MY COLOURBLOCKED SHIFT DRESS : : VOGUE V9048
Hi you. Thank you all for your positive feedback on my Quilted Art Girl Jacket. I received so many great suggestions and I’m really excited to give the garment as art concept another go. But, before we go there…
This is my Colourblocked Shift Dress, Vogue Pattern 9048, a decidedly simple make in comparison to my Art Girl. It’s not just the lack of quilting…wot…no polka dots, no gingham, no floral? Am I late to the party? Has the trend come and gone? Meh…on trend or not…I wanted to play with solid colours for a change.
The pattern is a Very Easy Vogue…and yes, ’tis true, it came together effortlessly. My Vogue Pattern dress is a bit of a mashup of View A and View B, with a couple of tweaks thrown in. I added inseam pockets which are top stitched to the dress front. I also wanted a little more shape to my shift so I nipped in the side seams at the waistline area and added double ended darts to the back. The fabric is a Ponte De Roma Knit…sadly the fuchsia is looking of rather dubious quality so I suspect there will be pilling in the future. The pattern includes instructions for a fully lined dress, for which I used self fabric for the yoke pieces and a lightweight tricot for the remainder, and opted for unlined sleeves. The zipper is a nearly perfect colour match…the exposed application was a must-do. I cut, cut, sewed a size 12 after my usual length alterations…I will, however, go a little longer with my next make. After basting in my sleeves, things felt a tad wide at the shoulder….I remedied that by sewing the sleeve seam allowance 7/8″ instead of 5/8″. If I sew the sleeveless view in future, I will redraft the shoulder narrower still. And that hem…it looks high/low…but it’s not. It could be the angle of the photography, but more likely, I’m just standing wonky.
I’m on the hunt for some good quality striped Ponte. Have any of you bought Ponte fabric online? If you have any suggestions on what to buy, where to buy, etc., please let me know. And for those of you that have ready to wear Ponte knit garments in your wardrobes…I’m curious about the fabric content…100% polyester? Rayon/poly blend?
Simon Fraser University’s Academic Quadrangle is stepping up to the task of schtellar backdrop for my photos today. Admittedly, the pics do the structure no justice. What can I say…this is an It’s all about me, I’m just lookin’ at myself kinda blog…..bwahahahahaha. But seriously…I hope to make a return visit to SFU. The architecture is indeed one of a kind and something to be shared.
Dress : : Vogue Pattern V9048
72 Comments
I adore this dress. You have done so well. The colour blocking colours are fabulous together. The nipping in at the waist very clever, the pockets… so chic. I have only compliments to give. The dress suits you like a T. The tote and shoes are both very good additions. The tote because of the shape and stripes. The shoes because you chose nude, thus giving the dress all the attention to shine. Did I say I really like it? Oh yes I did.
Greetje
Stunning photos, Sue. You are so chic in this look. The styling, the accessories, the perfect sewing, the lovely model, all right on point. There is just something about bright pink and navy blue that says wild sophistication. Very Easy Vogue. I never ever believed that easy part but if you say so….
I love this, the colour blocking really works in these colours. Great zip too. I struggle to by ponte d Roma as I do not like to wear polyester, but have found some lovely punto Roma locally to me (sorry no use to you) which is 100% viscose thick and squishy and breathable to wear.
I recently went a search for ponte knit and discovered this great website called The Smuggler's Daughter
http://www.smugglersdaughter.com
I bought several ponte knits from her and loved them. I also ordered swatches from Mood and Fabric.com, but thought The Smuggler's Daughter had the nicest/thickest/squishiest knit. Hope this helps
love this one….The white at the top draws my eyes up and makes you look taller and very slim. As you can tell LOVE it!!
Fab dress! Love the addition of the pockets and the zip is definitely a perfect match.
I love this dress and your back zipper in pink – FABULOUS! I bought an incredible gray and white stripe Ponte from Style Maker Fabrics last week, that ponte is wonderful. I cut it out last night for another Morris jacket, that will be my third stripe ponte jacket. I think I have a thing for them! Once again, amazing dress.
Man, those colors look fabulous together!! And the exposed zipper is perfection!! jodie
http://www.jtouchofstyle.com
Hi, Sue. A beautiful dress, I love the color combination.
What a fun dress that is well fitting and shows a lot of personality! Your choice of colors work so well today! Love it!
with that exposed zipper! – perfection ;o)
Great dress! I love your color choices.
What a pretty dress. I admire your talent. I'd like to learn how to sew.
Ilove that zipper and that dress can go anywhere!
I love colour blocking, can be really flattering!
Good post X
http://www.similindgren.blogspot.com/
Thanks so much Greetje! I remember that some time ago you suggested I sew with solids for a change and I THANK YOU for that! Your words stuck in my mind, and in some ways I feel this dress is inspired by a few of your own outfits…I can't think of a particular one; it's more of a general mood!
Thanks Connie! LOL, I hear ya…sometimes the easy patterns have like three pieces and they never seem to go together without a fight. In this case, all notches and seams lined up with ease…I was sewing with a knit fabric which helps too!
Oh, what delicious words…thick and squishy and breathable! Just what I want Louise! Okay…maybe I can't shop at your local haberdashery, but it's very helpful to know that there is good Ponte out there, and 100% viscose! I'm all about the breathability too…this dress is fine for spring as it's loose fitting and there is some natural fiber in it, but I was really hesitant because of the poly content at first. I'll be googling 100% viscose ponte to see what I come up with! Thanks again!
Oooh…thanks so much Sandy! First up…I LOVE that name…The Smuggler's Daughter! I'll definitely have a close look at her website. And yes…a good Ponte should feel thick and squishy and luxurious!
Thanks Anon! You know…right after I made this dress, I mentally thought 'Why did I place white at my neckline?' because I often get little discolorations along the neckline edge. BUT…your feedback has totally put my on cloud nine! I'll be sure and be extra careful when I put on/take off my dress.
Thanks Debbie! It's becoming apparent that I can't not do pockets, LOL! I actually had that zipper in my stash just waiting for something fuchsia to go with…
Thanks Lori! Oh, you do have some lovely garments in Ponte knits. I plan to email you to discuss fiber content of your preferred Pontes. If Style Maker Fabrics has a website, I'll be taking a look!
Thank you Jodie! Aren't they fab together! Ironically, I chose the colours without thinking about my tote bag. But I must have been subliminally thinking about it though…the colours match too perfectly, LOL!
Ah, thank you so much Josep! I always appreciate your compliments!
Thanks Bianca! I'm pleased that it shows personality…I'm so used to 'relying' on lots of pattern. Good to know that I can 'do' solids too!
Thank YOU! At first I was planning an invisible zip, but I couldn't decide between the blue or the white. I thought either way, the 'wrong' one would show through. That's when I reached for a pink one and never looked back!
Thank you Nadine! There wasn't a huge colour selection at the store, but luck was on my side with this trio!
Thanks Ally! You could totally learn to sew you know! But it does require the investment in a sewing machine…which can often be found on craigslist.
'Tis true! It's quite versatile. And go anywhere including in a suitcase! These pics were snapped at the end of a busy day and no wrinkles.
Thanks Simi! I've long admired colour blocking and it was a fun exercise putting this piece together!
Wow, I love this dress and would rip it right off you and run away cackling madly. I would wear it in a heartbeat!
Sorry to hear about the date mix-up for Van – I'm out, as I recall you are as well. 🙁 Next time!
I bow down to you and the dress. Your closet would blow me away as soon as you open the doors, to have all those customized pieces hanging in there. I love that sassy length and this is absolutely the perfect location to make everything come alive. Excellent idea! And you couldn't have chosen a better bag. All hail, Sue.
I was humbled to read the story behind the business name.
This is one of those dresses that must make you feel like only good things can happen while you wear it. Some garments have magic like that! As for pontes, I've had good luck with Hart's Fabrics. I've sewn up some cheapie ponte recently, and kind of regret it, and will go back to trusty Hart's next time.
LOL…note to self.'DO not wear this dress when meeting up with Sheila!' hahaha
🙁 Yes…bummer you aren't able to make it over.
LOL…thanks Mel! I'm in the process of switching out my winter/summer clothing. YES…the space bags have been re-flated {is that a word?} and I'm drowning in clothing….BUT, it's HAPPY clothing! I'm loving seeing all of my colourful spring and summer makes!
Thanks bunches Sara! You are so right…I felt totally at ease when I wore this dress the day we took photos. All day! So, it really is a 'only good things can happen' kind of dress!
Hart's consistently comes up as a trusted online fabric retailer. Thanks for your thoughts on the subject. I will check them out.
Sue, this is great! when I first saw it in my feed I said to myself…this is genious…she´s the best at color combos. And to top it off you even added an exposed zipper! absolute perfection….not to mention that matching bag. Very versatile pattern too. I could see a nice version using white, black and beige.
Fantastic dress Sue!! Love it and that exposed zipper…is the perfect touch!!
This looks smashing! I love your colour choices and the bag.
What a wonderful backdrop you chose. And hey! blue sky! Looks like a gorgeous day there.
I agree with Connie on this, I find it hard to believe it was easy. Sewing in general is a whole other language.
bisous
Suzanne
Wow, that's a really pretty dress! I love the colour combination!
Very, very nice! I love the exposed zipper application! I so enjoy your dressmaking skills and always look forward to your latest creations. You are truly inspiring.
Grazie Silvia! And oh my gosh…the white, black, and beige would be so, so classic and beautiful! And I've also been intending to pop over to your blog to comment on your fabulous and use of colourblocking too! I LOVE orange and pink together…in fact, this dress pattern was sewn up by Vogue Patterns in orange, pink and white.
Thanks so much Margo! Hope spring has sprung in The Maritimes!
Thanks dahling! This dress does make me feel grown-up, but yet I still feel comfortable and myself.
Oh my gosh, the weekend was wonderful weather. I wasn't even cold taking these pics. The weather has shifted a little. It was raining this morning, but it was a soft rain that made all the greenery look so fresh and beautiful.
Thank you so much Wendy! These could be my neutrals, 🙂
Thank YOU Tutu! So much of my inspiration comes from blogging friends and to be considered part of the thread that is of sharing and inspiring is so awesome!
Very, very cute! I love the color combo, it has year round possibilities simply by adding a cute sweater.
I have several ponte dresses from Lands End that are a rayon/nylon/spandex blend, and I haven't noticed any pilling yet–but I haven't worn them a ton either. I have another that is a polyester/rayon/spandex blend and it is starting to show a little pilling, worn about the same number of times. Hope that info helps!
It looks great. It always surprises me how good those colors look together. To me at least, it seems that pink and navy shouldn't go together and yet they do so perfectly. (Believe it or not we once looked at house with a kitchen done in bright pink and navy. I loved it but the rest of the house, not so much.)
Beautiful dress. I really love the colours combination, great idea of adding inseam pockets and exposed zipper. This dress suits you perfectly and oh… love the bag and shoes. Xoxo
I know! I think she was very brave and upfront about disclosing her family history.
Also, after re-reading my original comment, I realized I had forgotten to say how much I like reading your blog. I feel as though you have a lot of positive energy. I especially like your profile pic; it says it all 🙂
Wonderful dress and it suits your personality so perfectly! I think navy and true pink look so bold and pretty together. xox
-Patti
http://notdeadyetstyle.com
Oh I know which one… the yellow, black and white one. Of June 7, 2015.
And I am so glad my comments inspire you. I often feel very troubled when I comment with a suggestion or the such. But I dare to do that with you, because you know I like and respect you and I would never say anything to hurt you or be nasty.
Greetje
Really Sue? Really truly you made this dress? I wish I could have maybe just a tenth of your sewing talent. This one takes over as my all time favorite! The colors are fabulous, the fit is perfection, but then I guess it was made to fit, and the style is timeless. Love it!
….could even make a 'sweater' out of Ponte. Lands End is a good brand..thanks for sharing the fabric content. I checked back at the fabric store and my dress is the poly/rayon/spandex blend, so as suspected, I'll have to be careful.
Thanks Lynn. Okay…you know I love colour, but I'm really having a hard time imagining a bright pink and navy kitchen, LOL. That's not to say I wouldn't love it…I probably would!
Thanks Hana! It's always a bonus when my accessories go so well.
Thanks Patti! I agree, and I think that pairing pink with navy helps pink feel a little less 'sweet' and more modern.
Thanks so much Trina! Just remember, you are the hostess with the mostest…always coming up with magical decor and party ideas!
YES…that's the one!
Love this dress! Colour blocking will always be trendy in my mind:) I just bought some pastel colours to make a Mondrian style jacket but love your dress colours.
Thanks Ann! Oh My Goodness…I think your jacket will be lovely! What a great idea…working with pastels instead of the expected white/yellow/blue/red boldness associated with Mondrian jackets!
Your color blocking skills are so admirable !! This is such s great dress . I also love everyone's tips for buying ponte . I've never been a fan of exposed zippers – but I've changed my mind as yours adds soooo much to your beautiful dress !
Thanks MaryEllen! You know…I was hesitant about doing the exposed zipper because it is just a 'regular' zipper. Most exposed zips are toothy and large, often metal zippers. In the end, it's a little different than some exposed zips, and I quite like it too!
This dress is fabulous! I love the colours you chose and the placement too! The zipper is perfect! I have only sewn with ponte once or twice and it came from Fabricland so I don't think I'm much help. 😉
Wow, you look awesome in that dress, Sue. It's like perfect in every way, the proportions, colors, shape and that exposed zipper is the piece de resistance. Not to mention the bag and nude shoes. If you changed anything on it, it would just be wrong, ya know.
As far as knits go, I'm pretty clueless, but for online fabric I like fabricmartfabrics.com and they're very helpful if you call them too.
Thanks bunches Heather! You and me both…Fabricland is where I bought this ponte too. Fortunately, it seems to be holding up well so far.
Hey Pao. Thanks for the link! Off to take a peek now!
WOW!! This is just too fabulous for words!! I LOVE it! perfect colours and proportions, and your pictures looks terrific too. 10/10!!
More fabulous every time, my dear friend
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Thanks Carolyn. Confession…every time I see your four legged love in your pictures…I WANT, LOL. Unfortunately, I'm pretty sure my cat wouldn't be thrilled with a trip to the beach.
Muahh…back at ya Sacramento! xo