Fabric Mart Guest Post: Sky Blue Dress - Vogue 1550

This month's post features a special person, my mom! Everyone says we are twins. We don't see it but we've heard it enough that we just accept it. However, we do concede that we share some of the same mannerisms, traits and tastes. Fashion is one thing we typically agree on, so I'm pretty sure that I'll be dressing like her in another 30 years.

As soon as I saw Vogue 1550 I thought of my mom. It just screamed MOM! She had recently shared that she needed a few outfits for a summer trip and I knew this look would be perfect for her. I am typically a pretty selfish sewer but this summer I've set aside some time to sew for my immediate family.I have to say I really love Vogue's Summer 2017 patterns as proven by the fact this is the third one I've sewn up (See  V9259 and V1546). The recommended fabric is linen which happens to be one of her favorites so using Fabric Mart's amazing Designer Quality Linen was a no-brainer. The only question was color. She desired a summery blue and narrowed it down to Ocean Blue and Sky Blue before selecting Sky Blue.The pattern itself was very straight forward (just 4 pattern pieces) but as usual for a designer Vogue pattern it included some finer finishing touches, like bias tape for facings edges. There is a pattern piece for this but I opted to purchase some pre-made bias tape in a complimentary color. I also took it a step further and enclosed all the seams to protect the linen from fraying.Another extra touch was the hemming technique for the side and bottom of the top which produced these beautiful mitered corners. I worried I may have some issues with the step but after reading the instructions a few times I was fine. They turned out great (especially for a first try) and I think I will look for other opportunities to utilize this hem.Lastly the front inset was a tad tricky. It is difficult to see on the envelope photos (I can barely see it on View A) but there is a slim inset along the front center. This can be highlighted by using a contrast color but I decided against that and thank goodness I did! The center band isn't difficult to install per se, but it is cut on the bias which made it difficult for me to get a straight seam as the band itself was stretching. This isn't very noticeable in my finished project, but would have stuck out terribly had I used a contrast color for the band. Going forward I will consider omitting the band altogether or cutting the band along the grain.My mom wants the shorter tunic and the pants so I still have some work to do. I am glad she loves it!Pattern: Vogue 1550Pattern Description: Semi-fitted, pullover tunic have contrast inset at center front, contrast binding and uneven hemline: wrong side of fabric will show. Loose-fitting pants have no waist band. C: Contrast insets and binding. D: Contrast binding.Sizing: 6-14, 14-22Difficulty: 3/intermediateFabric Used: Sky Blue Designer Linen from Fabric MartDoes it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope? YesWere the instructions easy to follow? YesLikes:  loose fitting tunic, hemDislikes: front insetPattern alterations or any design changes made: noneWould I sew it again? Yes, she also wants the shorter tunic and pants.Would I recommend it to others? Yes if you love the lookConclusion: Versatile tunic/dress