Some sewing projects have a bit of a story behind them, this is one such project. Back in 2023, I visited a women’s retreat in Bali called Escape Haven, where I made a beautiful new friend, Jo. When Jo learnt that I was going to buy some fabric as a souvenir on my trip, she made me promise to get something really unique and special, sew it up and wear it next time I’m in Bali. So when my hubby and I were discussing what to do for our anniversary, I jokingly suggested a weekend in Bali and to my utter delight, the husband just went for it. Despite me being up to my ears with work and life commitments, I knew I wanted to make something special for my trip to keep my promise with Jo. So Jo, here’s my dress, dedicated to you dear friend!

As I knew Bali was entering its hot season, I wanted to make something light and flowy that I could use a scooter with and get around without feeling like I’m going to expire from the heat. The fabric I had in mind was one I purchased on my previous trip from Alta Mona (located near Seminyak). I remember thinking that this was the exact fabric Jo wanted me to find and use for our pact and due to it being high quality Balinese cotton, it was going to be perfect for the hot Bali weather. Oh, and did I mention it was a super cute design? The fabric works off a plain white base with blue hibiscus flowers and palm leaves scatter all over in a bold print. I loved the blue and brown tones as I knew they would work well together. Purchasing about 4 meters, I had more than enough to work with and it was time to find a pattern.

Calculating how much sewing time I had before I left meant that I had to choose something that would be relatively straight forward. For me it was all about getting the fit right and making sure I was comfortable in the Bali heat. After browsing my patterns, I decided to go with Very Easy Vogue 9182 which is a couture inspired pattern featuring shoulder straps, a scoop neckline, a full skirt and a fully button down front. I’m quite comfortable in a fitted bodice in heat and knowing the fit of V9100 I figured I would be quite comfortable. I loved the idea of a button down front as I could wearing it bodice buttoned with shorts underneath, fully buttoned down or open slightly at the bottom for ease of movement especially when on the back of a scooter. I decided to go for the size 12 for my 28″ waist and the c cup bodice pieces. The pattern comes in two skirt lengths and I opted for the shorter one, pattern A.

As this pattern requires lining, I am continuing chopping up an old white bedsheet so that’s what I used for this project. I also used some dark wooden buttons which I had in my stash. I think I purchased these buttons whilst in Kuala Lumpur a little while back and I was so happy that they were the recommended size and I had more than enough for this project. As I don’t need a zip or anything else fancy, it’s time to sew up this garment.

Very Easy Vogue 9182 has a bit of a vintage vibe to its pattern and shape. I think I can easily dress this garment up or down depending on how retro or pinup I feel. If you want this dress to be vintage, I think a lot of it comes down to the length of your skirt, keep it just below the knee, but also in how you style it. This dress could also work as a mini with a matching head scarf. Now wouldn’t that be cute?

Sew, let’s get started! If you’ve ever asked yourself, “how easy is a Very Easy Vogue pattern?” well, it’s pretty easy! Once all my pieces were cut out, I stay stitched the curves along the bodice pieces, especially the neckline and then started attaching my front bodice to the back bodice at the shoulder seams. Once done, I did the same with the lining pieces. Now the pattern, and this also goes for V9100, asks to sew the bodice front and lining together at the sides and then slip stitch the shoulder join but personally, I can never get mine to sit neat and flat so I sew up the bodice differently by using the bag out method. When my bodice front and lining pieces are ready, they get sewn around the neck and shoulders together. Then I turn my bodice inside out to reveal the lining neatly tucked inside. In saying that, the reason the pattern doesn’t get you to sew the bodice this way is because the shoulders are curved and narrow and passing through a fair amount of fabric is very fiddly, risky and can be cumbersome. I’ve done this method for so long I’ve got it down to a fine art but if you do sew this pattern, sew it which ever way you feel comfortable.

Although it can be a pain to do, I’d recommend understitching the neckline once the lining of the dress is attached as much as you can. This makes a huge difference in the finished garment. As a beginner sewer, I used to skip this step as I just wanted to sew other things and it felt pointless but I now really see the difference this step makes in wearing and even washing the garment later. It helps the lining stay down and not peep up from behind the outer fabric and when ironing or even washing, it keeps the garments shape better. Learn from my mistakes and do not skip this step.

Once my lining was attached and my bodice was bagged out, I sewed up the sides and was able to turn my attention to the skirt. The skirt just had a few large seams attaching the front skirt pieces to the back and I unfortunately forgot to sew in my pockets – so I’ll be going back and adding them at a later date. With my skirt together, I went ahead and attached it to my bodice and then added my facing pieces which will act as extra support and strength for the button placard down the front. The last large bit of sewing was the hem which I did a double hem for and then I overlocked any remaining raw edges that I could.

The last thing I needed to do was to sew on my button holes which I did using my machine. It’s not an automatic button hole maker, I do need to manually change settings as the hole is created but it really is a simple process and I find it satisfying to watch. To complete my dress, I sewed on my buttons making sure they would be in the most flattering position and then, once I added my personalised label, my Bali dress was done.

This pattern has been hovering around me for about two years and I can’t believe I didn’t get around to making it until just now. The fit of this dress was incredible! I’m so glad I sewed up the size 12, as for those who are new, I personally find that with most commercial patterns, I have to go down the recommended size as my recommended size of 14, is way too big. Yes I can take it in, but I find sewing one size down has always given me better results. With this pattern having adjustable bodice pieces depending on cup size, I found that my normal size of a c cup works perfectly. The bodice sat beautifully along my curves and the lightness of the fabric was a delight in the heat. With the lining being just a bedsheet, it was really soft on the skin and every now and then I’d get a waft of my laundry powder since the bedsheet has been washed so many times in it’s life.

The skirt of the dress was delightful and flowy. Just what I wanted it to be. it was very comfortable to walk around in and I found the ability to open up the bottom of the skirt gave me more air flow to my legs when needed as well as the chance to get onto a scooter without an issue. The lack of pockets, completely my fault, was a disappointment but I will certainly be going back and adding them in the future.

One thing that can be a bit hit or miss with button down dresses is how they line up and pull the fabric around the body. You never want your buttons to be gaping or under so much stress that they constantly pop open. Even when sitting or relaxing, you want the buttons to lay flat again the body and not create awkward bulging, lumps and puckers. This dress pattern was a dream for me as it sat perfectly which makes me instantly want to sew it up again. This pattern really needs to be added to your library because it’s so good. With Very Easy Vogue being 2 for 2 in terms of how good they come out with minimal adjustments, I am curious to check out more patterns from this Vogue range in the future.

Whilst in Bali, I wore this dress for our anniversary day activity. The husband and I went to an art studio in Ubud where we got to design and craft silver jewellery (full blog on this experience coming soon!). I was very comfortable sitting outside in this dress making jewellery which is a lot more labour intensive than you’d think. I felt really cute in this dress and the husband liked it despite generally not being a fan of button down dresses. To compliment this dress, I paired her with a brown belt, some comfortable shoes and simple jewellery. Although it was our anniversary, I didn’t want to get too dressed up or even bother with makeup as it was quite a warm day. Later in my trip, I wore the dress again sans belt (where most of these photos were taken) and she was just as comfortable and cool. I got many compliments from the hotel staff on my dress which made me feel really happy too.

What started as a silly pact between two new friends who met in a small women’s retreat, I now have completed my promise of making a dress from some stunning Balinese fabric, and wearing it again on my next visit. This project became very personal for me and completing it was really wonderful. This project also reminded me how important putting yourself out there to meet new people can be, as well as being brave and trying new things. My Very Easy Vogue 9182 dress sparked a love of sewing again after a mini break and I am already keen to get back and make something new.

Missing you lots Jo!

Note: This is not a sponsored post. All opinions and thoughts expressed are solely my own and not influenced in any way. There are no affiliate links and I do not benefit from any link clicks or purchases made.