McCall's 6507



Finished the dress!

I added a review on PR as well...

McCall's 6507

Pattern Description:
Dress has fitted, bias front bodice with cowl neckline, single layer overlay (wrong side of fabric shows) with tucks, invisible back zipper and baby narrow hems. Designed for soft lightweight wovens.

Pattern Sizing:
6-22, I made 16

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?
Yes!

Were the instructions easy to follow?
Yes & no.

The pattern was well drafted, but my print had a couple of errors. The "back" bodice was labeled as "front", and there were no sizes marked for the tucks on the overlay (there were two sets of tucks, I had to figure out which set to use)

At that point, I decided not to use the instructions, especially since they told you to sew the tucks down on the overlay before you attach the bodice. I think that would have caused the tucks to get caught up in the waist seam. I made the skirt and bodice separately but I did not stitch down the tucks until I sewed the top and bottom together. (hope that made sense)

I also believe the bias finish at the waist could potentially be bulky (or messy if you used a slippery fabric). My fabric was stable enough to serge clean, but had I used a lighter fabric I would have installed a waist-stay instead.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?
It's a beautiful dress. I made it to wear to a bridal shower. For a semi-different look, I think the external tucks could be turned into internal pleats and the dress would still have a pretty drape for the overlay. Using a sheer fabric for the overlay would be cute too!

I also like the draping at the neckline and back out and it's not too low cut on either side. The way the sleeves fall is nice too. Sexy, but demure!

Fabric Used:
Polyester Simply Silky Print from Joann's

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:
none

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?
I thought I wouldn't make it again, but a solid color would be a great wardobe addition. I don't see this dress as trendy, but a classic look that you could wear for a good while.

The problem area was fixed after some steam was applied. Washing it didn't make the pleats fall, I guess they were pressed in good!

side view... I will have to steam these wrinkles out before I wear it.

The back I was worried about, I have a broad back/shoulders, but the cut of the sleeves is really flattering, and the flare of the skirt balances everything out. 

Me time

Yahoooo! Time to start sewing hardcore for yours truly!!! The bridal shower is April 28th and we're pretty much prepped so I need to get hot on my dress. I pulled out my fabrics and here's what I came up with:

McCall's 6507, I really wanted Butterick 5601, but I have almost 3 yards of this pretty pretty fabric, and I really want to maximize the yardage (a "silky" poly print fabric from Joann's spring 2011.
Plus, the other hostess is wearing a cowl neck, so that can be our "uniform."

 Progress:

Here is the skirt so far. I am not having any problems yet because I am NOT USING THE DIRECTIONS! The directions and pattern markings have a few typos, at least in my envelope.

The back bodice is marked as "front." The sizing for the overlay pleats is missing - like, there are two sets of overlapping pleat markings and I had to figure out which one to use, *eyeroll*. I also really wanna know how I'm supposed to add length at the bottom of the rounded overlay if I needed too....anywayzzzzz...

Additionally, I'm pretty sure that if I stitched down (instead of pinning) the pleats on that skirt overlay before attaching the bodice, it would to get caught up in the bodice when I attached it. I'm going to stitch the pleats down AFTER I put the top on. Duh.

I haven't put together the bodice yet or looked at those instructions, but again, so far so good with the pattern. (optimistic, much?)

Love this print.

I am having a tiny nervous breakdown about how that blasted overlay is laying poofing on the front. Yes that is the front!! I'm hoping that once those tucks are stitched down and I wash away the pressed pleats it will fall correctly. 

I believe my fabric does have enough drape, but I would definitely use something a little more "flowy" if I were to make this again. (which I doubt)

Be back with updates...

Fabric Hauls (catchup)

I wasn't able to sew *for me* during Feb/Mar but that didn't mean no fabric shopping was happening. Lemme show you.

Fabricmart haul



1. Pink/blue/gold floral cotton, possibly for a maxi skirt or dress like Butterick 5755 or McCall's 6558, view D
2. Pink/Blue cotton madras for a shirt dress. I really like M6520, view A
3. Black polyester matte jersey for Vogue 1250, this will be my first LBD! I want to make it in time for the wedding rehearsal dinner. Time and energy willing.
4. Blue/black/gray abstract ITY knit for a DVF style wrap dress. I'll prolly remake B5030.
5. Black and white cotton seersucker for B5647, view B.
6. Graphic floral cotton twill for either a blazer or a pair of pants. If I can get to it by summer it'll be pants inspired by these beauties that I pinned.
7. Magenta r/p/l ponte.  I got it with B5752 in mind. Then I saw Mimi's SMOKING dress and I knew I made the right choice! (my other option is a sleeveless B5559)

Joann's mini haul

Joann's has some really beautiful prints this season. I'm really in love with their "Global Traveller" collection. I purchased these  "Simply Silky" cuts in February and got to cutting AS SOON AS I finished them dang bridesmaids dresses!!! As of Sunday night, they are sewing up beautifully! I am making two New Look 6053 sweatshop style. I hope to be wearing these bad girls ASAP! (*note. I scheduled this post earlier this week and have since finished the skirts! I'll take pics of and post them tomorrow.)

annnnnnnnd I forgot my Blogger Anniversary like I do every year. Happy 5 years to me.

The Bridesmaids

So the bridesmaids dresses have been approved!! And I met my first wedding sewing deadline..

My sis has three Bridesmaids (BM), littlest sis + 2 girlfriends; and two Maids of Honor (MOH), me and the BFF. We are all wearing different dresses, handpicked by the bride. The lineup is stunning!

The BMs are wearing blush colors and us MOH's are wearing champagne gold. I *think* we are all wearing gold shoes-of our choice, and matching brooches. I CANT WAIT TO GO SHOE SHOPPING!!!!!! ok, lemme calm down...

Sis wanted to purchase convertible dresses for me and BFF from an Etsy vendor. Unfortunately, the vendor discontinued her chosen color so I offered to make them. We literally found the fabric on a fluke. G Street Fabrics turned out to be a bust so we were going to order online. I wanted to stop by a local Hancock Fabrics that was closing and stumbled upon this perfect match color for about $4/yard! So 2 bridal dresses for $40 and elbow grease. Let's say it together: SCORE!!!

I used pattern McCall's 6353. It turned out to be a decent pattern to work with. I was annoyed at having to cut the extra long ties on the floor, but in the end they are perfect and not bulky at all.

I am using what I consider medium-weight poly-Spandex knit. Like 10 yards of it had some weight! It has a lot of crosswise stretch and very little lengthwise stretch.  My only issues with the pattern is that there are ZERO finished measurements for bust-waist-hip and the ties are the same length in all sizes!!! (I made a 14 and a 24 and the ties are the exact same length, only difference is the width.) I didn't realize it would make a (small but noticeable) difference until we tried them on. It's still stunning on her and fits great, I just wish there was a bit more hang for the larger sized tie. Um, derr, McCall's...

Yes that's a wig... Let's focus on the dress!

My MOH dress back... I feel like a peanut head in this dress.  Bwahhahaaahahah! I will probably wear a big flower in my hair to balance me out.
My sister didn't approve my Kardashian style weave idea, lol.

BFF-MOH dress front... I will say this dress is flattering on all sizes!

BFF-MOH dress back view...
We're not 100% sure how we want to tie them yet, but she liked the one shoulder look on her. It was really cute!

I would like to wear mine another way since all of the other BM's have different dresses (theirs were purchased in various places).

Here's me in my new hat wig. I've only worn it once, just for fun.
Not sure if I can make it a regular thing, gotta get used to it, lol.


Wedding dress update next post...

Spring/Summer "trends" I like

I've been loving the lace dresses I've been seeing in the editorials and in the online shops. This backless style is very sexy, but not over the top!

Cropped blazers.... I wasn't sold at first. But with a baggy pant, they look super cute! I need to try one on to make sure it suits my figure.

You know I love printed pants, having made a couple of pairs last year.
This year they are looking great in all shapes from wide leg to slim. I definitely want to make a silk or cotton pair for the upcoming summer. Those polyester pairs I've done have my knees sweating!

I've always loved angled and rounded hemlines so all of the asymmetrical hems I've been seeing are right up my alley.
look 1, look 2, look 3

What's on your radar?

McCall's 6570

How cute is this!!!

via McCall.com

Inspiration

Rachel Zoe blouse

[ I ] found love in a hopeless place...

I was afraid my mojo was being killed by my SAD, but then...

New McCall's Spring 2012 patterns....

McCall's 6506, Plenty by Tracey Reese!!!
I need spring here NOW more than EV-ERRRRR.

McCall's 6507. Plenty by Tracey Reese!!!
I have to make this at ALL costs.

And the best thing about these two patterns is:
"Includes separate pattern pieces for A/B, C and D cup sizes."
Yessss. I love you too McCall's. I never knew they did that on designer patterns.


Other notable lovelies from the collection...

McCall's 6511

McCall's 6520

I'm gonna go back through my inspiration posts and I'm going to make sure I get some sewing in during the holiday downtime these next two weeks. Gotta make this high last.
(& yes I'm talking about a high from sewing patterns, #dontjudge.)

On to Sherwood Forest!

McCall's 6209 view B body, view D hood.

I had 3 yards of really nice (free!) camel felted wool in the stash. I thought about making a coat, but after trying on camel coats in the store, I didn't like they way I looked in "that" much camel covering my frame. I already have a camel blazer and a wool camel jacket, so I figured a cape would be a nice addition to my winter wears.

Not 100% sure about this closure, but it's functional for now. I would like to replace it with a button & toggle closure

I still think this is a lot of camel, but the silhouette is loose and it works better on me than a fitted camel coat. Trust me, it wasn't a cute look.

I have worn shorter capes before, so this is a "new" feeling for me. It was awkward to put on at first, kind of like throwing a blanket over my shoulders. (this was right after I finished it so excuse my appearance, lol)

I didn't wear it to work that day, it was warm. It will be great for layering on a chilly day when I don't want to be bulked down with a coat.

The awesomeness is that with felted wool, you dont have to worry about seams unravelling! I sewed it all on the sewing machine and trimmed the seam allowanced close. It's not noticeable at all.

The greatness is, that the hood is huge, because I have a lot to cover.

So what's up, is this friar or fire?


PS: Those shoes from a couple of posts ago can be found here (non monetized link)

Inspiration

*With my sister getting married next summer, I am thinking about dresses for the upcoming festivities (bridal showers, etc). I am the Matron of Honor so I gotta look the part because she won't let me wear any hippie dippie dresses :(

I am leaning towards McCall's 6394 because I already have the perfect fabric for it.

wooo-saaaah

I wasn't going to share this at first, but my Sister said it was OK.

Now, back to my whiny post the other day. The real reason I was feeling inadequate in my sewing is because I have been tasked with making a wedding gown for my sister.

Yea...

holy.crap.com
what.is.i'm.gonna.do.com
give.me.oxygen.com

Background: So when my sister announced this summer her upcoming nuptials (congrats Boo!) I knew I wanted to be a big part of the behind the scenes, so I offered up my services for the bridesmaid's gown. The problem with that was coming up with a dress for multiple body types. My suggestion was the convertible dress, something like:

via www.mccall.com

Everyone agreed and she found the dresses in RTW. Fine, that saves me some time/effort for something else. But I told her I'm still making mine because I don't want to pay $90 for a polyester dress, when I can make a silk one for equal or less. I'm the Matron of Honor anyway, and I can be "special". So that solved, up next was the problem of the wedding gown.

now, my sister (middle child) is...... how can I say this without pissing her off........

a dreamer

delusional.

The dress she envisioned was not working out on the day of our gown search. I felt really sad for her that day and wished that her dream could come true somehow. She really deserves it. As fate would have it, the very next day (or week later) she found a dress in a vintage shop that she could modify into her dream dress. So we got the gown cleaned, and came up with a game plan.

Now guess who became the lead on that project?

I'm making a wedding gown.

The panic/sheer terror/heart arrhythmias have settled. But, I'm making a wedding gown. Not from scratch, gosh no, I am modifying an existing gown.

but it's my sister's wedding gown.

I am honored and excited and and and... there is miles of lace/tulle/satin/beading involved.

Of course I didn't tell her I was nervous about it, but I let her know what I was comfortable doing, and you know what? I am going to ROCK THIS THING OUT!! I think it's the perfect challenge and confidence booster to take me to the next level in my sewing and creativity. I'm not going to let any self doubt and negative thoughts cloud our vision and block her dream.

So, I guess I will be sharing a new "adventure." (I really am taking several deep breaths here.) The plan, the prep, the process and the progress. While I won't be able to reveal the dress until it's all over, I will share the things I make for myself and my daughter, Miss Junior Bridesmaid. Possibly some things for the bride to be.

So stay tuned...

puppytooth

Couldn't resist the title.

Anyway, after my last inspiration post I got busy on using up a piece of green/black houndstooth mystery suiting from my stash. It seems like it could be some sort of a wool blend because it feels supersoft and responded well to steam and pressing. It's lightweight, yet warm and I only had about 2 yards so it had to be either pants or a skirt.

I was short on fabric and had to get "creative" with the layout hence the bi-directional-ness.

McCalls 6438

I know it's not the "on-trend" black & white houndstooth, but I like it better because the b&w is kind of a bold print.

Inspiration

Pic Source

I have some black/green mini houndstooth, I wasn't sure about it, but now I know EXACTLY what I want to do with it now.

Inspiration

I am frequently asked by hubby...

"Um, so you're wearing that?"

"What kind of shoes are those?"

"Why don't you just shop at JC Penney?"


Booooooo.

@ work why does my supervisor go petrified everytime I have to make a presentation or attend a business meeting? He's like "What are you going to wear?" Really? Yes my male boss. Bwaahahaaa!!! (Of course I dress appropriately.)



LOVE her style philosophy...




For me it's not about completely repelling men (though it is hilarious seeing hubby cringe), but it's about being true to wearing what makes YOU feel awesome & stylish.

Another funny thing is, when I wear something "normal" or "pretty" the men (and women) I interact with on a regular basis really notice.

http://mccallpattern.mccall.com/

Summer dresses part I

Forgot about showing you the dresses I made for this summer's vacation. I took many pics, but the ones of me mostly turned out goofy looking because my photog was being 13. Shoot, it can't be me, lol...

But here goes:

Nothing "interesting" but very laid back comfortable. I pretty much wore loose maxi dresses

Butterick 5643 - made 2 more (in awesome non wrinkling cottons!), first one here 
5652 - swimsuit coverup, sheer polyester chiffon
5313 from this post
& a pair of cropped cotton harem pants from last summer (McCalls 5889 - sorry forgot to take pics)

We went to amusements parks, on walking tours and the beach. And it was hooooooot so everything in my summer vacation "wardrobe" worked out perfectly.

The blue dress was a thrifted "muu-muu" in a crinkled cotton/rayon with a small floral print and tiered bottom. Soooo cute. I felt very "prairie" in it. I need to wear this again soon to get a better pic.

I lost my freaking hat at the park though. So mad cause it's hard to find hats that fit me.
I need to take pics of the dress that I didn't get to wear at all!

Ah well, at least I made it.

laters...

This post is worthless without photos

Don't you just hate it when stuff like making a living--spending time with family--sleeping--taking care of home and stuff interferes with your sewing? Then to top it off your teenager steals borrows your camera to take pictures of herself for Facebook and you are afraid to go in her room to get it back because.....

Actually, I have just been working offsite for a few weeks and it totally threw me off my routine (& sucked the life out of me) but I'm back on track now.

The three day weekend really helped get me back into my sewing. I went honey baked  H.A.M. beginning Thursday night through Monday afternoon, cutting out several patterns, and finishing three pairs of pants and a dress. All that's left to do is install two zippers & hem that last pair of pants. Now I can sleep this week!

What I worked on:

You'll be seeing these when I wear them...

I was able to sneek in a few moments to check out the newest patterns and drool over some fashion blogs. Here are some things on my winter wish list:

See theCurvyFashionista here: http://thecurvyfashionista.mariedenee.com/2011/10/emme-dress-monif-c/trackback/

See Natalie Hartley here: http://carolinesmode.com/stockholmstreetstyle/art/223447/natalie_hartley/