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Friday, 6 May 2011

Vogue 1236 DKNY dress

Remember me?? Like the UK we have had a bumper crop of public holidays here in Hong Kong recently and we still have another one next Tuesday. You might think this would mean I get more sewing and blogging done but the opposite seems to be true, I get thrown out of my usual routine. Not that I'm complaining! Besides I can't sew all the time, not least because my closet is sadly too small.

I have made a dress - not the one I was planning to make of course, but another DKNY from the recent batch of Vogue patterns - V1236.


I almost didn't buy this because it is a pretty basic dress and I am sure I have something similar somewhere, but I'm glad I did. It is, like all DKNY patterns I have tried, cut really well and as a bonus it is incredibly easy to sew. I just made a straight size 12, no alterations based on the finished measurements printed on the pattern and this turned out fine.




I used a semi sheer dot large spotted cotton fabric - it's sheer between the spots so I interlined with a taupe/gold china silk. The effect is very subtle - I did experiment with brighter colours but it looked like cheap tacky lingerie!


The original pattern is unlined and has combined neck/sleeve facings so I changed the construction a bit due to my fabric. I attached the lining at the neck and sleeves and then made bias strips for these edges, turned to the inside and topstitched. I left off the beltloops and pockets as usual though I do think they are rather cute - maybe next time.

I've had to lighten these photos so you can see the fabric so ignore the fact I look like a blurry pale ghost.





Despite its simplicity I think this is a very versatile pattern, this version can work for day or night, but I can see some more summery ones in my (too small) closet in the future.
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42 comments:

  1. coffeeaddict6 May 2011 at 17:18

    If I were making this for myself I'd definitely include the pockets and add cap sleeves.
    I love your fabric choice and the champagne silk lining. I love this colour and it's one I buy in large quntities (besides black and white of course) to have at hand for the spur of the moment projects.

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  2. AllisonC6 May 2011 at 17:25

    Yes I must admit I feel a bit exposed with bare arms but it's about to get so hot here that I will be glad of them soon!

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  3. Karin6 May 2011 at 18:05

    Cute dress! It looks great on you and must be really cool and comfortable to wear. Don't worry about your arms- they look slim and toned!

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  4. Anonymous6 May 2011 at 18:30

    Great dress! As usual, a wonderful fabric choice, and I love the underlining effect - very elegant! I'm definitely going to have to get to HK for fabric shopping one of these days! x

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  5. Adrienne6 May 2011 at 19:16

    Beautiful dress! I have some fabric very similar that's white and a one that's a khaki color that I can not wait to use!

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  6. Unknown6 May 2011 at 19:55

    Perfect marraige of fabric, lining, and pattern! I love it!!!

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  7. Irene6 May 2011 at 20:01

    Wonderful dress! Now I know that I'll have to nab this pattern for myself. Thanks for the inspiration.

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  8. Nancy K6 May 2011 at 20:09

    Love it. I love the fabric far better than the original as well. Fantastic, simple summer dress.

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  9. Lisette M6 May 2011 at 20:26

    I also love this pattern. Your dress turned out beautiful, I like the subtle effect of the fabrics you chose.

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  10. Carolyn (Diary of a Sewing Fanatic)6 May 2011 at 20:45

    What a great dress! Your fabric choices really make this dress shine.

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  11. Erica Bunker6 May 2011 at 20:56

    Beautiful! Fabulous job as always! that is such a great fabric that really dressed up such a simple pattern.

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  12. Amanda S.6 May 2011 at 21:06

    Love it! The fabric and lining are a great pick for this pattern. Enjoy your day off!

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  13. JoanneM6 May 2011 at 21:23

    This looks super on you.
    I too ignored this pattern because I knew I "must" have something similar in the stash.
    Yours looks so much better than the pattern photo.

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  14. Rachel6 May 2011 at 22:01

    That is a really lovely dress!! You have the best taste. I always look forward to your posts.

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  15. Stevie6 May 2011 at 22:39

    Lovely dress I love that combination of black and gold shining through! Beautiful!

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  16. Beth (SunnyGal Studio)6 May 2011 at 23:20

    great look. once again you have chosen a Vogue pattern that I overlooked - now I need this one too.
    nice choice of fabric for the style.

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  17. Jane6 May 2011 at 23:26

    Allison, what a fabulous dress. The fabric is awesome and you look great in it.

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  18. Monica D6 May 2011 at 23:55

    Well done!

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  19. Rebecca7 May 2011 at 01:40

    Your dress turned out wonderfully! So much better than the pattern envelope. :]

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  20. MushyWear7 May 2011 at 03:02

    I love the fabric you used, and underlining in a neutral was a great choice to keep it chic. I'll have to take a look at this pattern. I love the style. You look fabulous in this dress.

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  21. Vicki7 May 2011 at 05:33

    Simple, but lovely! Perfect fabric and lining for it.

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  22. Unknown7 May 2011 at 06:25

    Love that fabric! Great choice.

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  23. Aminat7 May 2011 at 07:07

    You rock girl!!!, absolutely fabulous...

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  24. Summerset7 May 2011 at 07:11

    Love it! Smart lining choice - makes it interesting, yet not tacky like you described.

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  25. Dana7 May 2011 at 10:04

    Love the dress! That fabric really turns it into something special.

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  26. CarmencitaB7 May 2011 at 21:01

    This dress makes me want to go and sew some more. Great use of the fabric.

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  27. Jean7 May 2011 at 21:24

    This is an adorable dress! It is a simple style, but perfect for warm weather. The fabric is cool, too.

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  28. Pin Queen7 May 2011 at 21:27

    I din't think very much to this pattern when it first came out, because I thougt it too simple for my taste - then I saw what you've done to it. I've changed my mind! we have a 40% off sale coming up so it's now on my list. I really like your use of fabrics and, as ever, the cut and fit look great on you.

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  29. lorenakitty8 May 2011 at 00:59

    I love your dress! I just made my version in a cobalt blue printed cotton sateen for a summer look. I almost passed up the pattern but gave the subtle drafting a second look and figured this would be a winner.

    One thing I did omit was the pockets. After spending time matching the print at the pocket openings, I decided my fabric was too delicate - rats :(

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  30. Nancy8 May 2011 at 13:33

    Very pretty! I love to see different interpretations of patterns- I love what you did!

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  31. Gail8 May 2011 at 15:35

    You really are the queen of dresses! I love this dress in every aspect.

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  32. Gabrielle8 May 2011 at 20:02

    Oh, I was wondering if this would look like the envelope picture and it does, great to see! I think this will be such a practical dress for hot days / evenings - and it looks great on you.

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  33. Angela10 May 2011 at 05:59

    Lovely dress and looks perfect for summer!

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  34. Marie10 May 2011 at 10:17

    I didn't like that pattern until I saw your version. Yours is gorgeous.

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  35. Gay McDonell11 May 2011 at 17:13

    Great fabric and cute dress.

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  36. Jacquie11 May 2011 at 20:13

    Lovely dress Allison, it looks superb in that fabric. Very chic but not something that will date. The DKNY patterns of late have been terrific.

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  37. Anonymous12 May 2011 at 10:00

    Love the dress and the fabric!

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  38. Lisa13 May 2011 at 04:14

    As always another fantastic creation . I love your fabric you look gorgeous .

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  39. Cennetta17 May 2011 at 07:48

    Excellent fabric combo. This dress is great on you. Nothing cheesey about it.

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  40. amber27 May 2011 at 23:38

    Great call on the lining fabric - from a distance it almost looks like a subtle eyelet. What a great dress for summer.

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  41. SEWN1 June 2011 at 09:32

    I love this dress. The bodice especially. You should make another; it seems like the perfect summer dress.

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  42. Kate Stone5 March 2017 at 11:43

    I love how your version of the dress turned out! Beautiful fabric! I'm working on this same pattern too, at the moment. Mind if I pick your brain? According to my measurements, I ought to be a size 16. Instead I went for a size 14 for the skirt graded into a 12 for the top. It's still so baggy! The neckline gapes and in general it just feels like there's too much fabric still, as if I should have gone down another size. Did you pick your size based on your measurements, or go down a size or two? Your dress looks so fitted compared to mine. And do you flash your bra when you bend over like I do?

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