I was going to wear my latest Vogue 1179 with a pair of leggings. Then my glance fell on the red tights drying on the radiator and I changed my mind. I love colourful tights and this dress is the perfect blank canvas to platform them.
I bought the black jersey for £6 from Saeed Fabrics in Walthamstow. I can’t believe £6 has given me such a comfortable but sophisticated make. As if that wasn’t enough, this dress can be run up in an evening. It only uses three pattern pieces. I’ve realised that the number three is the holy grail of patterns. If a designer can make something fabulous out of only three pieces, you know the drafting must be superb AND that you’re going to have a hassle-free evening of sewing. Perfect!
I’ve worn my turquoise version to death. Seriously, every weekend or day I work from home I’m in the V1179 and a pair of leggings. This black jersey is slightly heavier and more structural and so does work as a dress, whereas the turquoise version has the drape that makes a better tunic top. It needs something beneath it.
I’m now very excited by how many different versions of this I can make! (Uh-oh, watch out.) Have you seen Leopard Anchor’s version? And let’s not forget the woman who started it all, Eugenia, who has made several versions. (Check out Eugenia’s latest gorgeous Chanel dress. You can’t buy class like that, but you can sew it.)
I think I’ve eulogised enough. Go buy this pattern and see just how effortless looking good can be.
Looking fab, Karen! This pattern really suits you and I love those tights! x
Hi Karen
Meant to leave a comment on your blog before but I’ve always been in a hurry at the time (will probably just go back and do it anyway)
You are so right about the read tights, with the dress you look FAB
I’m sorely tempted by the pattern
Jan
You look fabulous! I love the combo of tights and dress. I think this has pushed to to finally buy the pattern. Now to wait for a sale.🙂 Great job!
I love it! V sophis. Accessorised like a pro!
Cx
I love it! Especially with the tights! And I am so jealous you can still wear sleeveless dresses where you are!!!
oooh lovely! I think you did it again, this “laid back sophistication” thing that works so well.
Love it – you may have converted me! Love the pop of colour the tights give too🙂
It looks FANTASTIC, Karen! The tights are amazing with it. I need to make another I think, thank you for linking me.
Oh! It’s stunning Karen! Love the cherry red tights with it too
I do enjoy the way you just casually say “my latest V1179”, and produce the finished version in such spectacular style, when you haven’t hitherto even mentioned you were making it. It looks smashing, specially with the red tights.
Total perfection in a pattern and I do like the styling a lot!!
Karen, you’ve really made this pattern your own. You look beautiful in the dress version and I love the red tights… and the shoes…. and the handbag…. and all for £6!! That’s the best bit!
Really must get to grips with my overlocker so I can start working with jersey. I fear I may have to lug it up to the Make Lounge and take a course. x
Ooh yes! I really like the turquoise one – but now black too? Very very tempting!
Oh – and do I spy nu shooz? Like!🙂
The black mary janes really tie the whole thing together! Love the neckline on the dress. It looks so cute and cozy for fall!
And those shoes… and purse! I really like how you put it all together, it looks way comfortable and stylish. I think I might have to take another look at that pattern next time I’m shopping for one. I have some knit fabric I’m not sure what to do with, now you have me thinking this pattern might work.
Awesome! It does look stylish and totally effortless. I’m going out to find red tights, now.
What a sophisticated, yet fun outfit! I love it with the coloured tights, it just brings the whole thing to life!
I’m sold too. Now I have to find that pattern….
Looking pretty hot there m’dear. Shame I’ve sworn off jersey unless I get an overlocker!
That’s a winner for sure. I love the red tights.
Brilliant – you really rock this look. The red tights look great!
This outfit is so cute! You look great!
So gorgeous!
loved your turquoise version and lovin this one too.
Do you think this style of dress would look as good as it does on you as someone who requires an FBA? I wonder if those pleats falling from the bosom area would be as flattering. Darn. I really love the dress on you and I like that style quite a bit, but am fearful to try it myself.
I don’t really know, Elizabeth, as I’ve never had to do an FBA. But yes, I can see that the danger is you’d have acres of fabric hanging down from your bazoomers.
Wow! Your ‘black magic’ version is very fabulous – so sophisticated but very modern looking, especially the way you have styled it. I think you will get lots and lots of wear out of this – it’s so versatile and can be worn anywhere and you look wonderful in it! Dare I say it, I think that it’s time that I made another one of these!
p.s. Thanks so much for the very nice mention of my ‘Chanel’ dress xxx
I love how you style it!
Fab dress Karen!! It looks really comfy and I LOVE the red tights.
Love your dress Karen! and those tights…red is one of my favorite colors.
This looks so brilliant! I have actually got this pattern sitting in my stash… just got to stop wimping out of sewing with knits…
I love it!!!
Ooh, I love it with the red tights! And I bet it would do elegant with some black sheer tights just as well!
i love that Sandra Betzina design! I have the pattern, but will have to make it with the sleeves… my upper arms are just not show-able.
I love that you chose to put a bold color on your legs! Bold colored tights have been all over the runway this season and I think you pulled it off perfectly with a deep red.
-Jani
http://www.funfashionfit.com
http://www.foottraffic.com
I love the red tights with that dress, I’m a total patterned/coloured tights lover – leggings are boring! I might have to try and make one of these for my mum, she was looking at a similar dress in a shop and I reckon even I could manage 3 pattern pieces!
Lucy x
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