Vogue 1159 Donna Karan dress

See my last post for the pattern photo and insane pattern pieces for this draped jersey dress.

As Nancy commented, one huge problem with this pattern is that it is impossible to work out how to alter the pattern pieces. Even now that I have made it I still cannot figure it out. Usually I cut a mixture of size 12 (shoulders, waist) and 14 (bust, hips) on my Vogue patterns and on this one I just cut a 14 and hoped for the best. Miraculously it worked out, so if your usual bust and hip size are about the same pattern size then I suggest using that size.

Sewing wise this is not a difficult pattern, but if you have ever had any problem with any kind of twist top or assembling flat pack furniture, stay away from this pattern for your own sanity! You have to just faithfully follow the instructions - or at least the illustrations and make sure your pile of fabric looks exactly like each diagram before moving on.

I had to make one alteration at the end. As many reviewers have noted this is very low cut under the arms and I didn't want to have to wear a cami underneath. I did try sewing the side seam higher but this messed up the front drape so I just applied two little triangles of fabric to fill in the gap and handstitched them in.

This patch works better on me than on the dressform for covering underwear

See, although not planning on standing like this too often.

It's a pretty rubbishy alteration but it works and no one is really going to notice it I hope. When I wear it in real life I will also have to put a safety in in the front wrap for security otherwise there is a very real chance of a wardrobe malfunction.

I absolutely loved making this and was amazed when it turned out to look like the original at the end, and even more amazed that it fitted. I love how the waist draping looks and I also like that there is a straight skirt knit lining underneath which keeps it all in place. I still can't really understand how the pattern pieces become a dress, Donna Karan is some kind of genius.

Close up of the waist draping - this shows the true colour too.