Make it for Mexico Sewing Challenge: Dress #2, Vogue 1937

The Make it for Mexico Challenge: Make 6 dresses and 1 top for an upcoming trip to Merida, MX for the dia de los Muertos celebrations. I am reviewing the Vogue 1937 sewing pattern which I used to create the second look for my travel wardrobe.

Why Vogue 1937?

Vogue 1937 is a loose and easy front pleated a-line style with an elegant neckline treatment. This “Today’s Fit” pattern by Sanda Betzina is size-inclusive, and I figured it would fit right out of the envvelope – one of my main considerations – as I don’t have a lot of time to spend on correcting fitting issues. I also liked the opportunity to add interest by using a contrasting fabric at the collar and cuffs. I used size “F”.

Lady McElroy Viscose Rickardi Lawn

Materials Used

For this dress I wanted a flowing woven with an interesting print to feature. Combing through the shops of some of my favorite online fabric sellers, I was really drawn to the color and the story of a rickardi lawn fabric offered by Sewing Emporio on Etsy. I had never heard the term “rickardi” before. Rickardi lawn is just a beautiful fabric to work with. Due to its tight weave, fraying is minimal, and it maintains shape. The rickardi lawn has a lovely drape and movement that is perfect for a cool and comfortable swing dress.

For contrast at the collar and sleeve cuffs, I had just enough coordinating lime green linen left over from another project. Though the pattern calls for using contrast fabric for the neck and hem facings, I just didn’t have enough of the linen, and so I settled for using the rickardi lawn at those points.

I happened to have this jazzy green button in my button box, to add a focal point to the v-neckline.

Pattern Design Changes

Eliminated the pockets – saved myself some time and went without the pockets I knew I would never use anyway.

Added a box pleat in lieu of gathering at the back yoke – by moving the back pattern piece 1.5″ away from the fold, I added enough fabric to create a 3.5″ box pleat. The box pleat really added some pizazz to the swing of the dress. Tip: If you do this, remember to alter the hem facing pieces.

Shortened significantly – IDK who this pattern is drafted for, but at 5′-2″ the pattern pieces straight out of the envelope were literally dragging along the floor for me. I took out a total of 8″!

Thinner sleeve cuffs – it may be due to the stiffer linen fabric I used for the contrasting cuffs, but I ended up trimming the width of the cuff pieces down to 1-7/8″. This dimension resuted in cuffs more in proportion to the collar.

Finish Details

Instead of stay stitching, I opted for iron-on stay tape around the neck and vee opening.
I french seamed the two long side seams.
I happened to have enough navy blue silk habotai bias binding left over from my trench jacket project to accomplish the hong kong finish around the facings.
Honestly, to save time I considered skipping the faced hem, but I’m glad I didn’t. The facing at the hem lends a nice weight that enhances the drape of the dress.

LOVE this dress.

This dress is a great addition to my travel wardrobe. I can see wearing this during the day with Birkenstocks, but also in the evening, with heel sandals and a rebozo shawl. Vogue 1937 came together with ease, and is beautifullly finished to last. I will definitely be making another.