This was going to be a classy DVF-inspired wrap dress…
The wrap dress that wasn’t – Vogue 1337
Then I woke up the morning I was planning to sew… and decided that the wrap dress had somehow morphed into a batwing mini dress.
Vogue 1337
I’d love to explain my creative process to reach this point – however it was one of my more random, arm-waving last moment decisions… I just suddenly didn’t want a wrap dress… and I needed a retro batwing mini in my life.
Vogue 1337
Thankfully Vicki at Minerva Crafts was more than accommodating at the last minute! This pattern screams 80s to me… massive shoulders, batwings, slender skirt… you know – some times clothing should just be fun… too many people take their threads far too seriously! This is fun – fun to make & fun to wear.
Vogue 1337
I think for my first venture into the world of batwings and 80s power dressing, the option of making this in black made moving outside my comfort zone easier. I know lots of bloggers become enamoured of sewing knits – some even appear to be addicted and sew little else. I’m not one of those girls, I’m still grappling with the techniques required for a good finish…
There is a great big long post over at Minerva with more pictures – and information about how I attached the elastic to the sleeves and waistline… go forth and read…
My elastic attachment.
No I didn’t make the self fabric belt… and I changed the neckline to have a narrow binding rather than a facing because the pattern facing is the work of the devil… all the details are over at Minerva 🙂
Pattern: Vogue 1337
Fabric: Black knit from Minerva Crafts.
Kit: available here.
Sew Busy Lizzy 
You look fabulous! But where is that big 80’s hair? 🙂
LOL I do have some limits!
Fabulous! What a great weather you have 🙂 Perfect for this dress!
Last week was so hot – the day we took these pictures it was nearly 40 degrees in the late afternoon!
Beautyful! here we have 0 Celcius and the winter is coming …. I want summer 🙂
I’m home now and it’s a much more bearable 25 to 27 degrees – not many homes are fully air conditioned here so when it’s hot it’s difficult to sleep!
Well, this could be difficult… I know… it was however so long ago being so hot here.
I sympathise. I don’t think I could bear living somewhere with cold weather, I’m spoilt!
Oh wow, this is so so 80s, but you wear it so well… It almost makes me nostalgic for some of those batwings from my past!! It also looks super comfortable while still being pretty classy.
It’s reassuring to know the 80s wasn’t a complete fashion disaster!
It is when I learnt to sew and knit, I still feel proud of some of my creations, even though I parted with them long ago!
Love it, and I understand the ‘keep the fabric safe when trying out new styles’ thingo. Dam hot here too!
This – and you – are stunning!
I love it! Despite being an 80’s style you look very stylish in it… I am off to read more details! I sew on a lot of knits too but am still not happy with ALL of them and need more “sewing with knit” techniques.
Hi Lizzy,
You look terrific in your gorgeous dress – you have the best figure and legs for such a dress. Good for you. I checked out the pattern number and I think it looks great in the red also with the self-fabric belt because of the way the belt pleats up, adds another dimension to the flowy/drapey effect. I know it is 80’s inspired but it doesn’t look at all dated. Brilliant job, well done you!
Great dress! I made this one, too, and I love that it’s got an 80s vibe without being, well, awful (having lived through all those gigantically oversized fashions the first time). I think it’s a great piece to have in your wardrobe. Here’s my version: http://frivolousatlast.com/2013/09/03/back-to-school-in-80s-style/
That’s a great one! Love that colour
You look hot. Kinda reminded me of Rachel Griffith!
Love this change, because as you said, sewing should be fun!
YUMMMMM. seriously, why do we hate on the 80s? the 80s is INSTANT COOL.
Perfect choice in black! Loving the black batwing mini, more batwings I say! 😉
You look great in this dress, definitely good 80s style (and it’s so easy to veer in to the bad!)
Love it!! Good ol’ batwing fashion, and in a mini dress too! I think it’s a fab look and is very cute on you 🙂
Love. It!
Fabulous dress!!
This looks great and am so glad you went with this. So much more fun. I agree with Oona. The 80s are instant cool!
Fabulous dress! I’m glad you followed your gut and went with this. You look amazing and so confident in it!
Thanks VK! I kept coming back to the pattern… I wondered if it was insanity… then I realised I love a bit of crazy!
It’s a very chic kinda crazy x
You are so good in slinky!!!! Sharpness!
If only it had been in animal print!
excellent decision to nix the wrap in favor of this beauty! love the design!
Wonderful dress. But please – don’t gloat about the heat. We are pretty chilly here in the UK 😦
#looking forward to summer
No gloating about the heat! 40 degrees day after day is pretty unbearable.
über cool!!! & just so you know, we are currently a chillo -7 !!
Ooo! Slinky!! Maybe the last minute change of mind was the fabric telling you what it wanted to be. Whatever it was, your dress looks fab!
Great dress. Love the shape…very flattering.
I love it! looks so comfy but still stylish. Plus now you can be a trend setter – you’ll make us all want 80’s batwing dresses! 🙂
I do love this style on you. Somehow it seems to suit your personality. The only thing I wish you’d done was that dodgy pose from the pattern picture 😉
Seriously though, it looks great. Did you use your coverstitch machine for this at all?
I confess still waiting for time to use the coverstitch. Too much work, visitors & trips! Soon!!
I do love a combo of fitted & loose with my wardrobe – and this is fabulous fun!
Wit woo! Loving your style Missus!
Thanks! x
I love batwing dresses and tops. I’m not convinced it’s a style I can personally carry off but it looks so, so good on you. Not 80s power dressing to me – I think it looks much more 40s timeless. I love the mini skirt but this would look amazing with a sweeping maxi skirt and a dropped back neckline – you know, if you ever needed to go to an event in a 1940s film! x
I think I should sew bossy you one day & throw you a curve ball. You didn’t think you were a maxi girl before Anna either.
Funnily enough on Pattern Review someone did lengthen it & it looks fab!
An LBD is ALWAYS a good idea… and the chic-ness of it trumps unfortunate 80’s fashions any day, particularly when you do not pair it with over-hairsprayed bangs – you can rock 80’s supermodel any day, girl! 🙂
I overlooked this pattern – it looks odd in the pattern illustration but fantastic on you. I like it without a fabric belt.
So chic ! Bravo 😉
You’re gorgeous !
I love this! It looks amazing on you! It kind of reminds me of the awesome outfits that Christina Applegate wore on Married with Children (and that my mom would never let me wear). Really, really fun!
I think it’s time to rebel against your mum!
I love the dress! I want one too! 🙂