Vogue 1220 Donna Karan Shirtdress

The dress is finished and I absolutely love it. I think I have been a bit stuck on belted shift dresses lately so it was good to try something new (albeit still a belted dress!).

I did a couple of minor things differently to the pattern instructions;

• my belt has a centre back seam and is also folded in half rather than being narrow hemmed round all the edges. It is still plenty wide enough for me. I didn't add the belt loops.

• as I mentioned in my last post I had to change the angle of the front facing to give myself a bit more walking and sitting room at the hem of the skirt since I made it in a non stretch fabric. (mine has none, the pattern just says to use stretch broadcloth, crepe or linen). I had to change the corresponding hem facing piece too. If you think you need to do the same I recommend adding extra fabric at the centre front from the outset.

The dress is fairly easy to make. The only tricky part is attaching the skirt back to the upper back and side fronts as you have two inset corners to deal with. I suggest doing this in 3 separate seams, starting and finishing at the pivot points rather than in one seam per the instructions. This way you can turn the fabric over as necessary and make sure your stitching does not cross the marked dot and that the fabric isn't bunching underneath. However it helps to remember that the corner gets hidden under a pleat and then the belt so don't stress about getting it absolutely perfect.

Pictures speak louder than words so.....

The side seams, with pockets slant from front to back.

Pocket close up.

Finished dress without belt.

Finished dress with belt.

Closer front view.

Back view.