lily of the valley

Added Jul 6, 2011

by elegantmusings

Virginia, Virgin...

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Description

I needed a quick to make dress last month to wear while traveling, and this jersey dress using the Vintage Vogue #8728 reprint fit the bill!

I used a cream blend knit that my mom had given me. It isn’t super drapey or unstable, which made it a lot easier for me to work with. I zigzagged some of the seams and used my serger on others. It was so easy!

The pattern itself is a dream to work with. The design looks far more complicated than the construction is. I ended up cutting a size smaller on through the bust/waist than the envelope says is suitable for my measurement. For the bodice I cut out two sizes smaller. This is because I (rightly) suspected the gathering would be too much if I went by my “size”. I love Vogue patterns because they print the finished bust, waist, and hip measurements which helps when determining what size to cut out. After years of sewing, I’ve figured out the amounts of ease I feel are most flattering and comfortable for me. I also shortened the skirt 3”, but no surprises there—that is a typical adjustment I have to make.

The pattern comes with two side closure options: a snap placket (so fun—I’ve done a couple of those on lightweight dresses) or a centered zipper. I thought about switching to my favorite lapped zipper method, but since I was working with a stretch I thought better of it and just went with the centered zipper. Why a zipper as opposed to snaps? Partly because I felt the knit was stable enough to handle the adding weight of a zipper tape, and also because I didn’t have time to sew on a bunch of little snaps!

Construction was amazingly easy; I think an intermediate seamstress could whip this up easily in a few evenings of sewing. The most “tricky” part of the pattern was just making sure the gathers were evenly distributed and attaching the neckline binding. This pattern is going in my “sew again” stack. I think it would be lovely in another knit or even a woven. Though frankly the knit thing is really appealing to me—it’s easy to wear but this design doesn’t look like a sack. In fact, I feel a bit like glamorous movie star from the 40s wearing this dress! hehe.

Material Notes

jersey

Difficulty

Intermediate

Categories

Season
Summer
For
Women
Garment Type
Dress
Style
Vintage
Material
Knits/Jersey

13 Comments

  • Bassman_large

    Aug 5, 2011, 04.53 PMby rjhopkins12

    I just ordered this pattern :) I always find inspiration in your work!

  • White_dress_001_large

    Jul 24, 2011, 11.54 PMby Irina Schwab

    Jersey is such an interesting choice of material for this. Looks a lot more expensive than just jersey, if i can say so. I woul dlove to try this in caramel silk or beigy shades… wow!

  • Cali_large

    Jul 7, 2011, 07.12 PMby threadsquare

    This pattern has been on my radar for so long now, and I just ordered it last week! I love it in white, and it’s good to hear what a cinch it will be :) Fabulous, as ever.

  • Screen_shot_2011-06-10_at_3_55_10_pm_large

    Jul 7, 2011, 12.21 AMby MaryamNaghdali

    Looks great! Yours looks better than the one on the pattern packet!

  • 27394_1395930926_3557_n_large

    Jul 6, 2011, 11.22 PMby shari-1

    Pretty dress! Love the gathers on the bodice!

  • Img_8634_2_large

    Jul 6, 2011, 10.15 PMby madebymeg

    gorgeous! gathered and flat in just the right places

  • Vatten_large

    Jul 6, 2011, 10.09 PMby ichigogirl

    I love your dress! I’ve actually been stalking that pattern… jersey + dress + 1940’s must be the perfect combination!

  • Twitter_pic_large

    Jul 6, 2011, 08.47 PMby Anne Wagenhauser

    Very nice, love the gathered bodice.

  • Dsci0021_large

    Jul 6, 2011, 08.41 PMby MissHickory

    love the name and the dress!!!

  • Avatar_jpeg_large

    Jul 6, 2011, 07.59 PMby Gabriele Yorlano

    Love this dress! My daughter saw a white dress in a boutique last week for over $300. Of course I said, oh, I can make that. The bodice on this is so cool. I think this dress would look awesome on her. Thanks for sharing.

  • Profile_pic_large

    Jul 6, 2011, 07.31 PMby secondbedroom

    I’ve been eyeing this pattern for months… thank you for providing some details here! I may need to give it a try very soon …..

  • Img00606-20101116-2054_large_large

    Jul 6, 2011, 07.27 PMby shayedknits

    Very elegant!

  • Burdaprofile_large

    Jul 6, 2011, 06.53 PMby BrittStitches

    I´m in love with the dress!! Good job as always

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