I can’t remember the last time I stitched a garment for moi. Maybe high school? Grow-up bodies require a bit more shaping, attention to detail, and a bit more fabric than toddler projects. I did a muslin dress for this one since I wasn’t sure what the heck size I am now. Is there a racket in the retail clothing industry? I am a Levis size 2 short. This Vogue sewing pattern is more like the real thing, which is a size 14. How does 2 reconcile with 14?

Anyway, this patter is a super simple wrap dress, with a bit of shaping in the bodice and an A-line skirt. I have small hips and a big top, so this style works well for me. The gathers around the hips give me a more hour-glass, balanced look. (Ever drool over someone’s fashionable outfit, but wonder would that look good on my figure? Well, Vogue has this really cool symbol system, Figure Flattery, that indicates which body-types look good in their garments.)

I have been noticing that in-set  sleeve patterns (and maybe it is just for kid clothing since they are small) seam the side just once from the waist to the end of the sleeve. Not so here, back to easing, basting, and lots of pinning. Notice how I didn’t do the second mock-up sleeve?

All and all this pattern fit well as is. No gap at the bust! Good just below the knee length! The perfect sleeve, not to tight and ample coverage. (My arms just look horrid in those in-fashion cap sleeves.) But I need about an inch of length added in the bodice. This pattern has a length adjustment guide, so this will be pretty easy.

So I am set to stitch up the real thing. Well, almost. I am still looking for the prefect stretch fabric for summer. Print? Solid? Just a touch of poly please! I need a new church dress so I suspect my search will ramp up pretty quickly. Finish garment to come! (Oh, and this pattern is Very Easy Vogue 8379. I’d thought I’d start out simple.)

What are you stitching?