It feels like an age since I updated my blog, there has been a very good reason for it. I decided last month that I needed a challenge, having created a few tops recently from knitted fabric I felt the need for something a bit different that would give me something to think about and test my sewing skills. I shall share with you the journey that was Vogue V8705.
It all started with 14 pattern pieces, each transferred into single, double, quadruple pieces of fabric of all shapes and sizes. Initially it was quite straightforward until I had to attach one of the sections to another. Then I realised that each seam and the topstitching had to lie in the same direction or I would lose at least 2cm of fabric and the sections wouldn’t fit together. Luckily I realised that very early on in the process and only had to cut out one new piece.
The most nerve-racking thing about doing a new project and something that is totally different is fear of the unknown, as the dress progressed some parts didn’t seem to have a purpose and I didn’t really know until it was finished if I had done something wrong!
The back has a concealed zip which to my surprise went in first time without a problem, given that I was working with knitted fabric and there was a seam through the middle I had to match, I presumed at least three attempts would be necessary.
The sleeves gave much head scratching, these were attached and taken off four times, the straps were all sewn double thickness and had to be turned inside out and positioned in the correct places and adjusted to suit, then finally the majority of the topstitching had to be done, as well as the hem.
I can definitely say without a doubt, this garment has been the most exciting, nerve-racking and rewarding one to date, a huge smile spreads across my face every time I look at it.
willowwears.com 
Wow that is cool! What a great achievement I’d be grinning too!!
Thank you. I am so pleased with it and the achievement that comes with it 🙂
Wow, brave to attempt this dress. But what a stunning outfit.
Thank you. I bought the pattern for the challenge and didn’t really consider what it would look like on me when it was finished, I am so happy that it worked.
That’s awesome! It looks like such a tricky dress to sew and yours has come out perfect.
Thank you, some parts were easier than others. The topstitching was difficult because I am such a perfectionist and wouldn’t be happy it there was a stitch out of place 😉
it’s fabulous! You look great in it.
Thank you so much 🙂
Wow what a great dress! Thanks for sharing.
Thank you, I thinks it great to share our experiences. I get so many ideas from others on the web.
Well done! I thing it looks better on you than on the pattern cover. The bodice looks so complicated. You said the sleeves were tough… But were the instructions ok in general?
Thanks you. I think I had a mad moment with the sleeves, for some reason I just couldn’t get them right. The main reason I chose a Vogue pattern was to see how good the instructions are, I can honestly say it was one of the best patterns I have used.
Wow! I’ve been waiting for someone to sew this dress and you did a great job. Congratulations! People will not believe you when you tell them you made it 🙂
Thank you. I have been walking on air since I finished at the weekend. The feedback I have received has been wonderful.
WOW!! great job! I’ve been wanting to tackle this one too. You’re very brave 🙂
Thank you. Go for it, I really didn’t know how it would turn out for me and decided that it is all experience, good or bad. Well worth the challenge though.
Great dress! Really fantastic on you! I definitely love it!! I’m afraid of this pattern:)
Thank you, I was rather intimidated by it at first but then I thought what have I got to lose. It was well worth it 🙂
Wow, that looks amazing! It’ll be a couple of years before I’ll dare something this involved – very impressive 🙂
Thank you. I made another dress after this one which seemed quite straightforward but I couldn’t get it right, it goes to show, sometimes things work and other times they don’t.
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