Sometimes I swear to remake a pattern again and it doesn’t happen for a long time, if ever, but in the case of Vogue 1501 I had such a ~vision for a black midi version that I went out hunting for fabric to make it happen immediately, and spent last week sewing it up.
To be honest I was just setting out to copy the Klein dress from the pattern designer Rachel Comey’s ready to wear line. (Apparently I even copied the shoes, ha ha.) I made a few fitting and stylistic tweaks to the pattern as follows:
- Added 6 inches to the length of the skirt plus knee-high side seam splits.
- Gathered rather than pleated the front skirt and bodice into the waistband
- Graded out the back side seams to adjust for the tight fit across the bum in my first one
- Rounded out the bottom edges of the bodice for a different look (and hemmed it using bias strips)
The fabric is black ‘powder touch’ polyester from The Textile Centre in Walthamstow. The pattern does work well in a crisp cotton like i used last time but I think it’s especially nice in something drapier.
Despite being a bit out there for my usual style (I’ve never owned a dress practically ankle length long) I bloody love this dress and feel really comfortable in it. I feel like it will join the ranks of things I’ll reach for on those ‘I’ve got nothing to wear’ days, and the poly fabric will make it really easy to care for.
This might be my favourite thing you’ve made! It’s amazing. How did you deal with the shoulder pads this time? Did you just leave that little gusset piece off?
Thanks! It’s in my top ten too I think. Ah yes that was another tweak, just sewed up the seam without the gusset.
Love love love this!!!!
Very nice indeed. I like the gathers a bit more than the pleats I think. Gorgeous.
This is awesome! I’ve gotta get my hands on this pattern!
Yeaaah do it!
Wow! I love that dress! Nice work. I actually have a few skirts that length and I really like them because I am a teacher and it makes me feel more “covered” when I am running around my classroom. That pattern is fabulous.
Thanks! The length works for me too as our office is a weird temperature – this length keeps the chill off but is still cool.
A gorgeous dress! Love the midi length – it makes the dress look elegant.
Now I’m convinced! I need this pattern – and will definetely copy your ‘gathers not pleats’. Love it ♡
Thanks Trine!
It may not be your usual style but it definitely works for you – you look fab! x
Thanks Jane!
You look great! & now I want exactly this dress! ;) I have a couple of weddings coming up, would be so chic.
I have a wedding next weekend, I would totally wear this dress but I’m not sure black is right for a wedding..
this is awesome! You really have me inspired to make this pattern, but now I don’t know if I want to make it in a print or a solid?!?! I love BOTH your versions so much!!!
Ha ha, well I like both too and they are quite different so I think I will wear both a lot too!
Amazing. This is really wonderful, and now I’m inspired to make one too. Nothing more fun than seeing something you like and being able to recreate it like that!
Thanks, I agree!
I really REALLY love the drape on this version. And you won’t have to iron it!
Just luscious! I remember when you made this before but in this midnight coloured drapey fabric it looks lovely. Perfect!
I loved your first version of this dress, but I’m absolutely swooning over the midi length of this one! I always wear longer/midi length garments and I’d really love to try out this pattern (inspired by yours!). Do you think the pattern would be forgiving/easy to grade for a larger bust? From what I can see, it doesn’t look like it has bust darts, so I just wondered!
Shauni x
What a gorgeous front detail!
oh man, I love this so stinkin much! It really is perfect. especially in black.
This looks amazing on you Katie!! I LOVE all the changes you made and I think it suits you perfectly!!
Looking very cool!
THIS IS SO GOOD.
Your dress inspired me to make mine. I chose a similar poly from my stash and the drape is great. Thanks for a great review,
I love this dress – and your hacked version. So great! It has inspired me to sew my own, and even get my fabric printed with my own design. (am attending a wedding soon).
My one question is around the amount of fabric I will need, if adding the extra 6 inches… do you remember how much you used?
thanks :-)
I don’t remember sorry, I had 3 metres to play with and plenty left over but I didn’t measure exactly how much.