Sew: Vogue 8810 in crinkle linen

I finally finished this dress! I can't believe I actually finished it. The sizing is all over the place on this pattern and due to this the dress sat half finished for a few months. I took it along to Sewjourn in December and made myself sit down and finish the darn thing. I have real trouble finishing an item if things get a bit tricky, preferring to move on to new projects instead of fixing the current project.

I'm not enthralled with this dress but it's ok and I will actually wear it. I wore it to the park on a very hot and windy day and it was perfect. No full skirt to fly up, no heavy knits. Just a lovely cool linen.

I made a navy cotton/silk slip to wear underneath it but I stuffed it up. I don't think it's too sheer to be indecent so I'm going to wear it without a slip.

I originally made this dress according to my measurements (a size 22!) and erred on the side of caution as the reviews say it can be tight. It was swimming on me! After unpicking the waist, I took 5cm off each side seam which brought it back to my usual Vogue size 18. I could possibly go down another size, but I didn't want the button gaping when I sat down. The waist tie draws it in nicely. Once it was all finished the armholes were sticking out and were way too low. They looked comical and a bit indecent as my bra band was showing. After umming and ahhing about what to do, I sewed the side seam in an extra 5cm at the armhole tapering to nothing before the waist. I then simply tacked the excess seam back. It seemed to work perfectly.

Not such a good photo of me (I kept talking) but it shows the now ok armhole.


Project Details
Pattern: Vogue 8810, size 18
Fabric: Santorini look linen from Tessuti
Alterations: 4cm sway back adjustment, took in armhole an extra 4cm (!!), removed 5cm width from each shoulder seam
Notions: Buttons from Buttonmania

I was planning on using this pattern for my Britex floral rayon but will now use Simplicity 1880. I'm seriously thinking of throwing this pattern in the bin. It will probably sit there for a few years before I do.

What's next on the sewing table?? I have no idea. I have no motivation to sew whatsoever. I think I might make the boys some summer pjs. Mr N surprised me this morning by asking for a Liberty shirt "just like daddy's". How can I say no?! So that might be on the cards soon too.

What's on your table? Come on, inspire me!!

L x