I bought the fabric for this dress as two remnants from Potters Textiles, with no intention of combining them in one garment. However, they fell out of the stash cupboard together and I immediately saw the possibilities. I laundered them together in case there was an issue with colours mingling and when there was none, I set about thinking about a design. Then I saw Vogue 1382, an Anne Klein design, and thought: perfect!

And so my new dress was planned.

This is a simple looking dress, but having committed myself I realised that it is lined, which does add a touch of complexity (not really, just me being a wimp). The lining does eliminate the need for facings, and it does help stop the linen going baggy.

I went for the size 10 but realised after it was cut out and I was trying it on that it was a bit short in the shoulders (read that my bustline is lower than the model’s!!). Luckily Vogue give 5/8″ seam allowances. I dropped mine to 1/4″ and all seemed well.

This is a useful dress for summer and for work, and it didn’t take too long to make, so good all round.

A jobbing sewists review of Vogue 1382

Pattern Description: 

Semi-fitted, lined dress (fitted through bust) has yokes, side front seams, patch pockets and invisible back zipper.

Pattern Sizing:

8 – 16. I did the 10. The 12 might have been better in retrospect, but I would have had to take in the side seams a smidge. I would also have to copy out the pattern again and there are far too many pieces for me to be bothered!

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?

Sure did!

Were the instructions easy to follow?

Construction was simple. I did sew up the shoulders before the lining went in and had to unpick them so that I could turn the lining to the inside – doh!

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?

I love the colour blocking, and glad it’s still a trend because I’ve only just managed to get myself there.

Fabric Used:

Two contrasting linens for the dress, striped silk for the lining

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:

I reduced the shoulder seams to drop the bustline a bit. Next time I would add 1/4″ to each shoulder. I didn’t hand stitch the patch pockets on (who has got time for that – come on!), but just top stitched round them. This looks fine.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?

If I make it again I would put the pockets into the front of the bottom panel rather than have them sit on the outside. I think the dress would be more elegant with hidden pockets. I would make this again, but might use patterned fabric rather than plain, otherwise I feel as though I would have an identical dress.

Conclusion:

Considering this dress, I think there is little scope for variation. I would quite like a sleeved version, and, as stated above, I would hide the pockets at the front of the dress. If I can find two nicely contrasting fabrics, I might give it another go.

Details:

Pattern is Vogue 1382

Fabric is two contrasting linen remnants from Potters Textiles, with silk lining from Global Fabrics in Dunedin, NZ

Shoes (new shoes – everything looks better with new shoes!) are Neo from Marie Claire

Necklace is a gift from my sons from Heaven Sent in Claremont and is made from seeds (believe it or not)