Pattern: Vogue 1154 - Badgley Mischka


Description: Close-fitting, strapless, lined dress has seam details, piping trim, princess seams, foundation with boning, side front pockets, pleats and darts, above mid-knee length.

Pattern Sizing: 4 - 18. I cut the 16.

Did it look like the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it? Yes, it does.

Fabric: Black and white floral jacquard - 100% cotton. The pattern suggested damask. The only damask that I could find locally was in the home decor sections. It was much heavier than what I would have wanted for Summer dress. I decided on a jacquard instead.

Lining: Black Bemberg Rayon

Were the instructions easy to follow? For the most part, the instructions were great. For a few instances, I didn't even use them. I referred to my own reference material for construction assistance.


What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? I adore patterns from my favorite designers! I also love the fact that I could replicate the $650 dress for only a fraction of the retail cost! This dress has a foundation also. I love that! I don't think you'd get the same perfect fit of the bodice without.

Pattern Alterations or any design changes you made: I added 3" to the length... you know, my usual. Instead of using the covered plastic boning, I went with steel boning.


I used Susan Khalje's instructions on creating boning channels. I also added a waist stay and used grosgrain for the hanger loops. I also added piping to the midriff. On the original, a contrasting fabric was used. Since I didn't do that, I still wanted the waist area to "pop".

I read in "Bridal Couture" that the possibilities are almost endless in the choices for interfacing. I had made a formal a couple few years ago that used can can netting in the bodice. And this is what I used in this dress. I took a picture of it, but with it being black you really couldn't see it. Trust me, it worked out great!



And I love adding lace to the hem of the lining!


The only thing I didn't like about this design was all of the pattern pieces and cutting. There were soooooooo many pieces. I didn't even count the total... I got lost in the amount.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others? I wouldn't sew it again. It's simply too many more dresses I want to make. But I do recommend it.