Okay! Here's how that dress turned out that I sewed for the Black and White Gala we went to. It's a reissued Vintage Vogue pattern (V2787) that is much easier than it looks. I really wish I could photograph this black better—all the gathers are so hard to see. You can see the details much better on the pattern enevlope. My inspiration was here, but I really needed shorter hair to pull it off exactly.
This is probably the most fun I have had sewing a dress in a long time. I mean, I usually have fun, but the construction of this dress was like nothing I had done before and that it so interesting. I loved every second of it. Except working with black fabric. I felt like I was going blind! Oh, I need better light.
I used a lovely lightweight wool which draped beautifully and dropped the hem to graze the floor. The applique I hand-stitched on. I wanted something huge that made a statement, nothing that would be confused with a broach. I love how this one looks like a weird plant landed on my shoulder. There is a wonderful selection over at Sequin Appliques that had my head swimming—I ordered 3 different ones and this was the winner.
There is a very helpful and detailed reveiw of this pattern posted at Burda Style—thanks, Casey for the tip about this. I also thought there was too much ease, and took it in as well. I used purchased shoulder pads, but if I given more time, would have made the ones that came with the pattern. Also, because I have a smaller chest compared to my hips/bootie, I decided to not use a zipper. (Additional info—the zipper was is on the side, there is a loop and button opening at the top of the neck which I did include.) I know this sounds insane, but the wool has a bit of give and after putting in the zipper and being annoyed at the way the nylon tapes would not lay perfectly flat, I took it out. I have been omitting zippers in dresses more and more lately. I know this sounds insane, but it's amazing how often I don't need them. It's not like I am sewing these crazy tight. Also, not to overshare, but I don't wear bras with any kind of built-in form or padding, and I usually wear a slippery-slip, so getting into this was no problem. It does mean I have to do my hair and make-up after the dress is on, however.
