I made this dress (McCalls 3926-- now out of print) quite a long time ago, using a length of cotton that was gifted to me. I never really wore it much.
I see now that it's because with its black colorway and cotton fabric, it looks like a Mennonite dress (especially when I had long hair which I wore in a braid...).
Plus I never really liked how the neckline sat on me originally. But, in re-evaluating some of my dresses, I wondered if I could fuss with this one a little to make it more wearable.
I just needed a quick hem -- taking off just over 7 inches -- and lo and behold, it is wearable, and I think quite cute now! I'm still not sure about the neckline though. I like it except when I try to carry my purse or anything else, then it all goes wonky. But perhaps that is because it's made of a fairly stiff cotton rather than something a little more flexible. If I decide to keep it I think I might open up a side seam and insert a pocket -- always useful.
PS - Excuse my crazy look in the photo: my husband was getting rather tired of taking multiple pictures of me in different dresses and was starting to pretend he was a fashion photographer, yelling "work it!" at me as people walked by. I had to laugh...
Tuesday, August 27, 2013
Friday, August 23, 2013
Repeat of a Favourite
I've made this New Look 6936 before, in a completely different fabric. I really liked the way it fit, and the way that the fabric choice really makes the dress. It's a simple pattern, really a 2 hour dress as claimed on the packaging! But this time I read through all the reviews at PatternReview.com (a necessity for anyone who sews a lot, I think -- extremely useful).
Through the reviews I discovered some tips from others' experience. There is a lot of ease in the bodice; I find in my first attempt, the shoulders are really wide and sometimes slide around, showing off my bra straps -- not that I mind but I have scandalized some of the old ladies at work ;) So like another sewist suggested, this time I cut the bodice a size 12 while leaving the skirt a 14. It fits much better.
I found this shiny knit fabric on sale a while back and hoped that it wouldn't be too busy to make a whole dress from. It is a bit wild, but I like it. I made View E this time. I'll most likely make one or two more dresses from this pattern. It's really easy and I like how easy and comfortable it is, though the next time around I'm going to add an inch or so to the length of the bodice so it sits a little lower. And I'm going to add a pocket. But I still like this quick, one morning project!
Two views of the finished product:
Through the reviews I discovered some tips from others' experience. There is a lot of ease in the bodice; I find in my first attempt, the shoulders are really wide and sometimes slide around, showing off my bra straps -- not that I mind but I have scandalized some of the old ladies at work ;) So like another sewist suggested, this time I cut the bodice a size 12 while leaving the skirt a 14. It fits much better.
I found this shiny knit fabric on sale a while back and hoped that it wouldn't be too busy to make a whole dress from. It is a bit wild, but I like it. I made View E this time. I'll most likely make one or two more dresses from this pattern. It's really easy and I like how easy and comfortable it is, though the next time around I'm going to add an inch or so to the length of the bodice so it sits a little lower. And I'm going to add a pocket. But I still like this quick, one morning project!
Two views of the finished product:
Wednesday, August 21, 2013
Mad for Plaid
I've been having some fun with refashioning over the last couple of weeks (having time off regular work lends itself to more creative work!) I went shopping at the Goodwill to score a couple of dresses that I thought I might be able to do something with.
Exhibit A: this plaid beauty. I liked the fabric of this one -- it's a light, silky polyester blend of some sort -- but look at that 80's styling! I knew I'd have to chop this one up a bit, but thought there was definite potential.
I also shortened it by an extra two inches. After all that chopping up and resewing -- with careful pinning and pressing, as the fabric is quite slippery and I wanted to keep those lines straight! -- I ended up with a much more modern look.You might notice that this dress has a self belt (and pockets! I love pockets). I wore the dress this week with a regular black skinny belt that wasn't so slippery, and also to break up the pattern a bit. I think it turned out fairly nicely!
First things first: get rid of the monstrous shoulder pads! |
I also shortened it by an extra two inches. After all that chopping up and resewing -- with careful pinning and pressing, as the fabric is quite slippery and I wanted to keep those lines straight! -- I ended up with a much more modern look.You might notice that this dress has a self belt (and pockets! I love pockets). I wore the dress this week with a regular black skinny belt that wasn't so slippery, and also to break up the pattern a bit. I think it turned out fairly nicely!
Wednesday, August 7, 2013
Mellow Yellow
This week I took advantage of a huge sale at my local fabric store and stocked up on some new lengths of various fabrics -- not like I need any more but it's always irresistible.
I have had this pattern (New Look 6602) for a very long time, and I've been wanting to make it up for a while now. I finally found the perfect fabric on the sale table, a nice cotton/linen blend that I've been eyeing for some time. I was able to pick it up for $2.50 a metre!
So I quickly ran up a dress, and it was quick -- this pattern is very simple but has two features I particularly liked. First, pockets, and then self-lined sleeves, which creates such a nice edge. It turned out a little too shifty for me, so I added a belt. I'm going to try again with a different fabric and remember to shorten it a bit so I can wear it shift style.
But I am pleased with the way it turned out. It's comfortable and cheery, and I love having pockets. A necessary feature for functional clothing!
I have had this pattern (New Look 6602) for a very long time, and I've been wanting to make it up for a while now. I finally found the perfect fabric on the sale table, a nice cotton/linen blend that I've been eyeing for some time. I was able to pick it up for $2.50 a metre!
So I quickly ran up a dress, and it was quick -- this pattern is very simple but has two features I particularly liked. First, pockets, and then self-lined sleeves, which creates such a nice edge. It turned out a little too shifty for me, so I added a belt. I'm going to try again with a different fabric and remember to shorten it a bit so I can wear it shift style.
But I am pleased with the way it turned out. It's comfortable and cheery, and I love having pockets. A necessary feature for functional clothing!
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