Prom: Featuring Vogue 8360 & Simplicity 1908

Greetings Sewing Divas-

I know its been way too long since the last time I posted on my blog but I've been busy swamped! The past few weeks have been spent preparing for 2 graduations and sewing special occasion projects specifically, 2 prom dresses  and an evening dress for a banquet hubby and I attended. I will post a review of the evening dress as soon as I can rein in the photographer (hubby) for an outdoor photo shoot. The first prom dress featured is Vogue 8360, made for DD's friend L, and the second prom dress featured is Simplicity 1908 made for DD (of course).

Pattern Description:

Lined dresses A, B, C have pleated inset, shoulder strap variations, hook and eye closure, skirt with gathers and invisible zipper. C: contrast inset, bodice overlay, overskirt and gathered shoulder straps.

Pattern Sizing:

6-10; the pattern runs slightly large so I cut the dress 1 size smaller than the pattern indicated for L’s bust size.

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?

The finished project is almost an exact replica of View C, without the straps.

Were the instructions easy to follow?

Although, I didn’t follow the instructions to the letter (I rarely do) for the most part they were fairly easy to follow. I made a muslin, which I highly recommend for anyone considering this pattern.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?

I had no dislikes whatsoever!! L was very pleased with the finished dress and I thought the design was very flattering on her. The dress was actually less complicated to construct than I originally thought it would be.

Fabric Used:

The champagne color polyester satin and lace overlay on the upper bodice were purchased at JoAnn’s Fabrics. The fabrics sewed rather well however, I know from past experience that JoAnn’s polyester satin tends to snag and stain (just from finger oils) a little more easily than polyester satin purchased from other fabric stores so I was very careful in handling it during construction.

Pattern Alterations or any design changes you made:

The bodice showed more cleavage than I thought was appropriate and the keyhole opening in the back sat too low on L’s body. To correct these issues I added ¾” to the bodice pieces (starting near the side seam) and tapering to the original pattern line at center front and I adjusted the keyhole opening by raising it 1”. Also, L wanted a strapless dress so I omitted the straps on View C. These minor adjustments worked well and the finished dressed looked very good on L.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?

Yes I would make it again and I do recommend it to others however, its not a design that is suitable to all body types but a muslin will help you determine if this design is right for you.

Conclusion: The finished dress was gorgeous and I truly enjoyed this project!!

Pattern Description: 

Misses' special occasion dress in two lengths from the Jessica McClintock pattern collection. View A has a bow detail, View B has spaghetti straps, and View C is strapless. View A and C have a sheer skirt overlay.

Pattern Sizing:

4-12

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it? Yes, I made View A without any design changes and it looks very much like the photo on the pattern envelope.

Were the instructions easy to follow?

Yes, the instructions were clear and easy to follow.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?

DD and I especially loved the bow detail and the ruching on the bodice.

Fabric Used:

For the bodice and bow detail I used a synthetic shantung fabric with an overlay of polyester organza to get the “look” DD desired. The remainder of the dress is constructed with polyester satin and chiffon, all fabrics were purchased at Hancock’s Fabrics.

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:

I did not make any design changes or alterations, this dress was stitched right out of the envelope but I did make a muslin.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?

Yes, I would sew it again and I do recommend it to others.

Conclusion:

DD and I were very pleased with the finished dress. She received a ton of compliments on how beautiful she looked and I received a lot of compliments on the workmanship. A score for both of us!!