A Wedding and Vogue 8574

OMG this past weekend was one of the best in a long time! It is Sunday afternoon and I am still recovering from the wedding and reception. It was great in so many ways and it was a beautiful thing to see a union of not just two people but their cultures as well. I have learned that while dancing in 4-inch heels may seem like a good idea at the time, your legs will not like you the next day. Surprisingly my feet are good though. Here is my review of vogue 8574 which is the dress I wore to the wedding. I didn't get a picture of all of my Sorors and I together but one guest dubbed us The Real Housewives of Raleigh. Yes we looked that good, lol.
Pattern Description: Slightly flared, mid-knee or evening length dress has close-fitting, lined sleeveless bodice, neck band, raised waist seam, front and back pleats, side seam pockets and back zipper.

Pattern Sizing: 6-20. I cut a 16 with no alterations and it fit like an absolute dream.

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it? No, it was better!


Were the instructions easy to follow? I personally did not care for the instructions. I read through them and then tossed them aside. The dress was easy enough to figure out construction/assembly but it is because of the directions that I would rate this pattern easy versus very easy. There is such a thing as too much direction I think this was one of those cases in which too much could easily confuse a beginner.
What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? I had so many likes for this pattern! Once I sat down to make this it went together fairly quickly. I absolutely LOVE the pockets on this dress!
I initially was going to omit them but I'm so glad that I decided to keep them. Not only were they a big hit once people realized they were there, but they came in handy throughout the night to hold my camera while I danced. I also had the genius idea to add a pop of color and use a contrasting light blue fabric for the pocket lining as well as for the bodice. I kept this theme going with the zipper as well.
I love the overall effect that it had. I also love the peek a boo bodice.

I honestly have some 'healthy girls' but this dress was sexy yet modest at the same time as I was not worried about them making an unscheduled appearance during the night. My Husband didn't raise his eyebrows either so it passed his test as well. I don't quite understand the need for a center seam in the front but that's just me and pretty much my only dislike.
Fabric Used: The description simply said 'Deco Brown Charmeuse' but it had a hint of stretch to it which was great. It was also thicker than most charmeuse fabrics I have used but that helped add stability to the neckline and it had wonderful drape to it. For the bodice and pocket linings I used a 'liquid satin' that I had leftover. I actually had the wrong side facing out because I didn't like the other side as much as it is shiny.
Pattern Alterations or any design changes you made: I did not make a single change to this pattern as I thought it was great as is. This pattern was very well drafted as I didn't have any trouble getting the neckline to lay flat or anything. I also normally shorten the bodice and hem but I didn't do either in this case. Once I finished the hem it hit right at the knee which was perfect so I am happy that I didn't change anything.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others? It is doubtful that I will sew this again but I highly recommend it to others. I should ammend that to say I won't make it again for myself but one of my Sorors or Friends may convince me to make it for them. I wouldn't label it as very easy like the envelope says but it was easy and it went together without much hassle. It makes a great party dress too!

Conclusion: A fantastic dress that was a hit at the wedding. I'm glad I got around to making it and had such a special occasion to debut it. I highly recommend it!

Bottom Line:
Pattern: $3.99
Zipper: $1.79
Fabric: 2 yds @ $2.49/yd=$4.98
Notions: stash
Total: $10.76