Pattern Review: V1473+ The barganista Challenge

Ok, let me tell you ’bout this dress!  First, why this dress?  Well, Pattern Review has contests every month and I try and catch a few of them throughout the year to help stretch myself in regards to the things I sew.  Recently, I sewed some active wear, thanks to the active wear contest, you can see that review here.  But about this dress, I made this dress as a part of the Barganista contest, where you are recreating a designer look on the cheap.  I looked around and I just didn’t know what I wanted to make so I changed my focus a bit, I changed what I was looking for.  I started looking for simple designer items, very high end that seem simple with basic colors/fabrics.  I thought that was the best use of my time, and I also thought that it would inspire others to make simple, classic high end garments themselves.

Now, I’ll admit, I looked for, in my opinion the item that I thought was just flat out overpriced and went with it.  I’m happy to present, the same fit done thick:

Pattern Description:

Loose-fitting, pullover, caftan-style dress has bias neck facings,
bateau neckline, partially stitched sides, invisible left-side zipper,
concealed button/bias loop left shoulder closing, and very narrow hem.
Purchased trim.

Pattern Sizing:

 
14-22.  I cut size 22 at the shoulder

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?

 
Yes, but I did modify the neckline.

Were the instructions easy to follow?

 
Yes, but I didn’t use some of the instructions because I didn’t add those elements to the garment (zippers & buttons & french seams).

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?

 
I like the simplicity of the pattern and I like the body shaping through the waist and hip.  I didn’t really like the shoulder zipper detail, seems bulky there and the buttons just seemed unnecessary.  Also, not sure why they used french seams for the shoulders.

Fabric Used:
Polyester crepe suiting from Joann’s Fabric @ $7 a yard (2.5yrds) and $4 a yard for the lace trip (4 yrds)

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:

 
For this challenge I made some changes:
*I graded the pattern to a 24
*Forward shoulder adjustment
*Changed the neckline to a V neck as per the inspiration garment
*Drafted a front and back facing for the v neck from another V Neck dress
*I didn’t sew french seams, I sewed my seams right sides together and serged to finish the seams.
*I didn’t add the zipper and buttons to the shoulder seam, it fit over my head.

Would you sew it again? 
Yes, I will need a sway back adjustment and I will add a center back seam.  I think an exposed zipper might be nice at center back also.

Would you recommend it to others?
Yes, it’s a super easy design that you can make your own, simple,chic and sexy.

Drum roll please…

Inspiration

A.. Retail price = $1550.00
B. Bargainista cost = $34 ($18 fabric & $16 lace trim)
C. Percentage saved = 97.81%

Score!!!

What say you?  Have you ever participated in this contest?  Do you typically “knock off” designer garments?