Vogue 1250 DKNY Teal Burnout Velvet Dress

Yes its another Donna Karan Vogue 1250 dress - number four.  In my defence I bought the fabric to be something else entirely but it really wanted to be this dress.  The drape of the fabric just so suited the cowl neck and overall look of V1250.  I do have a bit of the fabric left over so maybe it can become the top it was meant to be, albeit a slightly different incarnation paired with a black rayon knit.

The sad thing is that one of my colleagues has started to recognise this dress pattern, so perhaps four in my life is enough.  Or maybe I should think about altering the pattern for long sleeves or side seams and a more A-line skirt or.....  Definitely something to think about as I do really love V1250.

The finished garment

Fabulous, as expected. I made and wore this when the weather was cooler with my knee high boots but it works really well for the milder spring weather too. This dress looks pretty good photographed in front of the azalea bush on a lovely spring day.

The fabric

This is a "soft stretchy burnout velvet in teal, 60% polyester, 30% nylon, 10% spandex. 60" wide, 4.4oz per square yard" from Stonemountain and Daughter which is still available on their website.  They also have it in a burgundy colour.

The fabric cut edge rolls quite a bit and being a polyester isn't that keen to maintain a sharp crease (or any kind of crease) which made hemming fun.  It also leaves tiny fibres behind when you cut it so you get sparkly jewels on your dining table (aka the cutting table). Other than that the fabric was a pleasure to sew.

The pattern

A very brief and to to point description - a close fitting dress which doesn't detract from its marvelousness.  Even if it is recognised as "that" dress I won't stop making it. If the right fabric comes along there will be more versions of V1250 in my wardrobe.

The pattern alterations

This pattern is a true TNT for me.  The alterations are incorporated into my tracing of the pattern (forward shoulder, sway back, raised armhole, deeper cowl).  My original post for this dress contains more detail about how I altered the pattern.  I also altered my pattern this time to have 3/8 inch seam allowances as I prefer it to the more traditional 5/8 inch seam allowance, especially when using the overlocker.  I think this version sewed together the best of all due to these 3/8" seam allowances.

The sewing

Swiftly sewn up on the overlocker.  I do get a nicer hip dart if I mark my seam allowance using the French curve. I just find that I guide the overlocker in a more graceful curve and the end of the dart doesn't bubble.  The post for the third version of this dress shows how I do the armhole hem.

Outfit of the day

So here it is as worn in the cooler weather with my Sable and Minx 70% wool and 30% cashmere bright pink cardigan with Mi Piaci Jordan over the knee boots

For the warmer spring weather it is paired with my self made Donna Karan V2494 waist length brown jacket and the often worn Mi Piaci Martha ankle boots.