This is a dress made from Vogue 8232 and I am pretty happy with it. I got the pattern with Frenchie (she made up a stellar dress which is next on my list) and she also alerted me to this flippin' awesome print. I got this at the sale at Bolt (it's Alexander Henry, My Secret Garden—Wine and is available all over online, and in your local fabric shop) It reminds me of Vera in the best way, even if it looks a little like I am wearing a tablecloth.
I changed/added a few details. I altered the neck to make more of a boat neck shape, used an invisible zipper (the only kind I use when I can because they are so easy and are invisible!) added a contrasting red waistband-type detail, which is just sewn over the top on the dress, and then some little covered buttons for some sassy love.
And here's the real life version 20 minutes later after freezing my hiney off. Yeah. Well, at least I can garden now.
adorable! & i love the red banded waist. you're too cute as always :)
Posted by: Sarah | April 29, 2009 at 06:22 AM
okay, I am officially adding this to my "make someday when I really am comfortable sewing" pile. Love it and love the fabric...but I have to say, the red waistband and buttons totally make it for me. I've been pouring over sewing books in my local bookstores this week, and I have to tell you, Bend the Rules Sewing is by far the most accessible and helpful for a sewing newbie like me. So thanks for that!
Posted by: kate | April 29, 2009 at 06:33 AM
I love it!!! The skirt of the dress doesn't look as full as in the line drawing. Hmmm... I like it in real life much more.
Beautiful -- I love your modifications. Very sassy indeed.
Posted by: Elizabeth | April 29, 2009 at 06:37 AM
The fabric is lovely. Think you wear it well in the second pic x
Posted by: The Antidote | April 29, 2009 at 06:40 AM
Oh, that print! I may just have to check that out - I've got some retro Buttericks that I need to pick out fabric for. The waistband and buttons were a perfect idea.
Posted by: bellaguinness | April 29, 2009 at 06:53 AM
If I was ever going to walk out wearing a tablecloth, it'd be one that looked just like that!
Posted by: Tania | April 29, 2009 at 07:02 AM
TOO cute!
Posted by: Jody Pearl | April 29, 2009 at 07:12 AM
LOVE it. especially the red waistband.
Posted by: Miriam | April 29, 2009 at 07:14 AM
I'm a big fan of that Vogue pattern too. And yours is gorgeous!
Posted by: Keri | April 29, 2009 at 07:16 AM
looks like i'm going to have to commission you like i did melissa. damn you ladies and your dress sewing.
Posted by: hannah | April 29, 2009 at 07:22 AM
love it.
especially the real life version.
Posted by: Tammie | April 29, 2009 at 07:24 AM
Fantastic! I would love that one.
Off to the fabric store!
Posted by: jess | April 29, 2009 at 07:30 AM
oh, i love it! this is a great solution to my need for some great summer dresses. the print is great.
Posted by: Laura. | April 29, 2009 at 07:39 AM
absolutely awesome. and why don't you show the WHOLE dress?? i want to see the top too!
Posted by: abby | April 29, 2009 at 07:46 AM
Very very cute! Love that fabric - I'm currently working on a dress in the very same print! Hope it turns out half as nice as yours!
Posted by: filminthefridge | April 29, 2009 at 07:47 AM
I am going to have to try and sew a dress. This is awesome!
Posted by: Shalet | April 29, 2009 at 07:47 AM
You look adorable - I love the black floral. Super cool. And I'm kinda in love with the "real life" version. Leggins and chucks? Yes, please.
Posted by: geek+nerd | April 29, 2009 at 07:53 AM
Adorably cute dress!!! Wish it would look that nice on my very large frame! LOL!!
Posted by: Mindy | April 29, 2009 at 07:53 AM
oh man, I need one of those duct tape forms....Dress is adorable wish I could pull it off !
Posted by: Mary | April 29, 2009 at 07:56 AM
I love it! I think it looks equally cute in both pictures. :)
Posted by: Claire | April 29, 2009 at 08:11 AM
Rocking my world it is...I like the leggings and chucks addition.
Posted by: dani@littlefists | April 29, 2009 at 08:11 AM
love it! gorgeous!
Posted by: Kelly | April 29, 2009 at 08:18 AM
Ack! Too cute. I love the real life version:)
Posted by: Sally McEntire | April 29, 2009 at 08:28 AM
I LOVE that dress paired with the sneakers and cardigan! I'm feeling very cardigan myself this week:
http://sweetfernhandmade.blogspot.com/2009/04/refashion-8-cantaloupe-cardigan.html
Posted by: Kristina | April 29, 2009 at 08:28 AM
Beautiful dress! Great job!
Posted by: Shorty | April 29, 2009 at 09:01 AM
Great Dress! Love it.
Posted by: Beatrix | April 29, 2009 at 09:08 AM
I love it!! I'm going to try to create one for me :). I've never made clothes for myself and I think it is a very beautiful project for my begin in the adults clothes creation(I make clothes for babys).
You have chosen a very beautiful fabric!
Really wonderful!
Posted by: RAQUEL | April 29, 2009 at 09:10 AM
I adore the dress. I think I am getting a sewing machine for Mther's Day (fingers crossed!) and someday hope to be able to create things this gorgeous for myself!
Posted by: Hanna | April 29, 2009 at 09:29 AM
I like this dress a lot. The fabric is great with the red accents. I'm new to pdx, is it true that it ony gets to be summer in July~!?
Posted by: Marie | April 29, 2009 at 09:36 AM
so so sweet! Love it and the extra details you included. Did you ever make maternity clothes? I think I am going to attempt it...everything out there is just awful and I already feel giant without a tent-like dress to amplify my giantness.
Posted by: dig this chick | April 29, 2009 at 09:50 AM
That is so pretty on you! Fab dress. :)
Posted by: Erin K | April 29, 2009 at 10:03 AM
I used that fabric too to make a dress for my girl. Isn't it fab?
Posted by: amanda | April 29, 2009 at 10:22 AM
I love the before and after shots. It actually shows how dressy or casual the dress could be. Very versatile, indeed!
Posted by: alwaysadorable | April 29, 2009 at 10:35 AM
I love them both too. I think I am more the leggings and converse type. So cute! *Smitten Kitten here*
Posted by: Our Little Love Nest | April 29, 2009 at 10:47 AM
OMG I was just drooling over a similar dress (kate winslet wears it in the reader, when they go on their bike tour) and wanted to make myself one! You rock my world!
Would love to see the top without the sweater.
Posted by: Elka | April 29, 2009 at 10:54 AM
I'm such a hard core fan of summer dresses, even though it's been more of a fantasy the last two summers due to a certain nursing little someone.
You look fabulous in that dress. Love it both ways.
Posted by: Jill | April 29, 2009 at 11:18 AM
You and this dress are too adorable!
Posted by: Betsy | April 29, 2009 at 11:34 AM
Love the reality version!
Posted by: domesticali | April 29, 2009 at 11:40 AM
I love the color and the red band at the waist. I always enjoy your blog.
Posted by: Katrina | April 29, 2009 at 11:55 AM
too cute.
Posted by: becca greene | April 29, 2009 at 11:57 AM
Very cute!! and I love that you personalize your patterns. . .much more fun than following instructions exactly!!
Over my lunch break I headed to the fabric store, but the trip was a bust simply because I couldn't make up my mind within the allotted time. Perhaps I'll scour the internet and make a plan before I go back!!
Posted by: Lori Danelle | April 29, 2009 at 12:00 PM
Lush, Lush, Lush!
Looks fab with the leggings and sneakers!!
Cxx
Posted by: Glitterbee | April 29, 2009 at 12:21 PM
Wow, what a great dress. I love the floral fabric you used.
Posted by: Junie Moon | April 29, 2009 at 12:21 PM
lovely dress-y up-y and Real Life Style. You're too cute!
Posted by: Muslim Hippie | April 29, 2009 at 12:28 PM
So cute, I love the print!
Posted by: Julie | April 29, 2009 at 12:55 PM
looks great! love the contrasting waistband and neckline.
Posted by: melissa | April 29, 2009 at 01:54 PM
oh, thanks!!
Posted by: amy k. | April 29, 2009 at 03:20 PM
ha!
you need to get on it, lady! you'd make amazing stuff-
Posted by: amy k. | April 29, 2009 at 03:21 PM
oh I need to! okay, I will post another photo on flickr you can link to that shows the bodice w/o the sweater-
Posted by: amy k. | April 29, 2009 at 03:22 PM
yes, sadly. but july, august and september are amazing.
Posted by: amy k. | April 29, 2009 at 03:24 PM
I made a few linen pieces, but not many, mostly because if I put in the time and labor, I want to be able to wear it for years, and I hoped I wouldn't be wearing maternity clothes for years-ha!
Posted by: amy k. | April 29, 2009 at 03:25 PM
okay-
here's more photos of the dress (full shot and a bodcie close-up)
http://www.flickr.com/photos/angrychicken/3487386632/
Posted by: amy k. | April 29, 2009 at 03:34 PM
LOVE this! Wish I could actually sew clothes!
Posted by: Carrie Sommer | April 29, 2009 at 03:45 PM
Love, love, love the dress. I really liked this fabric but never thought to do a dress with it. Yummy!
Posted by: Stacey | April 29, 2009 at 03:50 PM
What a sweet dress! I am partial to the 2nd pic with the leggings, sweater and tennies. Very eclectic look. Love it.
Posted by: kris | April 29, 2009 at 04:09 PM
awesome!! love the dress))
Posted by: inga | April 29, 2009 at 05:03 PM
Beautiful and cheerful. A winning combo.
Posted by: Jennifer | April 29, 2009 at 05:27 PM
i am a sucker for the little details. the belt and buttons are pretty much perfect.
Posted by: Erin | house on hill road | April 29, 2009 at 05:52 PM
LOVE this! the sneakers make it though ;)
Posted by: Katherine Simpson | April 29, 2009 at 06:43 PM
Hey I have that pattern at home. I've been hoarding it wondering what fabric I would use to make it up with. I love the fabric you used. Extra-sassy! Thanks for sharing!
Posted by: jean | April 29, 2009 at 07:12 PM
This is so pretty! I wish someday I can alter my own dress like you did. I always thought, I want it to be shorter, or..hey, a ribbon would be nice, I want more buttons just for fun, etc.. I wish I had half of your sewing skills.
Posted by: ning fathia | April 29, 2009 at 07:56 PM
You did a marvelous job on the dress and I love the fabric! The little covered buttons added just the right touch. I would never have thought of adding them, but they are perfect.
Posted by: Elaine/MuddlingThrough | April 29, 2009 at 09:07 PM
The dress and the fabric are both beautiful!!! Great job!
Posted by: lilyhaven | April 29, 2009 at 09:18 PM
looking fabulous! both pics. you're quite a talent. i gardened in a dress today too. :)
Posted by: rebecca | April 29, 2009 at 09:31 PM
That dress looks great. I love your added details, which makes it look more funky, modern and everyday. The pattern cover makes me think more dressy. So you've done such a great job. Can we have a shot sans cardigan? Purleasee?????
Posted by: Claire | April 30, 2009 at 01:48 AM
love the fabric and the shoe selection!
Posted by: Frizz | April 30, 2009 at 05:57 AM
thanks so much!
back in the comments I link to more photos-
Posted by: amy k. | April 30, 2009 at 07:20 AM
like so many others, I LOVE the cardigan and sneakers with it.
The boat neck in red is awesome and a great addition to it, it really gives it style.
Lori
Posted by: lissilulu | April 30, 2009 at 07:58 AM
it's beautiful. i wish i was good with patterns and measurements. that's why i stick with plush!
Posted by: Pang | April 30, 2009 at 08:13 AM
Love, love, love it and both varieties!
Posted by: Steph W | April 30, 2009 at 09:26 AM
egads that's cute!
Posted by: Leah | April 30, 2009 at 10:30 AM
i love it! you look so crazy cute!!
Posted by: sarah n. | April 30, 2009 at 11:55 AM
oh dear. looks like I took out my summer clothes too early!
Posted by: Marie | April 30, 2009 at 12:08 PM
lovely that is such great fabric it reminds me of the current see by chloe colection xxx
Posted by: dot | April 30, 2009 at 01:56 PM
love, love, love it!
Posted by: anne | April 30, 2009 at 04:34 PM
Pretty!
Posted by: Nichole @ ScrappyTime | April 30, 2009 at 05:47 PM
Wow That is gorgeous. You look so pretty :)
Posted by: molly | April 30, 2009 at 07:03 PM
Check out my Friday post to see your award. Have a great weekend!
Posted by: Shorty | May 01, 2009 at 06:33 AM
hey-thank you!!
Posted by: amy k. | May 01, 2009 at 06:49 AM
that fabric is ALMOST exactly the same print as my prom dress from 1972! which my mum made.....the color palatte didn't have the black accents. and, I had a BEEHIVE up-do & a hand-knit shawl out of avacado green itchy wool (to match the kitchens from the 60's, pretty funny).
today, I hide the photo from my 5 adult kids in their 20's, they think it is hysterical.
Holly
PS one daughter did call it a tablecloth, too
Posted by: Holly in Virginia, USA | May 01, 2009 at 08:49 AM
VERY Vera! Supercute! You make me want to learn to sew.
Posted by: Ann in Nashville | May 01, 2009 at 08:57 AM
Super cute!
Posted by: The American Homemaker | May 01, 2009 at 11:52 AM
does your next book have clothing patterns in it?
I've never sewn with a pattern and the idea of math makes me want gag. I needs me a Bend The Rules Sew An Amazing Dress book!
Posted by: cassie stephens | May 01, 2009 at 07:07 PM
ha! yeah, that would be fun! there are a few clothing type items, but it's mostly smaller projects with the focus being textile pattern design-
Posted by: amy k. | May 02, 2009 at 07:59 AM
Okay, you inspired me! I made my first article of clothing (that can actually be worn out in public with out too many snickers and stares)today! Seriously, I get constant inspiration from your blog -- thank you!
Posted by: Cassie Stephens | May 03, 2009 at 07:29 PM
unbearably cute. and i was heartened to see the pattern described as "very easy"! there is hope for me yet!
Posted by: Sarah | May 04, 2009 at 01:53 PM
super cute!
nicola
http://whichname.blogspot.com
Posted by: nicola | May 04, 2009 at 03:06 PM
This dress is so so lovely! I really want to make it but according to Vogue's charts I'd need to go 4 sizes larger than the pattern's largest size (24/XXL instead of 20). I'm an intermediate seamstress without much clothing experience and lots of patience (but not an infinite amount, ha!). Does anyone know how hard it is (or if it's even possible) to expand a pattern to meet your size equivalent?
Any and all help is appreciated! (c:
Posted by: Erin | May 05, 2009 at 07:13 AM
you know, I know there books out there for altering patterns-anyone have any titles to share?
Posted by: amy k. | May 05, 2009 at 08:51 AM
Love love love it! The print, the shape, and HELLO to the buttons - gorgeous!
Posted by: Ruth | May 05, 2009 at 02:19 PM
that is really sweet, and you look cute in it too:)
Posted by: celia | May 05, 2009 at 04:51 PM
Nice style, good craftsmanship!
Posted by: Christina Viering | May 07, 2009 at 04:05 PM
Thanks for the tip! I'll be on the hunt for one of those...this dress would be so worth it. Keep up the amazingness!!
Posted by: Erin | May 07, 2009 at 05:58 PM
Love it! Very groovy!
Posted by: familyvalue | May 10, 2009 at 05:56 AM