Blue & White Vogue Dress

I think I figured it out. Why do I always fall in love with blue and white prints? Why do they make me think of summertime and warm weather? There is something nautical about blue and white, isn't there? But, I think it reminds me of waves crashing in the bright blue ocean and the beach. Or, maybe I just really like the combination of blue and white! Regardless, I'm in love with this dress!

Lori at "Girls in the Garden" did a slightly different take on this very same dress just the other day!  Her awesome version is a maxi dress with a slightly different neckline, in a gorgeous jersey print from Mood!

Pattern: Vogue 8241 "Very Easy, Very Vogue" collection

This simple dress pattern has a short/long option, elasticized waist, and single button closure on the top back. It's fully lined, and calls for roughly 1 1/2 yds of 60" wide for this version, but I only had about a yard, so I trimmed the length by 5 1/2".  I used a rayon challis from Joann's, purchased a few years ago, and the same amount of white poly lining.  I made the size ?? according to the printed finished garment measurements, and it's perfect.  My only recommendation is to stay away from stiff fabrics, as those gathers will puff and stand away from your body. Go for drape.

I did follow the instructions this time, as the dress was fully lined and the closing of the lining always makes me nervous. There are lots of curves to trim and clip and press, but it's worth it. The only warning I have is with the opening in the upper back and your bra choice. I wore a racer back, and it was visible through the deep opening, so I hand-tacked it at the correct level, and had no trouble still getting it over my head.

I should've added an inch to the bodice length (I always get so excited to cut my fabric that I forget... read as "too lazy for my own good"), so I have a little less blousing than I should. I used 1/4" elastic in the waist, and the casing is created in the seam allowance of the bodice/skirt.

Closures: I used thin beading cord elastic to loop over the button closure (and a single button from stash). I knotted it into a loop, trimmed the tails, and tacked it down. I've done this in the past with a pony tail elastic, when I was out of the beading elastic and needed to finish a project.

Worn Two Ways: Along with a racerback bra, you'll need a belt of some type. There isn't one included in the pattern, it calls for "ribbon for the belt". I grabbed a silver chain belt from my closet, along with matching silver sandals.

When the weather cools, I can use my brown leather belt and boots, with my denim jacket. Excuse the nighttime shots, we had just gotten home from a surprise party for my very sweet mother-in-law's 70th birthday.  I really did win the "in-law lottery", as she is so thoughtful and generous, a wonderful grandma to my kids, and an amazing cook of all things Polish! 4' 11" and a heart of gold.

Conclusion: I really like this pattern, it's easy to make, and easy to wear (read: "comfortable"). My shortened version is a great cure for eating up those small single cuts of stash, so I can definitely see myself making this up again in the future.

Happy Birthday, Grandma!

p.s.  I made a few changes to my blog's appearance, and as a result, the comment box is misbehaving (disappearing, only seen on Bloglovin', invisible in Safari, etc.). I'm doing my best to adjust everything, but I'm not very tech savvy. If any of you are good with Blogger and page settings, I'd love it if you could offer some advice!