Patches // Vogue 1788 sewing pattern

When I was in Paris in September it seemed like EVERYTHING with a sleeve had elbow patches. I've been wanting to make something with elbow patches ever since and I thought this sewing pattern was a good opportunity:

Found this at one of my favourite vintage pattern sites (Lanetz Living) and then scored a really beautiful, heavy weight navy jersey on sale at Fabricville for $4/meter. Normally I'm not a navy girl, but I loved how elegantly Parisian women wore it. It really is a versatile neutral and I've been looking forward to using it in a project instead of boring black.

This dress was really easy to whip up - my serger does a great job on the hems. There were a few major issues though; I must have been off in my cutting because the waist seam is totally off where it is attached to the zipper. Thankfully I made this with a really wide obi style belt so it covers the booboo. Also, I did a few weird things to the interfacing so the necklines sits a little funny. I always envisioned wearing this with a scarf for that true Paris je ne sais whatever so I didn't sweat it too much. Still so much to learn!

Mistakes aside, I LOVE this dress and have worn it many times in the past month. The skirt is really full and flattering - I always gets a lot of compliments on it and then people are totally astounded when I tell them I made it. My boss was flabbergasted ("It looks like a $200 dress!" "It cost about $16 to make". "GET OUT!! MAKE ME ONE!!!") The elbow patches are a good contrast and I still have some of fabric left over so I'll probably add them to some old sweaters. I will DEFINITELY be making this dress again.

Sorry for the bad lighting in these photos - this was the only part of my apartment fit for public viewing at the time and the natural lighting was not ideal.

Navy dress with elbow patches:
Pattern:  Vogue 1788
Total Cost (including notions): $16
Time to Make: 14 hours including cutting