-neck!
Rebecca Bagwell
Posted at 16:39h, 27 JuneLove this!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 18:58h, 27 June😘 Thank you, Becky!
Rita Johnson
Posted at 17:02h, 27 JuneGreat dress! Perfect for you as always. I missed the inspiration you provided and I am glad you are posting again. No, as far as I know, no online store. However, they are great to work with when you talk to them about what you are looking for. They will send swatches that they think might work based on the conversation. Fortunately, they are my “home store”! If you visit Nashville, be sure to visit Textile Fabrics! Sarah, you need to plan a trip here…
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 19:02h, 27 JuneSo nice to hear from you, Rita! You played a big role in the dress, you know……! What a great ‘home store’ you have – I would be in big trouble with a Textile Fabrics in my neighborhood 😉
You’re right, I need to plan a trip to Nashville!
Kathy Miller
Posted at 17:34h, 27 JuneSo glad you are back! The dress is lovely and fits you perfectly. You are an inspiration to keep on trying to ‘get it right,’ Thank you for sharing your creativity.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 19:03h, 27 JuneMany thanks, Kathy! It’s so nice to be sewing and connecting with my sewing friends again, and I love sharing my sewing adventures with y’all 😊
Carolyn Smith
Posted at 02:32h, 28 JuneThe dress is stunning on you! The fabric is FAB! How wide did you make the ruffle for the short version of this pattern?
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 06:27h, 28 JuneThank you Carolyn! I shortened the length of the ruffle pattern piece to 10 inches, but kept the original width of the ruffle to make it fuller than the one that appears on the pattern cover. 😉
Mary Reiling
Posted at 11:17h, 28 JuneYour dress looks wonderful. I bypassed this pattern because I was afraid that I couldn’t create a nice looking tie at the back. Is it difficult to tie on your own?
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 12:34h, 28 JuneThank you, Mary! I lapped the tie rather than tie it in a bow. Lapping is easy – but I would need help tying the perfect bow 😊
Mary Power
Posted at 09:08h, 29 JuneYou mentioned that you are 5’2. Most commercial patterns are for someone 3-5 inches taller. ( I think). I looked at your tunic book but while I saw directions for making bust adjustments, I didn’t see anything for height. Do you immediately make an adjustment fir height when making a muslin?
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 10:18h, 29 JuneHi Mary,
In the Tunic Bible we recommend making your muslin and then making adjustments where needed.
Tunic length is a personal choice. If you look at our Tunic Bible inspiration page on Pinterest, you’ll see there is no correct length.
In Big Four commercial patterns, I always shorten the bodice along the Lengthen/Shorten line.
Margaret Elmendorp
Posted at 04:22h, 30 JuneSo nice to see your posts again! Gorgeous dress and fabric! Greeting from South Australia.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 06:49h, 30 JuneThank you so much, Margaret! It’s nice to be back 😊😊
Deborah Hixenbaugh
Posted at 12:13h, 01 JulyLove the dress and fabric! I had just purchased that pattern, and then I saw your blog! It is so wonderful to see you posting again…yes perhaps the light at the end of the tunnel is getting brighter!
Gayle
Posted at 00:12h, 28 JuneWelcome back Sarah!! you have been missed so much. I look forward to your future blogs and all of the wonderful content in them. I do hope all is well with your and your family. God bless!!!