Vogue 1250 - Version 2

No need to do a review on this one as it's been reviewed to death at PR but add me to the list of people who adore this pattern! This is my second version of this dress (first one here) and I suspect it might not be my last! Fabric is a slinky knit from my stash and pattern is Vogue 1250.

I made this to wear to my daughter's bachelorette weekend in Nashville, TN. On the second night, the bride wore a white dress and the rest of us wore black (see below for group shot sans me who was taking the photo). Initially my accessories included the leopard platform pumps and a CUTE silver/leopard belt (close up shown below) but I had to ditch the shoes. I wore them for a bit in the hotel and knew I wouldn't last long in them so I traded for my back-up pair of black flats. And thank goodness I did because we were out that night until 3:00 am! Oh... the pink necklace and bracelet were not part of the outfit - they were bachelorette party accessories! (More bachelorette weekend pictures on Facebook.)

Missoni-ish Fabric - Pattern Suggestions?

To be honest, I don't love the classic Missoni zig zag look. I know... I know... it's the hottest thing out there right now but it never really set me on fire. But I walked into Banasch's Fabric the other day to shop their penny sale (buy 2, get 1 for a penny) and this fabric was right by the front door. I stopped and fondled it and moved on. After going back to it 3 times, I realized that I must really like the look. LOL. So I bought a couple yards to make a knit dress. After looking through my stash, I didn't find a specific pattern that I love so I'm requesting suggestions for pattern ideas! I want it to be a fall dress so I prefer sleeves but most sleeveless patterns can be adapted.

Vogue 1250 - Version 1

When Vogue 1250 came out, it didn't interest me in the least. I thought the dress was not the slightest bit flattering on the model. Doesn't the dress look baggy in an unattractive way in the following image?



But apparently, my opinion was in the minority and versions of the dress started popping up all over the Blogosphere and Pattern Review. And the versions were CUTE!! And SEXY!! Most people also described that the dress was quick and true to size. So let's see.... knit dress.... cowl neck.... cute.... quick... true to size... many of my favorite pattern characteristics!

The pattern languished all summer but the need for a quick dress arose when I was packing for Jackson Hole last month. I needed something cute and casual for a cocktail reception. So I pulled out a lightweight interlock from my stash and pulled together the above dress in about an hour and a half, including cutting. It's comfy and casual and I was thrilled with how it turned out.

I finished Version 2 this morning and will post about it next week. I used a black slinky knit for this one and I'll wear it to my daughter's bachelorette party this weekend. She is wearing a white dress and the rest of us will be in black.

Wedding Shower

My daughter's wedding shower was last Sunday and it was great fun! I prepared the food and tried out some new recipes. I wish I hadn't been so frazzled at the start - I forgot to take photos of the food. The complete menu and links to the recipes where applicable:

Sparkling Sangria

Cranberry / pineapple juice (frozen berries )

Chutney Cashew Baked Brie with baguette slices

Cranberry Apple Brie with baguette slices (A Pampered Chef recipe)

Shrimp Cocktail dip with buttery cracker dippers (my own recipe)

Individual Greek Salads – My daughter's high school friend is the Caitlin behind Cooking with Caitlin. Her website has lots of great recipes!

Two types of sliders:

Rosemary Garlic Roasted Pork tenderloin with Aioli & Roast turkey "Bobbies" (dressing & cranberry on top) (My recipes)

Olivada Pasta Salad

Italian Pasta Salad (my recipe)

Fruit salad

Cupcakes and Cookies from Bonbonnerie

We ordered a "prototype" of her bouquet as the centerpiece:

Her guests were incredibly generous!!! She received so many fantastic things. And I must admit I got a lot of pleasure out of watching her open the gifts I made!

The Apron:



The Stockings & Christmas Ornament:



The Cookbook - made her cry!


We had a lot of fun but it was fun to relax with my family when it was all over!




Five weeks to go!