Tuesday, February 21, 2012

Review: Vogue 8797 | Hi-Low Hem Shirtdress

Happy Shrove Tuesday!

  This is the first pattern I've sewn from the new Vogue Patterns spring collection.  It's 8797.
The description states: Loose-fitting top or dress has collar, yokes, back pleats, back longer than front and narrow hem. A: stitched hem on sleeves. B: sleeves with seam opening, pleats and button cuffs. Semi-fitted, tapered pants have waistband and side zipper. Purchased belt.
I cut the size 16 and used a crepe de chine-like fabric.  I bought it a while ago from Jo-Anns and I'm pretty sure it's a poly print.  But I love the explosion of colors and the weight and drape of the fabric.  Look at how it flows.  It's very fluid and it'll be perfect for those mild spring days.
I wanted the back hem to have a slight bit of drama to it, so I extended the "low" hem by 3 inches.
And I also changed the buttonhole orientation from horizontal to vertical.  I looked at shirtdresses on sites such as Net-A-Porter.com and studied the buttonholes on similar dresses they had available and the ALL had vertical buttonholes.  I also decided to ask Mr. Google.  In my research, I found that the reason that this pattern had horizontal buttonholes was (1) because it does not have a placket; and (2) because horizontal buttonholes stay buttoned more securely.  But when deciding whether to place buttonholes horizontally or vertically, it's determined both by function and fashion.  I choose "fashion".  I thought the original design caused the shirtdress to look dated and not in a cool vintage-y sort of way.
I also added a double yoke to the back and finished off my seams with the serger. 

I really like this pattern and the "hi-low" hemline is so on trend.  I would LOVE to make one of these in several colors for spring.  Who knows... if I get time, I may make this one in another color!

48 comments:

  1. The colours in that fabric pack a punch! And you pull them off so well. Interesting about the direction of the buttonholes - I had no idea!

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  2. I like that fabric! Your dress looks great especially with the extended hem. Do the fronts and back go from shoulder to hem, or is it a skirt joined to the top piece at the waist?

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  3. Poppykettle, thanks! I found the buttonhole thing intriguing as well.

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  4. There is not waist seam if that's what you're asking Marla. Thanks!

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  5. The colors really fit the season. Love your dress - I'm glad I picked up that pattern too.

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  6. I'm still not sold on the high/low hem but this dress is absolutely fantastic on you! You took a bland pattern added a dash of colorful fabric and huge cup of style and turned out a wonderful dress. I love it! And thanks for explaining about the buttonholes...that was really interesting.

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  7. Faye, I thought it was perfect for Fat Tuesday! Thanks!

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  8. Carolyn, I had never given buttonhole orientation a lot of thought before this. But they seemed very odd on this particular draft. Thanks!

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  9. Gorgeous colors and a great design shape to compliment the fabric choice. Love the hem.

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  10. Ooh, ooh, ooh! I just love me some happy colors!

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  11. That fabric is gorgeous, perfect choice for that pattern.

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  12. I cannot believe how amazing this dress is! You are too gifted!

    xoxo
    Jillian
    www.nusophisticate.com

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  13. Anonymous9:18 PM

    As usual you look amazing your legs look great!

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  14. All your little tweaks and changes in the details take this dress from "home made" to "high fashion!"

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  15. Love the colour explosion! Another great example of your skill at taking what appears to be a "blah" pattern and making it great!

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  16. Love the mask!! You look like your ready for a mardi gras party!! The shoes are fabulous!!! Great job on the dress!!

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  17. Love this, Erica! One of my favorites on you! Beautiful and stunning!

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  18. Beautiful colors! What a great way to update a shirtdress.

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  19. I love this. I had this pattern in my hand Saturday and now I am more convinced that I need to add this to my collection. I can see this on your date nite. Wonderful job.

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  20. Extending the low hem is a winner! The added drama is very fitting with that print. You worked those shoes in very well too. I know you hear it a lot but you are very talented! There are many people who can sew but you know just how to tweak those patterns.

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  21. Thanks sewrelax! So can I!

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  22. Thanks a lot SilkyWrapsRoxy!

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  23. Beautiful! The colors are so fantastic!

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  24. I will dream of this dress tonight!!! You love beautiful!!! I want it!!

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  25. Thanks majormusthaves!

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  26. Thank you for the detail shot of the inside! I love the print. I have some prite cotton batist that wants to be a shirt dress... This is great inspirateion.

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  27. Welcome Grace! And that batiste sounds beautiful!

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  28. Hi Erica,

    I learnt that vertical buttonholes were a sign of mass production (it's easier to do buttonholes faster this way)
    Horizontal ones are more secure, but take extra time to line up, as opposed to zipping down a plackett. (which I discovered was really easy and fun to do on an industrial buttonholer, but very boring after a few hours on it!)

    I'm not sure what bespoke tailoring does, but I think everyone is just used to seeing vertical now, so much so that horizontal is deemed home-eccy.

    Anyways, that's what I was told! :)

    ps, I really love your cape!

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    1. Rah!, I can understand that vericals would be faster in mass production. And I definitely agree that they look "normal"! Thanks!

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  29. Love this pattern. Got it out to make the pants suit in a nice light color block! Great job on the dress!! Sick shoes - SICK!

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  30. Beautiful dress. Perfect fabric.

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  31. Erica, thanks for sharing the buttonhole information. My mom always made them horizontal but there came a time when I noticed they were always vertical on ready-to-wear. I started making mine that way but have wondered about the reasoning that determined which was "correct." I have a pair of vintage buttonhole scissors which were obviously made to cut only horizontally.

    Also want to say that I love your blog and follow it religiously and apologize for not commenting more often.

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  32. Great dress Erica. When I saw this pattern I didn't think it would work for me, being "vertically challenged." It looks great on you though and I love all that color. Nice job!

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