Have you ever made a garment and immediately wanted several more versions? That's exactly how I feel about this dress.
This dress is Vogue 1496 by Sandra Betzina. The description says: Very loose-fitting, tapered, pullover dress has V-neckline, optional pockets (stitched in place), front extending into yoke back, no shoulder seams, back armhole openings with narrow hem, and stitched hem.
I cut the size E, view A minus the inset. And it fit perfectly out of the envelope. This style is so of the moment. And I've been seeing a lot of these little dresses lately. Here's one from one of my favorite designers:
My fabric is the Nicole Miller Stretch Chiffon-In the Sun Multi from Joann.com. First of all, let's back up... this is hardly chiffon. Nor does it have ANYWHERE close to 10% spandex. Somebody pulled that description out of their behind. This fabric is a great polyester crepe de chine, with a slight amount of stretch.
Let's talk about the construction. This dress goes together quickly. It can be finished in a single sitting. Well, it can for me. The pockets on this dress are optional. But who doesn't love a dress with pockets! The only thing I didn't like in the instructions was her suggestion of using Steam-a-Seam.
The pocket is sewn to the front of the dress. You basically just need to hold the pocket in place while you edge stitch around it.
I used fabric glue around the edge of the pockets, sewed them on and kept it moving.
I really like the fabric I chose. I think this print keeps the dress fun and casual. I love that I can kick off my heels and throw on flat sandals to tone it down even more. I can see this dress in black, white and a lightweight chambray. I'd totally wear the chambray version with a pair of Chuck's or some Stan Smiths!
In case the v-neck is too deep for you and you don't want to use the inset or layer it over a cami, there are instructions on how to raise it included in the pattern.
