I make a lot of model garments for classes I teach at Haberman Fabrics. My next set of classes starting in May will teach how to sew a variety of dresses. They include a vintage style dress from Vogue, a simple knit shift dress, and a wrap dress.
Though quite time consuming making the dresses is fun and instructive. By constructing each garment I am able to know first hand all the details involved in making them, but more importantly, the process allows me to know where deviations from the construction sequence should be employed and what short cuts or improvements should be taught.
The vintage Vogue dress using pattern #2960 was the most fun to make. Probably because it was the most challenging to construct, but also because I found it to be the most stylish of the three. The store and I chose to do it in a more dressy fabric to help promote the stores strong offering of wedding and social occasion fabrics, but it would look equally lovely in a beautiful floral print as illustrated on the pattern envelop - don't you agree?
The wrap dress made from Vogue #8784 is not a dress I would wear but is a very popular silhouette. In fact, Sarah at Goodbye Valentino recently featured a very similar dress. Made in a stretch cotton woven print the dress features a fully lined bodice. I chose not to line the skirt which worked out just right for the full skirt. 
The third dress is a very practical and easy dress to make. Made using McCall's #6886 in a medium weight knit print the pattern features several necklines and sleeve options. I chose the short sleeve V-neck version. With a serger to finish all the seams and very few style lines or details this is a dress that can be made in just a matter of a few hours.
