Hello everyone! Now, I know it’s cold outside in a lot of areas, and most of you are sewing winter garments with long sleeves, but I just had to show this dress for one reason. You see, I made this about 3 months ago, or longer. This Vogue 1329 by Kay Unger New York pattern has been sewn up by many sew sisters, so I’m on the late train, which is not out of the ordinary for me. I’ve had the pattern for over a year now because I was waiting for something fabulous to inspire me with the color blocking, which is what attracted me to the pattern envelope. I really like the design lines. The black and white option is very classic and classy, but I knew I wanted to add some color to it. So one day when I was looking for a new project to start, I pulled out the red ponte and cheetah knit from my stash, and this is what I came up with. 
So, why didn’t I share this dress right after I made it? I didn’t share this dress because I did NOT like it you guys. Seriously! After completing the dress, I tried it on that evening, without styling it, and was totally uninspired. I didn’t even want to TRY styling it. So I put it away in my closet to be given away at a later date. I figured someone else would look good in it. I violated my own rule.
Why am I sharing the dress with you now, especially now that it’s cold outside? It’s simple. I wanted to reiterate a point I made a few posts back, and that is; Don’t give up on your makes before trying them on and styling them! I was working on something else for today’s blog post but it didn’t work out. I had two choices: (1) Sew up something quick and easy to share; or (2) Post something old that I’ve made and not shared. I didn’t think I had anything old but I went to my closet to check anyway. I had forgotten all about this dress until I saw it in the closet. I grabbed it and told myself I would MAKE it work. 
The next morning I woke up determined to rock this dress, no matter how I felt about it. Shoot, I broke out the makeup and the hairstyling products and went to work. I kept the jewelry minimal, because the animal print is busy enough. When I put the dress on this time, I smiled and thought, “Not bad!” My husband even liked it better seeing it on my body. After I had finished sewing the dress I sent him a picture of it on a hanger while he was at work, and he wasn’t too thrilled about it either. So off we went for a photo shoot. 
The best part – I have another new dress! Hehehe! And guess what? I like it now! 
Now the struggle to get good shots was real on this day. Not only was it cold outside, but it was so WINDY! So I grabbed my red pea coat that I made earlier this year. You may see that post HERE. I decided to get a few shots with the coat because it looks really good with the dress. 
Sleeveless dresses can still be worn in the winter. Just layer them with light weight waist length sweaters, cardigans, or blazers. Then top with your winter trench coat. Remove the layers throughout your work day, as necessary.
Create the Look!
- Pattern: Vogue 1329
- Red Fabric: Double Knit
- Cheetah Fabric: Options HERE
- Lining: Jet Set Knit
Thanks for stopping by! Remember: When you live in your DESIGN, it is from there that God SHINES! Anita
This is what it’s like when you’re trying to have a photo shoot and the wind won’t act right. Hahaha!
All Photos Courtesy of CEMO!
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This is a beautiful dress Anita. Love it. Thanks for sharing
Hi Lisy! Thank you so much!
Beautiful, as always, I like the cheetah/red combo. I made this pattern a while back in a cobalt blue and black and it is still one of my favorite dress. I’m glad you ended up liking this dress, it looks great on you and pairs perfectly with you gorgeous red coat.
Tiffany, I remember that dress so well. When I first joined Mimi’s FB Group, you were member of the month, and I think that dress was one of the photos you showcased. You were the first one to welcome me after I introduced myself to the group. I remember it like it was yesterday.
Dear Anita I am not a big fan of comments but with you I just feel that I need to say you are a BLESSING, YOU ARE BEAUTIFUL,YOUR WORK IS GREAT.I love all of what I have seen you done and just looking at you makes my heart warm your DIY are with great finesse. I love them all thank you for sharing and your end quote is the BOMB.
Remember: When you live in your DESIGN, it is from there that God SHINES!
LOVE YOU HUNS AND KEEP ON YOU ARE VERY INSPIRATIONAL ( Smile)
Ooooh Rastadiva! Thank you so much for this! You have made me smile from my heart this early afternoon. I am so ENCOURAGED to continue when I hear feedback like this, ESPECIALLY when others can see God in it. Then I know that He is being glorified. Oh may it be so! That’s my life’s purpose. You, my sister, have encouraged another sister to continue to “live in her DESIGN.” I appreciate you! Be blessed!
Lovely work Anita!!! I also enjoy your You Tube Teaching Videos!!! FIESTA 😉
Thank you Monica!
Anita,
You have hit the nail on the head with this post. I have sewn so many items and quite frankly ones that I’m really not fond of but because I promised to give the Good, Bad and Ugly on my blog, I’m going to blog about every item I made.
So thanks for encouraging me to showcase all that I’ve sewn and not just the ones that I think look good.
Dee with Bust Waist Hips and Thighs
http://www.bwhat.com
Heeeyyy Dee! Yes, ma’am! You are so welcome!
You look fabulous!!(and so does the dress!)
Thank you Cici!
Anita, so for the misspelling.☺
Beautifully designed. Thank you so much Aneta for your time,talent and sewing tutorials. I am not new to sewing but I have learned so much from you. I have never sewn with knits but you have lit a fire under me and I am excited to get started. Do you always sew with Ponte Knits? Thank you for sharing your gift.
Hi Kelley! Thank you so much for following, and I’m thrilled to know you’re enjoying the tutorials. I sew with other knits, but Ponte is my favorite.
Fabulous dress and coat! You have style Anita. Love your blog and videos.
Thanks Barbara!
Very cute! I like that the red is only at the top and down one side, not down the back.
Thanks Sheila!
Anita you look great in the dress. I really like your pea coat too. I will check out the post on that. Girlfriend…you have S.T.Y.L.E.
Thanks Vicki!
Love the dress
Thanks Liz!
love the mixture of the cheetah print with the red. You look great!
Thanks Art!
Beautiful dress, and I really love the pea coat. You look fabulous!
Thanks Sandra!
I love it!! I actually have this pattern on my coffee table, looking at it everyday as it pass it by, trying to think, how do i make it work? Your message came right on time! I have a few projects for the same pattern that I am trying to make work. I cut one out, sew the back and front together, and am disappointed, as its not coming out as I envisioned. So i keep feeding more fabric to the pattern (buying different fabrics and cutting again). last night I finally decided, they are ALL going to work as I am going to LOVE them ALL! So, tonight i am going to lovingly work on the one i started last night, and proudly rock it this weekend! Thanks for my morning inspiration!
Well, ALRIGHT, Paulette! Yes, ma’am! Finish it and ROCK it! I can’t wait to see it!
Ms Anita, you and you fabulous dress look amazing!!!!!I’m so glad you Tim Gun-ned yourself, by “making it work”. Just stunning!!!!
Hey Jennifer! Hahaha! Yes, ma’am, I Tim Gun-ned myself! Love it! Thank you!
Anita,
I have this pattern and was going to sew this up for Christmas in red and green. Thanks for the inspiration… I like you got it out and used this dress. This was your calling! On a final note, did you line this dress with tricot?
Hey Rochelle! Thank you so much! Have fun sewing your dress. Also, thanks for brining to my attention that I forgot to include the lining information in the post. I just added it above. I use jet set knit from JoAnn Fabrics.
Very pretty!! I love it. I may try this one now..I have a reversible fabric that you made a dress from previously (red and the reverse is black and white stripes). I think this dress would be great for that fabric.. thanks!
OMGosh, Mina! This dress would look amazing with that fabric! Work it! Can’t wait to see it!
Great looking dress! Sometimes garments have to ferment for awhile before they become wearable! This looks great and the red jacket is perfect with it!
Thanks Linda! Well the “fermenting” really helped. Hahaha!
Beautiful dress Anita! Hey, I am feeling you. I had a few DIY projects that didn’t turn out as I had expected. At a later time I reworked or refashioned them and it worked out fine. I love the red peacoat, a beautiful style and match with the dress.
Thanks Patricia! I like the refashion idea too. Great tip!