Tag Archives: V8379

A Top When A Dress Won’t Do

Posted in 2015 Sewing, Finished Projects, Wearing Yesteryear by

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Sometimes you sew something and it doesn’t work out the way you thought it would. That’s what happened to me when I first tried on my Oreo Cookie wrap dress and realized the skirt pieces didn’t overlap properly! I had used Vogue 8379 for the top, but winged the bottom since I didn’t want the full skirt that came with the pattern. Mistake.

I thought I could save it by adding a snap-on-a-string contraption, but that really didn’t do anything to prevent the top skirt piece from staying in place (especially when I sat down). While I did wear the dress with tights to the office a few times, I just never felt truly comfortable in it.

And so it sat in my closet, largely unworn.

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V8379 & B5546 Candy-Button Wrap Dress

Posted in 2015 Sewing, Finished Projects by

First off, I keep forgetting to thank everyone for their response to my post on the old McCall’s building a couple months ago. Thank you! It’s especially exciting to see others excited about that post, considering historic building research is my other (full-time) passion. :)

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Speaking of forgetting (and historic buildings), here’s a dress I made the weekend before Labor Day…that I’ve continued to wear after Labor Day. You know how many random fashions there are in New York City (which is what I love about it)? I think I can get away with wearing a white dress, thank you very much! Actually, I’ve seen a number of people wearing white post-Labor Day. A bunch of rebels we’ve got going up here in the Big Apps!

I really love this fabric and how it sewed up. It’s 2 yards of sturdy double knit I bought down in Virginia on a somewhat recent trip. Even though it’s white, the fabric is thick enough that I didn’t need to line it. Perfect because who wants that if it can be avoided during the summer? Me, that’s who! I used the bodice of Vogue 8379 and the skirt and ties of Butterick 5546 in my attempt to create a classic “summer in 1950s Rome” look (AKA Roman Holiday). I’d love to do this again in a vibrant solid color.

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I Met Cynthia Rowley!

Posted in Reality? Check! by

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You guys! I met fashion designer Cynthia Rowley last night! Completely unexpected, too. I was at a work event hosted by Murray’s Cheese in Greenwich Village, and as the evening was wrapping up she happened to stop by. It was the perfect way to end the night; as you can see, guests had left by that point so special thanks to the Murray’s staff for letting us sip one last glass of wine with Cynthia (feels funny to just call her by her first name, but weird not to?).

She was super nice, and we chatted about sewing for a good long while. And then a good while longer about her restored 19th century townhouse (I’m an architectural historian, so I loved that bit just as much!).

My co-workers helped make this happen: one told her that I sew and another mentioned my blog. Thanks, you guys, you’re the best. :-D Seriously, I’m the worst at getting conversations started, but once I’m in I can be surprisingly chatty and excited…especially when it comes to sewing! This was particularly evident when my co-workers told Cynthia that I show them all my fabric and yarn purchases when they arrive at the office. Ha! They know and hear more about my crafty adventures than anyone.

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Wearing Yesteryear: April – June 2013

Posted in Wearing Yesteryear by

I’m back with another review post of past creations. If you’ve been following along you’ll know I was posting these monthly, but I thought it made sense to combine them into three-month chunks. My last post was in March, so today I’ll be covering how the garments I made from April to June 2013 fared one year later. Off we go!

(Click on the photo or the link below it to go to the original post.)

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Vogue 8379 Knit Wrap Dress

I’ve worn this dress lots! As with my other versions of this pattern, this is a very practical yet fun addition to my wardrobe. It’s great for work or for special occasions, depending on how it’s styled or what kind of fabric you use. I’ve also worn this particular dress in the colder months by pairing it with tights and a cardigan.

This dress has received some nice compliments, perhaps the best one being “That looks expensive!” from the cheery cashier at Pret A Manger. I’ll take it! I want to make a dozen more versions of this pattern…

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Oreo Cookie “V8379” Wrap Dress

Posted in 2014 Sewing, Finished Projects by

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It’s June! How’d that happen?

Anyway, this fabric reminded me of Oreo cookies when I first bought it, so that’s what I’m calling this dress. I based this one on a Diane von Furstenberg dress I saw in the display window of her store in the Meatpacking District.

PATTERN. After the Colette Chantilly dress, I wanted a quick and easy project. Enter Vogue 8379, my go-to wrap dress pattern. I’ve made two other version so far – the “October Issue” and the “Purplue” – but this time decided to go with a more fitted skirt. The knit wrap dress may be my favorite. It’s not only easy to make, but it’s even easier to wear!

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