All Wrapped Up

Although I have an aversion to many 1970s styles and fabrics, the classic wrap dress by Diane von Furstenberg is a notable exception.  It is pretty amazing how well the style has held up over the years.

I finally found the perfect pattern for this fabric (from fabric.com).  I have been hoarding it for over two years, waiting for the perfect pattern to come along.  And then Vogue 8827 came out in the most recent catalogue.  

With a little inspiration from DVF, the project really came together. 

Diane Von Furstenberg wrap dress, 1975–76

The collar was the first thing I noticed about this pattern.  I just love it!  Although I do not have any immediate plans to make another version, I believe a contrasting collar would look quite fetching with the design. 

I went ahead and used the medium length version and I am very glad that I did.  The envelope drawings are a bit misleading, and I really do not think that the shorter version would have covered my knees.  As it is, I would have liked to have a few extra inches to work with, but it certainly does not ruin the dress for me.  On the other hand, the sleeves that I used are incredibly long - I used the three-quarter length version which turned out to be more of a bracelet length.

And there were a few other issues.

I suddenly realized that one of those green colors looked very much like bright lime.  Along with yellow, lime is not one of my favorite colors.  When I first saw the fabric in person, I thought that the other greens distracted from the bright color.  But once I cut into it, and was staring at it for an extended period of time, that bright color made me rethink my initial impression.  I do, however, love the gemstone peridot, so I have decided to get over my fear of the color lime, and start calling it peridot!

The other issue was the extra pattern ease.  When I first tried the dress on, it looked like an unflattering bathrobe.  Thank goodness for fabric belts and drapey rayon!

Instead of following the instructions and using ribbons to close the inside edges of the wrap dress, I used a loop and button.  To close the outside flap, I added a small snap.  The pattern instructions do not include this final step, but unless you want to continually adjust the dress or expose a whole lot of skin, you are going to want to add that second closure.  The belt is not sufficient!

This dress was quite easy to put together -  no buttonholes, or zippers anywhere to be found.  And overall, I am very please with the finished product!

Dress:  Made by me, Vogue 8827

Shoes:  Oh Deer!

Necklace & Earrings:  The Vintage Flamingo

Bracelet:  Gift