Pattern Review -- The Fit & Flare Rayon Jersey Turtleneck Dress using OOP Vogue 2288

 


Everything that is old is new again.
 
This project was designed for the Pattern Review Modernize Vintage contest but was not completed on time. It was also part of the January 2025 Pop-up Sew-along: Nothing But Stash and a part of my year long commitment to the 2025 Fabric Fast and 2025 50 Yard Dash.

I used Vogue 2288, a 1979 pattern that was part of the Vogue American Designer series by John Anthony to make my dress. Although the pattern featured both a coat and dress, I made only the dress. The dress pattern was described as follows:
Loose-fitting, straight dress, four inches below mid-knee length has bias turtleneck, shoulder pads, back zipper, pockets in side seams, side hemline slits and narrow hem. Full length sleeves narrow at wrist. Topstitching.


The completed dress did like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once I was done sewing,  except I "modernized" it. Sorry John Anthony.
 
The instructions were easy to follow.

I really like the bias turtleneck, the side seam pockets and the top stitching.
 
Fabric
I used a Rayon Jersey from Emma One Sock. Very soft. Wonderful drape. Washed poorly. Pilled after only 1 washing. Bummer. Very difficult to sew. Further bummer.

I bought this fabric years ago before I had taken the Craftsy class with PR member Nancy Nix-Rice on Sew to Flatter: Plan Your Best Wardrobe . It could have been a candidate for the Pattern Review “what was I thinking” contest. The fabric is stunning, but was a poor purchase for my coloring. It’s a great example of the fabric wearing me rather than flattering me. I paired the fabric with this pattern because I decided it would be a great swing dance costume during winter months. When dancing, a look at the swirling, lovely fabric isn’t a bad idea. A great dress can distract from less than perfect dance steps.

Pattern alterations and design changes
I altered the skirt so it was more flare and less straight.
I removed the shoulder pads, back zipper and side hemline slits. I altered the sleeves so they were a more modern design.
I made the bodice more fitted.
I made my standard petite alterations.
The pattern was designed for wovens. My use of knits was one way of modernizing the pattern.
I made the dress a pullover.

Bottom line
I love the Vogue American Designer series. I consider it a real privilege to be able to use patterns from esteemed designers like John Anthony I would sew this again and I highly recommend it.

Great dress.

Happy sewing!

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