Vogue 2004

Today I’m sharing my new Vogue V2004 dress in a pretty bird print crepe by Lady McElroy – an utter steal in the clearance section of my local Boyes at £1.50 per metre for 3m. And I now understand why this is one of the bestselling patterns of the year.⁠

It has full raglan sleeves gathered into cuffs, with two length options. Two styles of ruffled gathered skirts. A bodice with delicate rouleaux button loops and a back zipper closure. Plus the most gorgeous trim application.

I LOVE this pattern but did make a couple of small tweaks – I omitted the waistband and swapped the collar for bias binding. And left off the trim this time.

⁠I never like how waistbands buckle in half on me when wearing them. I think because I have a sharp waist to hip curve, there’s no flat area for the band to sit on.

Similar reason for the collar; my short neck often means collars make me claustrophobic. I did a similar thing with my Butterick 6705 Vampire’s Wife dress, using bias binding as a neckline finishing with a hook and eye finish.

The raglan sleeves are drafted beautifully and I’m really pleased with the rouleaux loops for the button front. I ended up sewing the front shut to avoid unwanted flashing. I placed the seams right side together and put a row of stitching along the seam. (Did you enjoy my blue tit placement? Ho ho).

And of course it has POCKETS! I can’t wait to make this dress again with decorative trim as per the pattern instructions.