Creating a Barbie-Inspired Dream Dress: Vogue Pattern 1884

Sewing has been a creative outlet for me, allowing me to bring my imagination to life. Recently, I decided to embark on a project that took me back to my childhood, a Barbie-inspired dress for the Simplicity Pattern Company's "Let's Sew Pink" challenge. With the much anticipated Barbie Movie coming out on Friday, I was all too excited about this challenge. I mean, who didn't wish they had Barbie's wardrobe, now imagine being able to sew it. Let’s get into the details on this dress.

Fabric Used

To begin my project, I searched for the ideal fabric to bring out the Barbie essence. After a trip to Fine Fabrics in Atlanta, I settled on a beautiful, hot pink satin fabric, as it perfectly captured the whimsical aura I was aiming for. It is sturdy enough to hold its shape, yet soft enough to allow the dress to flow gracefully, just like a Barbie gown.

Pattern Used/Size Cut

This Vogue 1884 pattern was exactly what I needed to help me create a dreamy, pink dress reminiscent of Barbie's signature style. It is a lined dress that is fitted from the bust to the waistline, and has a wide square neckline. I love the flared skirt with gathers under the waistline, and best of all, it has pockets!!! A dress just doesn't wear the same if it doesn't have pockets right? I cut a size 14 and the fit was great. I did cut a 12 for the shoulder seam to ensure the straps would not be too long. I also cut along the size 12 line in the underarm area, so that I will get a better fit without the gaping.

Final Thoughts

Sewing this dress was a fun but tedious process, requiring patience and lots of gathering. At one point I almost threw the dress to the side and quit, because it was one mishap after another. All three invisible zippers I used broke, and I had to make a quick run to Hobby Lobby. The YKK zippers there are of great quality, and with all of the up and down pulling of the zipper, it did not break. The bodice and skirt came together beautifully, despite me having to run to Jo-Ann's twice in one day because I kept purchasing the wrong amount of horsehair braid. Through all the ups and downs, I am glad that I stuck with it, because the dress turned out beautifully, and I think Barbie would be proud.

To elevate the dress further and achieve a truly Barbie-like effect, I made a belt using a black satin fabric, cutting it 42" long and 2" wide. I then hand stitched a decorative butterfly appliqué to the belt to bring it to an extra level of pretty. I wish that I could put on this dress and go out with Barbie, Ken, and friends. However, the closest I will get to hanging out with Barbie is on the big screen when I go to see the movie.

Thank you all for taking the time to read my blog, I truly appreciate it. I hope that this blog was informative and that you learned something that will help you in your next sewing project. Comment below and let me know your thoughts or questions. Also, please make sure to subscribe to my blog so you will be the first to get updates and newletters.