Vintage Green Patterned Dress V2902

I just made V2902.  I chose a synthetic satin fabric with a cotton contrast for the straps.  

Here is the pattern cover.  I made view B.

I really liked this fabric, but  I don't think it was a great fit for this dress.  It is just So. Very. Busy. It turned out to be a full circle skirt, it feels like a lot of material.  Because it is.  And since it is a full circle, the fabric works even less.

Here is the back.

The zipper was in the side as opposed to the back and was difficult to make fit.  Because of the slippery fabric, I ended up putting it in and taking it out several times.  This was the most successful attempt, but it isn't perfect.  In retrospect, I was unhappy with the way the fabric looked, so I just stopped trying that hard on getting the zipper right on a dress I know I am going to tear apart.

Zipper

Zipper

The pattern called for only the bodice to be lined, but as usual, I lined the entire dress.  However, I didn't connect the bodice lining to the skirt lining.  I followed the pattern on finishing it.  If I had it to do over again, I'd attach the bodice lining to the skirt lining.  It is kind of a pain to put on and then adjust the floating bodice lining.

I learned more about finishing, but overall, I wouldn't call this a success.  I'll probably end up harvesting the fabric from the dress to make a silk top at some point.  It's just too busy for this dress to work.  I haven't worn it out of the house... I don't think I will.  RIP green retro dress. You will be reincarnated as something else.

Vintage Black Strapless V2961

I tried out Vogue vintage 2961.  I bought a black cotton and then lined it with what looks like was meant to be suitcase lining.  Since I am still learning to sew, I found everything in the bargain bin for about $1.00 a yard.  I don't want to buy expensive fabrics quite yet.

Here is the pattern cover.

The pattern called for only the bodice to be lined, but I lined the entire dress.  I made the buttons out of polymer clay  (one of my other interests) and was quite happy to not have to deal with a zipper.

I really like how this turned out and already wore it to a wedding reception.  Here is a close-up of the buttons and inside the dress.  I'd like to make this again with different fabric and work on the fit more.  I had to try it on and take it off to re-do the hems multiple times to get it to fit better.  I really needed to cut about a size 12, but I was paranoid about cutting it too small, so I figured a 14 would be better to cut.  And if that was better, then a 16 would be fantastic.  (it wasn't)

This was my first experience inserting boning into a dress.  It really wouldn't stay up on its own without the support.

I had trouble with the ties for the straps.  I can only really wear them together since I (apparently) didn't feel it was important to note the little circles on the pattern for when you should stop sewing the straps to the bodice.  Mine are a bit lopsided.  Still, I am going to call it a success.