I am aware that my dresses tend to be of a very similar style. A fitted bodice with or without collar, short or long sleeves or sleeveless. Button front to the waist or through to the skirt, with either a gathered, pleated or circular skirt.

I am getting a little bored with that and thought it was time to try a different style. Enter the Vogue pattern V9023 which I bought from Jaycotts in Chester when they were having a 40% discount sale.

I used a beautiful Teal Blue Ponte Rma purchased from Fabricland, Salisbury. I had originally bought 2 metres thinking that it would be sufficient for some casual trousers but sadly the pattern I had chosen required a little more fabric.

The fabric was waiting to be used and I decided to trial the Vogue pattern instead. I made the size 22 at shoulders and chest then graded out for my full bust, waist and hips.

As per the label on the pattern – VERY EASY VOGUE the dress was an straightforward construction and because of the style was an easy fit. However, once completed I did not like the look of the dress. The under bust band is set too high, it should be about 1 ½ inches lower (one’s bosom has a tendency to drop with age!). The V neckline is much lower than I had expected and as it is such a radical departure from my usual style and silhouette I felt uncomfortable wearing it.

However, I wanted to give the dress an outing so with opaque tights, flat shoes and a beautiful scarf I attended our usual Friday house group.

I received several compliments on both the colour which I know does suit me and also the fact that it was a different silhouette to my usual. I wore the dress again on the Monday when I met with other friends for coffee and cake and again received compliments – so the dress will continue to have a place in my wardrobe. For now I have sold the pattern on eBay and will progress with trying out other styles and silhouettes of dresses to provide diversity in my wardrobe.