Description:Fitted dress, below mid-knee, has pleated and tucked front forming wrap effect.  Front extends to back at sides, back has zipper and hemline vent.  No side seams. 

Pattern Sizing: 4 - 18, I cut the 14. 

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?  Other than mine is wrapped the opposite way, yes it did. 

Fabric: Ivory Ponteroma Knit (I love that stuff!) 

Were the instructions easy to follow?  It was to be expected that the instructions would be difficult.  This is a Vogue ADVANCED pattern and it lived up to its rating.  There were a plethora of markings and I found it easiest to color code the different symbols.  I thought Vogue 1117 was challenging, but this one makes that one look like a walk in the park.  Needless to say, my seam ripper worked over-time on this project. 

Donna Karan Collection - Resort 2008

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?  I'm a sucker for the designer patterns from runway looks and this one was no exception.  I love that it's a Donna Karan design.  She most certainly knows how to dress a "woman's" body.  The details of this dress is absolutely wonderful.  I love the crisscross front and the draping.  And the back gives you the look of a tailored sheath dress.  I didn't like how the bodice panel was just loose hanging.  I kept feeling the need to want to tack it down.  And the instructions lead you to believe that all of the seams will be left unfinished.  Well, I serged mine and hemmed when I felt it should be done.  You'll just have to wing this part based on your own experience. 

Pattern Alterations or any design changes you made: According to the finished measurements, I knew I didn't need to do a FBA.  The bodice has a lot of ease and was clearly cut for a larger bust.  I probably could have cut a size 12 on top.  As with most patterns, I had to add 3 inches to the length.  I also used a fusible knit interfacing to the zipper area.  The skirt back has inverted darts.  I didn't want to take a chance that they wouldn't lay flat, so I edgestitched them down. 

Would you sew it again?  Nope... not a chance... it's already been trashed. Would you recommend it to others?  You're on your own if you want to try this one. 

I love the look of a sheath dress, so timeless and elegant.  During the cold weather months, you can change the look by pairing a turtleneck sweater with a fitted sheath dress.  This is a great way to wear your classic dress and not have your arms exposed when it's chilly.  It also gives the the dress a more casual look. 

"Create a clean base with a thin, stretchy turtleneck; top it with a short-sleeved, tailored shift dress that has flattering details like a low neck and a nipped waist." 

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?  Actually, it looked more like the original design! 

Fabric: Black and White Stretch Wool Tweed

Were the instructions easy to follow?  The instructions were well written.  But I agree with Allison about the "Average" rating of this pattern.  I think it should have fallen into the "Advanced" category.  This is not a pattern where you can just gloss over the instructions and go for it.  Nor is this an afternoon project.  You have to make sure that you make all of your markings, read every step and sew in the order suggested. 

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?  I love most of Vogue Pattern's "major" designer patterns.  This pattern was identical to the Michael Kors Collection "Starlet" dress.  I love the v-neck, the draped bodice and the diagonal seaming that I've been seeing everywhere.  I always get sucked in by the details. 

I've notice that Michael Kors uses facings on his linings.  Anybody else ever noticed that or any other designers that use this technique? 

Now let me tell you what I didn't like:

At step 8, they would have you use a 2" stabilizing remnant sewn to the outside at the pivot point where the bodice side is to be attached to the bodice front. 

This is one of those unnecessary steps that I feel take this pattern from (what they claim) is "AVERAGE" to "ADVANCED".  Now I know earlier, I told you to follow every single step in the order suggested.  BUT, this is one of those times where you don't have to. 

In order to stabilize the pivot points on the front and back pieces, I used a 2" piece of fusible interfacing on the inside. 

front bodice

back

"When you know better, you do better." --  Maya Angelou

Pattern Alterations or any design changes you made: Other than the above mentioned step, I added 1" at the hem.  For those of us that think we have to make a FBA on everything, you may want to look closely at the the finished measurements printed on the pattern pieces because I didn't need to do one. 

Would you sew it again?  Would you recommend it to others?  I usually say "probably not", but I think I will sew this again for Spring/Summer.  I do highly recommend it! 

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?  I'm a fan of Shaun Kearney's designs for Cynthia Steffe, so I was excited that a couple were offered at Vogue Patterns. Pattern Alterations or any design changes you made: I made a small FBA, added 1" to the hipline and SIX INCHES to the length, because this baby would have been scandalous without it! 

Would you sew it again?  Would you recommend it to others?  No, I will not sew it again... so many dresses, so little time.  But I do recommend it.  This was a quick sew that only took a few hours from cut to finish. Conclusion: This is a fabulous little dress that is so trendy and cute.  I don't think it would be as special without the exposed zipper.