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Showing posts with label 1220. Show all posts
Showing posts with label 1220. Show all posts

Wednesday, 18 May 2011

Vogue 1220 Donna Karan Shirtdress

The dress is finished and I absolutely love it. I think I have been a bit stuck on belted shift dresses lately so it was good to try something new (albeit still a belted dress!).


I did a couple of minor things differently to the pattern instructions;
  • my belt has a centre back seam and is also folded in half rather than being narrow hemmed round all the edges. It is still plenty wide enough for me. I didn't add the belt loops.
  • as I mentioned in my last post I had to change the angle of the front facing to give myself a bit more walking and sitting room at the hem of the skirt since I made it in a non stretch fabric. (mine has none, the pattern just says to use stretch broadcloth, crepe or linen). I had to change the corresponding hem facing piece too. If you think you need to do the same I recommend adding extra fabric at the centre front from the outset.
The dress is fairly easy to make. The only tricky part is attaching the skirt back to the upper back and side fronts as you have two inset corners to deal with. I suggest doing this in 3 separate seams, starting and finishing at the pivot points rather than in one seam per the instructions. This way you can turn the fabric over as necessary and make sure your stitching does not cross the marked dot and that the fabric isn't bunching underneath. However it helps to remember that the corner gets hidden under a pleat and then the belt so don't stress about getting it absolutely perfect.

Pictures speak louder than words so.....

The side seams, with pockets slant from front to back.

Pocket close up.

Finished dress without belt.

Finished dress with belt.


Closer front view.

Back view.

Sunday, 15 May 2011

Another week, another Donna Karan dress

This is the pattern I am currently working on - Vogue 1220, the Donna Karan shirtdress.


I am making it in a sort of cranberry cotton sateen. The pattern calls for stretch wovens, but of course I didn't read that before I bought my fabric and this is one of those patterns with strange seams that means you have to either make a muslin or take a flyer on the fit.

I'm sure I don't need to tell you which option I went for! I am happy to report that the pattern is sized consistently for Vogue and it does work in a non stretch fabric. However you might run into problems when you sit down in the dress as I think there may be some stress on the lower buttons, especially with the pegged shape of the skirt. The front facing is just folded back so I have tapered the fold line so the facing is narrower at the bottom to give me a bit more ease there, I'll let you know how it works out!


I just need to buy some buttons to get this finished up. The buttons are on a hidden fly so in theory it should be easy to find some suitable ones.

I'm enjoying making this one, the seaming is really interesting and it comes together pretty fast. I'll share more details when it's finished.