Wiggle Dress (V1314)

I wanted to make a new dress to wear to  PR Weekend SFO for our group dinner. Everyone seems to really like this Tracy Reese pattern and I had plenty of loud-print knits (as recommended)in my stash from which to choose so I thought what the heck! I wasn't feeling the Vogue lay-down-in-the-office-window-pose so I did my typical hands on hip pose.

Tracy Reese Vogue 1314
Fabric: Stretch jersey ITY Knit 92% poly, 8% lycra; Fabric.com ($2.99 / yd); Beige tricot knit from Fabric.com

The pattern is straightforward and the fit is good. I did a 10 on top / 12 on bottom like usual. I read that it was sized a little big but when I did the knit lining, it seemed to fit snugly enough. After finishing, I realized I probably could have taken it in a smidge more. It has a lining but I'm not really sure why. I used some nude knit tricot to line it but it seems like the lining could be omitted.

Alterations:
It's designed to be longer (below the knee) but I didn't like how it looked on me so I lopped off a good 6" and did a 1.5" hem. (I'm not quite 5'4" for comparison). Other reviewers at PR said the sleeves are short. My arms are short and the sleeves fit me perfectly with no alteration so if you have average or long arms, do add length.  The only change I made to construction is to fold the neckband to the outside and topstitched. I like that look better than folding inward.

Barney the Dinosaur Trench Coat (V8884)

Fabric and Notions:
I found this lovely Italian Cotton Twill at Mood Fabrics and thought it would make a great spring trench coat. (By the way, the fabric also comes in lilac and cream and both are on their way to my house now!) Interfacing is Pro-Tailor Deluxe from Fashion Sewing Supply (I don't see it on the website now so maybe Pam doesn't carry it anymore.) Belt buckle is from M&J Trim. Buttons and D rings on sleeves (couldn't find any small black buckles to coordinate with belt buckle) from local Hancock Fabric. Lining is a poly shiny woven from JoAnn fabric. I really loved this print and bought a bunch of it last fall to use for linings. Clashes a bit with the dress though!:



The above photo was taken indoors because it was raining (Oh, the irony) and doesn't do justice to the color. Mood calls it Mulberry but just think Barney the Dinosaur:

Pattern: Vogue 8884, View C
 
Construction:
This is a fantastic pattern. Fit is good; instructions were clear. No complaints at all. But this is not a quick project. Not counting the muslin I made, I spent approximately 25 hours cutting, interfacing and constructing. 

Size and Alternations:
I cut a size 12 for top and graded to 14 at waist and hips. For dresses and tops, I normally cut 10 and grade to 12 but I like my coats / jackets to run a little big. I added 3/8" to the back seam (coat and collar) for a broad back adjustment.