Readers, I've been pondering the Evening Dress pattern from Vogue's New Book for Better Sewing, even though I have a loooong time before I'll be making it. I'm going to need your feedback here, please.Basically, I have no purpose for a full-length gown in my life. I've considered the idea of shortening it to knee-length so it would be a good party dress. But is that cheating? Does it detract from my goal of making all the patterns? Should I just make it full-length for the hell of it?
Anyway, I wanted to hear your thoughts. So I've added a poll widget to the top right hand corner of the blog. Please share your opinion!
Also, congrats to commenter LaKaribane, who is the winner of a snazzy Half-Size Slenderette shirtdress pattern! And look for more giveaways to come.
P.S. LaKaribane, please e-mail me to arrange for delivery of the pattern!
I don't think it's cheating at all! A woman in the 40s or 50s would have been all about altering the pattern to suit her needs.
ReplyDeleteNot to mention, you're still making the pattern, just with a little less length - it's not like you're making it a romper or making it in jersey.
I'd definitely suggest shortening it. Although I think the idea of following the book and patterns to the letter, if you're not going to need a evening gown any time soon, it'd just sit in your closet and be of no real use! After all: isn't sewing about showing off your finished garments? ;) I think it'd make a really cute shorter dress!
ReplyDeleteOh go on - make it full length ... It'll be just like playing dress ups (as i'm sure vonbbs would say, "what fun!!").
ReplyDeleteAnd then your next challenge could be to shorten it and make something fun and funky from the material that you cut from the bottom...
I just wanted you to know I voted for shortening and I am usually "all about the ball gown". But as I have, not one, but two full length ball skirts (one a dress, one a tafetta skirt) plus a tea-length black satin full-skirted cocktail dress that never get worn I totally understand not wanting something in your closet that doesn't get worn.
ReplyDeleteSo what kind of fabric are you thinking, still dressy-dressy or something that could pass at a daytime wedding, like something with a lace overlay? What does the pattern say?
I've learnt that sewing unpractical garments is not satisfactory when they hang in my closet and I don't wear them... I think you should shorten it, it's not at all cheating.
ReplyDelete(BTW, since this is my first comment, I LOVE your blog and your works, you're an inspiration! The Gertie dress from Burdastyle was one of my first projects!)
I'm with MoederKip, make the full-length version for the experience; then shorten it to a more useful length!
ReplyDeleteAs a person who has occasion to wear ball gowns several times a year, I say get a new hobby that lets you wear it! ;)
ReplyDeleteSeriously, though, I'm all for not having anything in closet that I don't wear. I say that you should make it short.
The only caveat is that you should review the techniques in VoNBS and see if you will be missing out on any new ones by shortening it. If so, you may want to consider MoederKip's suggestion.
I think you should make one short and one long. Every woman needs a full length gown in the closet that is totally impracticable. The shorter version would not be as fancy and you'd wear it more, which is great, but I still think you should have a go at the full length one and tell your partner to take you out to a super fancy evening of theater or opera in which you can show it off!
ReplyDeleteFunny, I looked at the picture was already shortening it in my mind before I read your text. I think it would look great. I'm currently shortening a Vogue backless evening dress pattern into a mini for my daughter.
ReplyDeleteI don't think shortening it is cheating, but I do agree with MoederKip and Knitosaurus.
ReplyDeleteBesides if you make it, then perhaps the an opportunity will present itself so you can wear it. Luck favors the prepared!
I knew you ladies would all have good opinions on this one! Thanks to all of you for your input.
ReplyDeleteThe pattern calls for taffeta with a lace overlay. The double collar is organdy. And you know how my taste in fabric runs. This is going to be expensive, isn't it?!
A part of me (the part that's five years old) likes the idea of the full length gown--just for funsies. I would be such a pretty princess!
Keep the votes coming in please!
Go ahead and shorten it! All that means is you are going to use less fabric, you are still going to make the dress, use all their techniques, learn everything they intended you to learn. I say alter away!
ReplyDeleteIt would be so sad to go to all thta effort and not get to wear it, I say shorten it!
ReplyDeleteRemember tea-length (mid-calf) is also a possibility and very 1950's appropriate. Think Audrey Hepburn's wedding dress in Funny Face or Grace Kelly's dresses in High Society or Rear Window.
ReplyDeleteI think I would keep it long. Maybe you could start a trend and wear long dresses to parties. But if you would honestly be more comfortable with it short, i think it would be a cute cocktail dress that way.
ReplyDeletei like the idea of being different and wearing a long dress to a party i really very rarely go anywhere where i need to wear anything more formal than jeans and a t-shirt. It's kind of depressing but i do pretend a lot that i have fancy places that require nice dresses and hats and gloves to go to!
I predict you will be invited to a ball gown worthy event shortly before or after you finish this project.
ReplyDeleteIt's so cute you've got to make sure you'll wear it. Must be knee length!
ReplyDeletewould it be too crazy to make the dress full length (for the hell of it) and then shorten it (for actual wear)?
ReplyDeleteI would shorten it...you are only talking about shortening a couple of seams, you know? The overall construction will be EXACTLY the same, just with shorter seams and perhaps a tad less hemming. Big whoop. There are no rules. If you feel you must make it full length (and I totally get it, if you do) just throw yourself a magnificent Xmas party and insist all the ladies wear them! :)
ReplyDeleteIf you are going for the taffeta, lace, and organdy, I'd shorten it. I love ankle/floor length skirts and dresses, but there's overdressing and OVERdressing - for my longer things I tend to stick to simpler fabrics to balance it out. Because I do have two floor length satin/chiffon dresses in my closet that I love (my altered wedding dress and a clean-lined bridesmaid's dress), but haven't worn in company in almost 7 years. Sniff.
ReplyDeleteGoing with the spirit of the project: couture techniques for the most fancy-dress outfit you'd get to wear. Can't wait to see what you decide!
I just wanted to drop a comment here to explain my vote for the long version. I own 3 original gowns from the 50's-60s, inc. one floor-length ballgown in orange. It sounds odd, but it really, really works, and is such fun to wear, besides inevitably being the best-dressed person there when all others are wearing cocktail dresses at best. You may not have had occasions in the past to wear a full-length gown, but once you've sewn one, I'm sure they will come up - and you'll have a perfect fit for the fraction of the usual cost!
ReplyDeleteGood luck with your project. I read all your posts today instead of doing work (oops!), and shall be checking back for updates :-)
You blog is nice and I like it
ReplyDeleteI think shortening it will be great since you can wear it most of the time compared to a long dress. It fits most of the occasions. Adding a few and revised style would be great. The color of the dress would definitely matter and the kind of fabric as well.
ReplyDeleteI vote for LONG! It will make you feel like a princess. I promise you, if you don't, then an occasion will pop up that you could have worn it and you will feel terrible. And, I don't have this pattern or the book but, I tell you that you may be asked to do treatments like horsehair braid and crinolines that would not be as helpful for a short cocktail dress. I think the width they add will demand full length proportions. And isn't this elegant gown the perfect excuse to go out with your husband? I know this post is late to the party and you might have already made this dress but I just discovered you and I am starting at the beginning. Love you blog!
ReplyDeleteIt looks beautiful! thank you so much :)
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