Sew and Tell: Variation on Vogue 1315

I rarely sew with woven fabrics. I totally prefer jersey knits as they drape well and I love the comfort of stretchy material. However, I received this wonderful donation of fabric from my friend's mom, Gloria Fuentes. She worked as a sample maker for various designers for over 50 years and has amassed a bountiful collection of beautiful fabric with gorgeous prints. She is now 88 years old and was ready to part with them.  I feel like I won the lottery! I am so grateful she thought of me. I am going to write more about Gloria as I use her fabric for projects. She is a really interesting lady and there is so much more to say about her. 

So, now to the dress I made. I immediately got to thinking of ideas as to how to use my new found fabric and decided to use my pattern collection as a resource. First up is Vogue 1315 which I purchased recently. This pattern calls for jersey fabric but, do I always do what the pattern tells me? NO! I thought the design would be fine with this woven print material.

Here's a close up of the print. It's really pretty. 

This pattern also called for a blouson long sleeve top. But again, do I listen to the pattern? NO! I am what you call a sewing rebel. I rarely do what the pattern tells me. I use it as a guide and do my own thing. Anyway, I decided to use the usual crisscross top with ruched shoulders design which I love so much. I also added two inches to the hem as the original design was too short for me.

What I love most about this pattern are the pockets and the draped middle. I, however, draped it more than the pattern called for. I liked the effect. The pocket design was a bit difficult to understand from the pattern instructions but I finally got it. I wore my new dress to church yesterday and everyone liked it, including Gloria (she goes to my church).

One of my other friend's even told me that it looked like I bought it from a store. Well, that's the idea my friends!


As always, I welcome comments!