This is a make from way back in May that has been so useful and worn so much that I just had to get around to doing a blog post about it.
There’s nothing particularly special about the pattern, other than the fact that it is a Vogue original which has been my favourite pattern brand since the Eighties.
I think we can agree that the shape does nothing for the model’s slim physique on the front of the pattern envelope but, on the contrary, I could envisage it working well for my 5’2″ size 14 figure.
The ‘cocoon’ shape has rather a daring low neckline, short sleeves and the length falls to the knee – perfect to show off my best bits (boobs, arms and legs) and skim over my non-existent waistline.
It also features pockets in the side seams, which are a must for me.
I went to a bricks-and-mortar shop to buy my fabric, and chose this linen with a large floral design from Hanson’s in Sturminster Newton.
A quick make, I sewed it up in no time in anticipation of a long, hot Summer (ha, ha!)
I do love hand-worthy pockets.
No bra needed because the pattern is busy enough to distract the eye from any potential embarrassment – perfect for our up-coming foreign holidays where it would be far too hot to wear a bra.
The armholes were an interesting design.
No waist-hugging meant it promised to be the perfect outfit for a meal with plenty of space to accommodate a full belly!
Yep, overall, I’m pretty pleased with how it looks on me.
It certainly has proved to be a worthwhile make as I’ve worn it lots over the Summer – and I mean LOTS.
Here it is at Desert Springs in Spain in May.
Back home in England it has regularly been a comfortable outfit for meals out.
Another holiday in Spain saw it worn even more as the temperatures soared in July.
Paris in August – I’m definitely getting my money’s worth out of this one!
There was even enough left over fabric to make half a dozen little fabric storage pots to donate to the school Summer fair.
Having been away for most of the school holidays, not much (ie. none) sewing got done and I’m looking forward to getting back to the sewing machine again.
Sewing 100+ name tags into school uniform doesn’t count, does it?!
September 6, 2017 at 7:38 pm
I really like the look! I kinda have the same body type so I think I will look for the pattern! I shy away from big prints but it looks gorgeous on you so maybe I will try it! Thank you for inspiration
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September 6, 2017 at 8:42 pm
I find that big, bold prints take the focus away from my less-than-perfect figure. Give it a go!
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September 9, 2017 at 6:11 am
Thank you
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September 9, 2017 at 6:46 am
You told me to look for the blog could you possibly please send me a link? I would have sent you an email but you are non-reply. Thank you
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September 9, 2017 at 9:51 am
I can’t find an email from you – what link would you like?
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September 6, 2017 at 9:45 pm
As always you look gorgeous!
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September 6, 2017 at 10:00 pm
Thanks Cathy😀
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September 6, 2017 at 9:49 pm
What a lovely summer dress! You look radiant in it! Well choosen again… I am also a pocket fan, I just bought a skirt today because its pockets! 😁
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September 6, 2017 at 10:03 pm
Thank you – I’m a bit lost without pockets. Not to keep things in, I’m just a hands-in-pockets kind of person.
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September 7, 2017 at 1:26 am
You had my at “no bra needed” but seriously love the dress! And the fabric was such a good print. Matched the personality of the dress
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September 7, 2017 at 9:07 am
Well, you’ve got to love a dress that allows you to forgo the instrument of torture that masquerades as a bra! I love your description that the fabric matches the personality of the dress – you’re absolutely right!
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September 7, 2017 at 1:33 am
I’ve sewn this dress too, and love it. We’re similar height and possibly similar shape? Your dress looks wonderful on you – such an excellent print too!
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September 7, 2017 at 9:03 am
Thank you so much – you’ll understand why this is a good shape for me if we’re both lacking a waist! I’ll have a look for this dress on your blog as I’d love to see your version.
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September 7, 2017 at 4:44 am
Lovely make, Sheila! How do you judge if a print is bold enough to flatter and not overpower?! (My problem.) That & trying not to be jealous you can find such gorgeous fabric in a shop! 😮
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September 7, 2017 at 9:10 am
Thanks Del! I think the style has to be simple for a bold fabric – fussy design detail would be lost in it. Sometimes I think we worry needlessly that a pattern is overwhelming because we’re not used to such big prints. My advice – give it a go!
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September 7, 2017 at 11:22 am
Thanks, Sheila ~ good advice! As you had a hands-on experience instead of buying on-line, did you do the hold-it-up and look at it in a mirror before purchasing?
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September 7, 2017 at 11:54 am
Nope – just loved it because it was so bold that it almost jumped off the shelf and smacked me in the face screaming “Buy me, buy me!”.
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September 7, 2017 at 10:28 pm
😄
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September 7, 2017 at 8:33 am
Versatile!
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September 7, 2017 at 9:11 am
It certainly seems to rise to any occasion! Well, maybe not horse riding 😬
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September 7, 2017 at 9:27 am
Ha!Ha! no maybe not!
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September 7, 2017 at 8:41 am
Isn’t it great when a make gets lots and lots of wear – it happens to me rarely 😦
Those armholes are indeed an interesting design especially as shown on the pattern’s line drawing of the rear view. I think I have an idea for the next alien life forms for Dr. Who.
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September 7, 2017 at 9:16 am
Me too, actually, but that’s usually because I’m a bit of a “Does my belly look big in this?” type of girl, and it doesn’t in this! The jury is still out on the armholes. Luckily, I don’t have any issues with my upper arms at the back, so I’m not that bothered. Different, though, which I like.
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September 7, 2017 at 9:22 am
Don’t worry – I’m only submitting the line drawing to the BBC for their consideration – the armholes on the finished dress look fine 😉 I’ve never actually considered whether my upper arms at the back are viewable or not – I must twist myself round and have a look next time I’m near a mirror. Another body part to worry about as the years fly by
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September 7, 2017 at 9:30 am
Ha ha, nor had I given that view a single thought until I saw the photo that hubby took! As you say, another part to worry about as we get older😬
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September 7, 2017 at 9:26 am
I think you should have been the model for the pattern envelope – it looks so much better on you! I love the excellent pockets!
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September 7, 2017 at 9:27 am
I agree!
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September 7, 2017 at 9:33 am
Thanks both!!
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September 7, 2017 at 9:33 am
I just wish they’d show it on a model AND a shorter, fatter person – then we wouldn’t have to guess at what it might look like in reality. The pockets are unusual in construction, too, not just the armholes. All in all, quite an interesting dress to make.
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September 7, 2017 at 12:22 pm
🙂 I was just about to say that I think I have seen this fabric.
There is just something about a dress or pants with decent pockets. And not so easy to find when (like me) you have to buy clothes, as you don’t sew an inch.
This dress suits you perfectly, and the colours are true jewels.
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September 7, 2017 at 7:53 pm
Love it! Chic, but at the same time comfy and cool! Looks lovely on you.
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September 19, 2017 at 8:34 am
That’s the beauty of linen! Thanks for your kind comments😀
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September 8, 2017 at 3:50 pm
Lovely dress and pockets too!
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September 8, 2017 at 4:47 pm
The perfect dress; proper pockets and plenty of room to let you eat heaps of cake! 🙂 Looks fab. Gorgeous fabric and great see you got so much wear out of it, despite the miserable weather 🙂
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September 8, 2017 at 4:55 pm
Thanks Bekki, it brightens up a dull day, that’s for sure!
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September 10, 2017 at 1:33 am
You have such a good attitude about your body image. I really admire you for that. It’s fun seeing all your travel photos again with the focus now on your dress. You got lots of good wear out of it. The fabric is lovely, and I’m with you on the pockets. I love dresses with pockets. It’s been so long since I’ve made myself a dress, unless you count my Halloween costumes. I must give this some thought.
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September 13, 2017 at 12:56 pm
Maybe you should start dressmaking again for something other than Hallowe’en – at least you’d get to wear it more than once a year! Hard though it can be to like one’s own body, if it works and is in good health it seems ungrateful to moan about the way it looks. A pretty fabric can make all the difference!!
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September 19, 2017 at 1:27 am
Beautifully said, Sheila. I will give this more thought. I LOVE beautiful fabric. It’s almost as addicting as crafting supplies. But you already know that 😉
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September 10, 2017 at 3:37 pm
Beautiful dress such a lovely colour
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September 13, 2017 at 12:51 pm
Thank you, it certainly gets one noticed!
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September 11, 2017 at 4:09 pm
So glad you posted the cocoon dress, thank you! It might have just changed my mind on my pattern conundrum. My fabric is not so bold, but might just work!
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September 13, 2017 at 12:46 pm
Glad to be of service, if only to show how it might look on a similar figure!
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February 2, 2023 at 3:44 pm
Hello-wondering where I can find this pattern?
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