My Version Sophie Dress

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Here's another twist to our latest Sophie Dress/Top patterns and my own version. I just love the comfortable and simple flared style of our latest Sophie Dress pattern but I wasn't so sure about the v-neck bodice as I tend to prefer higher neck styles. During the pattern preparation and sample-making stages, we realised that by simply bringing the lapel over and securing it in place with a single button, you can create an interesting assymetrical neckline with diagonal keyhole opening.

If you like Sophie but you're not as fond of a v-neck like me, this is how I went about making this easy and minor change to the pattern. To ensure that the lapel didn't sit too high up my neck I trimmed away some of the lapel shaping, taking off 2" (5cm) at the lapel corner on both the front bodice and front facing pattern pieces and blending it back to the shoulder line. 

By cutting a 1" wide bias strip, I made a rouleau loop in the same linen used. This was cut  2" long and sewn in place on my new front facing.

Position the start of the loop 1/2" down from top edge of lapel shaping on facing. Next, attach the facing to front bodice as per pattern instructions, turning facing towards wrong side of garment.

The facing understitching on my version is only done on the facing side (as opposed to the original pattern instructions where you do it on both sides). 

Finally, I added a lovely toggle shaped horn button. This is purely decorative and I don't need to undo the loop/button to get the dress over my head. 

What do you think?