Tuesday 5 May 2015

Vogue 1250 in Black Splotch Jersey

Vogue 1250 with modifications

This very popular dress pattern has finally found its way to my sewing room. Unfortunately, my pattern only included sizes 6-14 and my current measurements are a little larger than that, so I made a few changes. This dress only has three pattern pieces and that includes the back neck binding. I knew I needed more width in the tummy and hips, but the shoulders and neck would be fine at size 14, so I added a wedge to the centre front and the centre back bodice making sure that I added equal amounts at the waistline. I then added a strip to the centre back skirt seam, making sure that the back bodice and skirt waistline seams were the same length. That's probably about as clear as mud. Perhaps a photo will help.

My changes to the pattern
My alterations were a success as the dress fits me, but it did change the shape of the dress. It resulted in a more A-line shape than the nice tapered shape shown on the pattern envelope. 

Vogue 1250 Line Drawing


The fabric came from Style Arc but it is no longer available. If I recall correctly, it was called Black Splotch which is a perfect description of the print. It's a lovely jersey with an excellent drape.


I managed to get enough width so that it doesn't cling to my wobbly bits although I do feel more comfortable wearing this dress with a cardigan.


The back has quite a loose fit and the waistline seam is a little low. I might make a few more adjustments before I try another one. This is a little hard to see in this print but would be quite obvious in a solid colour.

Vogue 1250 cowl
I love the cowl on this dress. I have found it to be the ideal depth for me and it drapes so well. I turned the hem up 2.5cm twice as there was plenty of length to play with and this made a nice thickness to hem with a twin needle.

I can see this pattern would be great to make some spring/summer/autumn work dresses. If you use the right fabric, they would be so easy care...no ironing required and also work well with a cardigan or jacket.


This is how I have been wearing it to work with a cardigan and tights.


Happy Sewing

24 comments:

  1. I do love V1250 and your black splodge is gorgeous in it, such a wonderful neckline. I can't wear it on it's own, but maybe your Aline changes might sway me.. I've found that it's a perfect top/slip combination for skirts and have another on my cutting table tonight :)

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    1. Thank you MaciNic. I have just had a look at your versions. The addition of the kangaroo pocket would certainly camouflage the tummy area. Great idea to wear it as a top and slip with a skirt too.

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  2. Looks great on you. Very flattering and comfy.

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  3. Lovely as always! This pattern is a definitely winner :)

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    1. Thanks so much Carrie. I like your version too.

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  4. Very pretty on you! I have this pattern but I am doubtful I can pull off this look with my flat chest and thick waist. Also, it is not an easy one to alter, as you mention.

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    1. Thanks for your kind words Angela. The pattern does state that it is suitable for all figures but I have found it to be quite clingy around the tummy area.

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  5. You look lovely in this. I agree that the fabric and the cowl are gorgeous. The cowl sits perfectly with the cardi too to make a very stylish outfit.

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    1. Thanks so much Megan. The cowl does sit well with a v-neck cardigan, and the cardigan covers a few lumps and bumps.

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  6. That's a really useful review of the pattern. I'd like to give it a try. Your dress is lovely and the cowl is certainly pretty. You could still taper the skirt if you wanted more of the shape of the drawing couldn't you? though it's very nice as it is.

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    1. Thanks for your lovely comments Barbara. The pattern doesn't have side seams and the shape was changed because I added a wedge to the centre front and back, spreading the pattern more at the hemline and retaining the original size at the neckline. I think next time I will buy the larger size range in this pattern and just make the bigger size, because I do like the original shape.

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  7. I love Vogue 1250, it is my favourite dress pattern and your black splotch version is gorgeous. The cowl sits perfectly and is very flattering and the slightly A-line skirt looks very nice. I also found the back waistline seam too low on my first version and had to raise it a bit on my second dress.

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    1. Thank you Kathy. I have just checked out your versions of Vogue 1250 and I can see why you love it. They are very flattering on you.

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  8. Lovely looking dress and you might have kept the skirt shape by adding the width to the centre of the pattern.

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    1. Thanks Sharon. As I explained to Barbara, I did add width to the centre of the pattern but I added a wedge rather than an equal width all the way down the length. I didn't want to make the neckline any wider. There are no side seams in this dress.

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  9. I love the simple cut and the cowl, also your classy work outfit. This one is going on my (rather long!) to-do list. You're my new inspiration, Jean :).

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    1. Wow! I am very flattered Clare. This dress would look lovely on your slim figure. I will keep an eye out on pattern review.

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  10. I have three versions of this pattern. It is very versatile.

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    1. I have just checked out your versions Vicki and they all look great. I am keen to try this one again.

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  11. I'm another fan of Vogue 1250,. I've only made one, but your lovely make reminds me what a great pattern it is.

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    1. Thanks Paola. I would love to see your version. Is it on your blog?

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  12. Oh I love this on you. I like the changes you have made... I need more room there and when I made mine I called it the sausage dress 'cause that's what I looked like... I'm going to try this when it warms up!

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    1. Thanks Summer Flies. I know all about feeling like a stuffed sausage in my clothes...not a good look. Clothes that fit well are flattering on any shape body.

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