October 15, 2012

McCalls 6503

 First - I have no idea who the average is for dresses these days.  I added 2" to the skirt when I cut this out, but it still wasn't enough. 

The first version of this dress is what I think Karen of Did You Make That? would call an 'ickle' print - or rather childish.  But I wanted what I've started calling 'fake fabric*' in case my alterations didn't work out. 

The only alterations I made to the pattern tissue was to shorten the back for both my sway back and my very short back waist.  What I didn't do was shorten the front so the side seams matched.  I thought I could create a fake full bust adjustment by just gathering the extra front into the side seams.  It worked ok - but it's not perfect, there is a bunch of extra fabric under my arms at the side seams.  I have adjusted that and have the next fabric ready to roll (or be cut).
I like this version - but I think it's a bit boring.   I've dubbed it the prison matron dress - but seeing the photos -  it's not nearly that bad.  I've bought some lovely, tiny white tatted trim to put around the collar and will add it to the hem - maybe.  Will have to take a look at it.

As I said earlier - I added 2 inches to the skirt when I cut it out.  but that wasn't enough. To hem this version, I cut a 3 1/2" band, folded it in half and added it to the bottom.  It's just about the perfect length.

I wore this most of the day with a white cardigan.  The sleeves look tight, but they are not and there was plenty of room to move.   I was quite surprised by how well the pleated skirt laid over both my belly and my rear. 

The best part of sew camp?  Coming home feeling cute and not nearly as fat as I thought I was!

*Fake fabric - something old from the cupboard that would be alright to wear, but if it didn't work out wouldn't hurt my feelings at all.  This time it worked out!


15 comments :

  1. I love the dress and the fabric you used: it's beautiful. Great job!

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  2. I love the dress too! I don't see anything matronly about it at all.

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  3. I really like it too! You look great in your 6503! Very slimming! I really wanted to define the neck band too - good idea to add a white trim!

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  4. I think the dress is great n u look good in it. But i dont think i would like a white trim added to the neck band tho...

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  5. I like your dress. The color is quite good on you, and the shape is great. I'd go ahead and add the white tatted lace trim to both the neckline and hem, so they match. It'll brighten up the blue just a little more, and I think you'll love it.

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  6. I THINK THE DRESS is beautiful and you are too!!!!!

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  7. I LOVE this dress on you. I don't think the fabric is boring. To me, it looks like a classic dress - both the design and the fabric - and I bet you'll wear this for a long time. Nicely done!! Still envious of your sewing weekend. Sounds like a fun time.

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  8. Another pretty dress that is so flattering. The cut of the bodice and the flare to the skirt look so good on you - the lace will be a pretty enhancement. I'm pleased you'll be making this pattern again

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  9. I absolutely love the fabric of that dress! The blue looks great on you, as does the whole dress.

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  10. Cute dress! And the perfect length too! I need dresses for Fall and seeing yours makes me feel like I've been bitten by the sewing bug.

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  11. Prison matron dress?? I think it's cute. I do know what you mean about using fabric that you aren't really invested in. If it works -great. If it doesn't, oh well on to something else.

    It's nice to see you sewing again.

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  12. You should add the white to the collar, the sleeve hems, and t the waistline. It will add definition to the dress giving your eyes a place to rest AND by adding it at the waistline it will make it look smaller. Also, when you make this again use a less dense print.

    I'm thrilled that sew camp worked so well for you!

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  13. Prison matron dress? No, no, no! It is just fine. I'm not sure about the white trim though. It might look too "loving hands at home", if you know what I mean. Maybe baste it on and get in front of a mirror. Definitely not on the hem though. At least, that's my opinion. I've been known to be wrong. Once or twice. ;-)

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  14. Great job! I'm considering this pattern - I think I'm going to make the one with the ruffle (I plan to use pink searsucker - I saw a Lilly Pulitzer one similar to this and loved it!). This pattern looks great for you!

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I appreciate you coming to see me. It may take me a bit to publish your comment - but I will get to them by the end of every day. If you leave a way for me to get back to you, I will. Thanks for taking the time to comment and share your opinions. g

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