Today I thought I’d share my experience making Very Easy Vogue 8994. This is a dress pattern from 2014 that I couldn’t find on the Simplicity website, but there are a few on Etsy if you want to go searching for it.
The pattern is described as a “pullover, lined dress (close fitting bust) has back neck band, cut-in armholes, shaped hemline, and narrow hem, wrong side shows.” It comes in sizes 8-24 which is a 31 1/2 inch bust to a 46 inch bust.
I bought this pattern years ago because I love an easy, pull on dress. This one has an interesting neck line and the back is a bit racer back which is a silhouette I like to wear. It is lined so this dress could be more formal if you wanted to go that route. I thought the neckline lended itself to a sportier feel.
Once again, Very Easy Vogue only used illustrations so it’s hard to get a good read on what this is supposed to look like on an actual human, but I do think mine turned out as I had pictured it.
This is a simple sew, there are only a few pieces, and it came together in an afternoon. I made a size 10 in the shorter version and had to take it in quite a bit at the bust. I didn’t do the lining as I chose this lovely linen blend from Blackbird Fabrics (I’m sorry it’s no longer available, I bought it last year!) and I wanted a breezy summer dress and thought the lining would be too much for what was in my head. Without the lining it’s even easier to sew, but I did take the time to finish the inside with French seams.
The shape of this dress is what drew me to it and while I don’t have plans to make it again any time soon, I do think I will keep it in mind for a more formal dress. I love that it lets the bold print of this fabric shine and if you had a special fabric you wanted to showcase, I think this would be a great dress to make in it.
I plan to wear this one all summer long with sandals. I think it could work well transitioning into cooler months with some layers and I may try that, but for me this will be a ‘throw on on a hot day’ kind of dress.
Mostly I’m happy I used stash fabric and a pattern I’ve had for a long time to create something I think will get a lot of wear over the coming months! Feels good to empty out that stash bin.
Thoughts on Creativity 