Made By A Fabricista: My Special Occasion Dresses

When I saw the Vogue V1842 pattern by Badgley Mischka, I knew I was going to sew it for a special event. The style is elegant, versatile as it can be worn with a jacket or shawl during cooler seasons and accommodating of changing body shapes with its empire waist. I needed a formal dress to wear to a Mozart concert in Europe in a couple of months; that dress must be easy to pack on a cruise. Fabric Mart’s sequined mesh fabric (# SKU: MOA9294) met my criteria and its color was so unique – a combination of violet, cadmium blue, and deep carmine.

Because sequined fabric is not one of the suggested fabrics in the back of the pattern, I decided to try out the pattern first on one that is, a jacquard. I happen to have on hand FM’s black and white 100% cotton leaf print with oval jacquard design (SKU#BLA4147). I first made a muslin and found size 14 bodice and size 16 skirt fit me properly. I raised the neckline by 5/8 inch, however, for more coverage. Basting the gathers first in the center front bodice made it easier to sew the neckline. I hand sewed the binding all around the neckline and armholes. The back is low, but a low back bra or low back bustier could be worn with it. I added a hook and eye above the invisible zipper. I used a size 80 universal needle and serged the seams. Overall, the pattern was easy to sew; the fabric was a dream. The black and white leaf design exuded the vibrance of spring and summer. Better yet, big prints are currently on trend. I definitely look forward to wearing this dress to a wedding next month!

Feeling confident after the success of my first dress, I proceeded to sew the sequined fabric. Instead of binding around the neckline, I lined the dress with FM’s ash gray polyester/lycra lining (SKU# SNC4263w), thus avoiding the thickness of the sequins. I then reinforced the center neckline with twill ribbon and understitched. By installing the zipper 1/2 inch higher that the first dress, I eliminated the need for the hook and eye. I used a Size 70 microtex needle and am proud to say I did not break a single needle! I hemmed this dress by hand as I did the first one. I hemmed the lining 1 inch shorter than the dress. I love this dress for formal events. Who would not notice the shine of the 2mm sized nylon iridescent sequins and watch its colors under the sun and under the shade? Just look at the pictures!

I am happy with these elegant yet comfortable dresses. I will be wearing a black bolero with the sequined dress and a white chiffon coverup with the cotton one, depending on the weather. I hope you try the pattern and the fabrics, too.

Til next time,

MARY ANN | @anasewperfect

Unfortunately Fabric Mart Fabrics sell out quickly!
You can find similar fabrics by shopping the following categories SEQUINS, LINING, COTTON, & JACQUARD.

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