McCalls 6752

This was before I broke out my walking foot so the pattern match is not exact but this is the last time that will happen.

 

This little girl is my heart and one day she will kill me for posting these pictures. LOL!

 Pattern Description:   MISSES' TOPS AND DRESSES: Pullover tops and dresses have neckline variations, and elasticized (seamed) waist. A: lower left side gathers and exposed zipper. A and B: loose-fitting . C: elasticized side seams on lower section. C and D: very loose-fitting, gathered (bias front) bodice. B and D: semi-fitted skirt. Stitched hem A, C and sleeves B. Narrow hem back neckline A, B and neckline/armholes C and D.

Pattern Sizing:  Combinations: A5(6-8-10-12-14),E5(14-16-18-20-22)

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? This pattern is so easy to make I only checked the instructions for the front draped neck detail.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?  I loved how easy this went together, there are only 3 pattern pieces, what's not to love about that?  Dislike:  This dress is SHORT.  I'm only 5'4" and usually have to shorten everything.  I added 1" to the hem of this dress because I had heard that it was a little short and it still wasn't enough.  I could easily be comfortable with 2 more inches.

Fabric Used: A Missoni-esque ITY knit from Fabric.com.  This fabric has been in my stash for awhile but I like this one and this one

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:  I didn't have to make a FBA which was pretty cool.  I added 1" to the hem and a 1/2" to the skirt front and back for a total of 1".  If I made it again, I would probably add a smidge more to the mid-section for a little extra wearing ease.  I also made a fabric belt to cover the elastic and add a little more interest.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?  I could see myself making this again but not until next year.

Conclusion:   This is a great pattern, easy to sew, easy to wear and can be dressed up or down.

Getting Back in the Groove

No pics today. Why, you ask. Because despite my best intentions there has been no sewing. Now I did cut one thing out because I just had to try out my new cutting table to see what all the fuss was about (I've been cutting on the floor for 30 years but my knees and back were starting to object) but other than that --nothing.  I was messing around in the sewing lab last night rearranging and touching my fabric and realized that I have at least 10 UFO's or WIP projects. That. Is. Unacceptable. So my project now is to finish the unfinished before staring another thing. My mind does tend to wander and I'll want to start planning the next thing so I thought I'd tell you guys here because that will keep me honest. Lets see what the weekend brings.

Mimi G's Off The Shoulder Maxi Dress

A little while back Mimi G posted an off the shoulder maxi that I thought was too die for.  She eventually made a tutorial available for it which can be found at www.mimigstyle.com.  I have actually already made two versions of this dress but I still need to hem the second one before I post it.  I used French terry for this one because I really wanted it to be a warm and cozy casual dress.  This was probably due to the change in weather here as it's a good 20 degrees cooler than it was last week.  I also had the bright idea in the middle of the night to use a piece of faux leather I had in the stash to create a contrast on a two part sleeve.

Pattern Description: Off the shoulder maxi dress

Pattern Sizing: pattern is drafted to your measurements

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it? Pretty close.

Were the instructions easy to follow? Mimi is an excellent teacher and her directions are always so clear and easy to follow.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? This went together with such ease and I think you get a really sophisticated look for not a lot of fuss.  I also like that the pattern is so versatile.  This pattern lends itself to becoming a TNT.

Fabric Used: French Terry and faux leather.

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:  The only change I made was to use a two part sleeve and make the bottom half out of faux leather that I had in the stash.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?  Absolutely, I already have.

Conclusion:   This is another winning tutorial from Mimi at mimigstyle.com.  What I love about this and the other tutorials I've made is that you can just change up the fabric and embellishments and build an entire wardrobe around these 5 or 6 easy basic pieces.