Yesterday I was talking back and forth with Toy and she sent me a picture of this dress, she hated it lol:
Banana Republic Petite V-Neck Sheath Dress
I fell in love with the dress. I hated the breast pleats. Like they look terrible. Sooooo I remembered a pattern I've had FOREVER!!
Please excuse the crooked picture, my tripod is broken and I didn't know it :(
Pattern Description: Lined dresses B, C have front pleats, back darts and back zipper. B, C: length is 2" above mid-knee.
Pattern Sizing: 8-14
Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?
YES!
Were the instructions easy to follow? Super easy
What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? I loved how this dress was very similar to my inspiration dress. I read a lot of the other reviews about it being too big, I did NOT have that problem with this dress.
Fabric Used: Black and white pin stripe poplin
Pattern alterations or any design changes you made: I didn't line it. My poplin was heavy enough that I didn't think it needed it. I just folded the edges and sewed them down.
Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others? I doubt if I make this one again, but I truly love it. If you like this style and if you can find it grab it, it's OOP.
Conclusion: Great simple dress.
Pattern Sizing: 8-14
Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?
YES!
Were the instructions easy to follow? Super easy
What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? I loved how this dress was very similar to my inspiration dress. I read a lot of the other reviews about it being too big, I did NOT have that problem with this dress.
Fabric Used: Black and white pin stripe poplin
Pattern alterations or any design changes you made: I didn't line it. My poplin was heavy enough that I didn't think it needed it. I just folded the edges and sewed them down.
Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others? I doubt if I make this one again, but I truly love it. If you like this style and if you can find it grab it, it's OOP.
Conclusion: Great simple dress.
Here are some additional pictures:
It's hard to see the back darts because of the fabric...and the wrinkles lol
Front pleats....
I wore it last night with a cardigan. Now I'm on a huge cardigan kick lol. Im going shopping in a few minutes for a few other colors lol.
I love this dress! It looks much better than the BR inspiration. Sleeker and more refined. I can see it styled with jackets as well as lots of colors of cardigans.
Posted by: Becky | February 25, 2011 at 10:20 AM
Very cute! And you just whipped it up yesterday? Love it.
Oh and if the Banana Republic model had a little more "breasteses" she would have filled out those pleats much better! LOL
Posted by: toni | February 25, 2011 at 10:20 AM
Cute dress and it looks great with the cardigan.
Posted by: sheila | February 25, 2011 at 10:29 AM
And people say I sew fast! You whipped that one out...and it's lovely! Very nice look on you.
Posted by: Carolyn | February 25, 2011 at 10:32 AM
It looks great on you. Did you taper the skirt a bit? It seems to have a more tailored fit. Which is very flattering! Pulling this pattern out of my stash this weekend.
Posted by: Angela | February 25, 2011 at 10:33 AM
You and Erica B. really make me want to take a sewing class! How did you learn to sew?
Posted by: Pserendipity | February 25, 2011 at 10:39 AM
Looking good, lady.
Posted by: Cennetta | February 25, 2011 at 10:40 AM
I liked the "concept" of the BR dress but the upper pleats are a def. no-no. your version is 1000 times better.
Posted by: narcissaqtpie | February 25, 2011 at 10:55 AM
I agree with the other people who commented that your dress is so much better than the inspiration. I love it with the cardigan and belt! The pleating at the front is unique and flattering on you.
Posted by: shannon | February 25, 2011 at 11:12 AM
Very, very cute! Yep, home girl in the inspiration dress was not workin' it properly.
Posted by: Dei | February 25, 2011 at 11:48 AM
I hated the inspiration picture too. She didn't fill out the bodice properly. I like your version a whole lot more! Love it with the cardi! Very FLOTUS!
Posted by: Erica B. | February 25, 2011 at 11:59 AM
I love the dress. Where you did end up getting cardigan because you were on the trail for one? lol
Posted by: Sheri D. Maple | February 25, 2011 at 01:53 PM
I really like your version of the dress. The cardigan is cute.
Posted by: TJ | February 25, 2011 at 02:06 PM
I like your dress with the cardigan. I love those/hate the prices lol. You sewed the dress yesterday?! One day just one day..I'm still working on my dress - Start praying NOW. lol
Posted by: Kisha | February 25, 2011 at 02:46 PM
Very cute - the pattern is exactly like the inspiration dress - good call! I like how it looks paired with the cardigan. I feel like I can't wear pleats well, but they look great on you!
Posted by: Robin | February 25, 2011 at 02:53 PM
The cardigan is the perfect compliment to that dress. You always do great work.
Posted by: Rachelle | February 25, 2011 at 03:54 PM
Great knock-off.
Posted by: Faye Lewis | February 25, 2011 at 04:07 PM
Girl you are rocking the heck out of that dress and the white cardigan.
Posted by: alethia | February 25, 2011 at 04:34 PM
Girl, you got that dress from Banana Republic. Quit play'n. :)
Posted by: manecoarse | February 25, 2011 at 04:47 PM
Cute inspiration dress! I love a great cardigan also!! Sometimes OOP patterns are worth it.
Posted by: Vanessa | February 25, 2011 at 04:57 PM
I have that pattern in the stash...Somewhere? But after seeing your version and seeing you wear it well, I will wait and sew it a year from now...LOL...So people won't compare my plus size version to yours. Not going to embarrass myself! You did a great job.
Posted by: Marla | February 25, 2011 at 05:56 PM
This is super cute on you, hands down better than the BR's .You look so gorgeous and with the cardigan... super lovely...Great job girl
Posted by: Aminat | February 25, 2011 at 06:03 PM
Just commenting on a post so you know who's out here 'stalking' you. :) My name is Melissa and I'm a beginner sewist in Florida. I read you, Carolyn (Diary of a Sewing Fanatic), Ten Thousand Hours of Sewing and Sheila's CTK every day. Others get added if I see something interesting.
So, HI, from Florida. :0
Posted by: Melissa | February 25, 2011 at 06:08 PM
Cute dress. I love it with the cardigan :)
Posted by: CarlaF-in Atlanta | February 25, 2011 at 06:23 PM
The cardi kicked it off nicely! I really need to go on and sign up for a sewing class, been saying it for years!!!!
Posted by: Bunny | February 25, 2011 at 06:46 PM
Love your dress, way better looking than the BR version....
Posted by: Karen | February 25, 2011 at 08:31 PM
Super cute! I don't comment often but with your recent "prodding" and threats to lock the blog down I thought I'd better. I did comment once or twice a long time ago and you were sweet enough to email. I think I find your blog via scrapbooking type links ages ago and I love it because of the energy and love of family it demonstrates. I also had a really awful experience over the summer and I appreciate your comments about letting things go. :) Kim (44 year old single mom in Kirkland, WA -- a suburb of Seattle.)
Posted by: Kim | February 25, 2011 at 10:21 PM
I love this! I want one now lol.
it looks fantastic on you. love the colour
Posted by: JD | February 25, 2011 at 11:05 PM
Very nice! I have this pattern. I need to put it on my spring sewing list. Forget the BR version. Your dress is my inspiration!
Posted by: Dr. Z | February 26, 2011 at 12:33 AM
Another winner, I love the styling. Check out Target they have some really cute spring cardigans.
Posted by: Kelly | February 26, 2011 at 01:15 AM
cute dress and i especially love it with the cardigan. I am such a cardigam freak, too. love to throw them on with dresses I wear to work.
Posted by: Tiffany | February 26, 2011 at 03:22 PM
When I read that post from Toy, I thought it was ill fitting on the model, but I also liked the bones of the dress (so to speak). Funny though, I didn't even think about it - I have that Butterick pattern too. Thanks for whipping it up so quickly. I love the end result.
Posted by: Susan - Knitters-Delight | February 26, 2011 at 04:26 PM
Cute dress! I love cards too!
Posted by: Lisa | February 27, 2011 at 10:31 AM
WOWSA!!! That's a nice dress! so much better looking tham the inspiration dress! Awesome job!
Posted by: Myra | February 27, 2011 at 04:45 PM
Your version is so much nicer, and the cardigan looks so ladylike with it. Great inspiration.
Posted by: Barbara | February 27, 2011 at 07:25 PM
That's very cute!
Posted by: thoughtsofsoutherngal | February 27, 2011 at 09:47 PM
I definitely don't sew but respect all that do (my mom is the Ultimate seamstress -no lie)but I actually popped over here from Ki's blog (I saw your avatar)with the intention of just telling you to keep doing whatever you've been doing cause you look fabulous! and you got great legs :LOL....your dresses are pretty amazing too-wish I could wear em!
Posted by: Kate Blue | March 01, 2011 at 09:13 PM
You look amazing!! I love the pleat detail and the way you styled it with the cardi and those cute shoes ;o)
Posted by: Wanett | March 09, 2011 at 08:48 AM
Love this dress!
Posted by: Kim Brown | March 14, 2011 at 06:36 PM