Saturday, August 25, 2007

McCall's 5468 - not my style

It looks cute on the pattern envelope but not on my body.




Pattern Reveiw:


Description:

Misses' Dress and Jumper


Sizing:

6 to 20 - I made a 10, the bodice still is big.


Instructions:

They were fine


Likes:

No likes on this one.


Onto the dislikes:

It is the style but on my all I could think of was matronly! The collar, where it hits my waist (did add my usual 1" on the bodice), it looks too much at the waist. I don't know - I love the fabric but not in this dress. Too much gathering on the skirt, the ties are too heavy on the side seams to hang correctly. The ties want to pull the side seams down. I did cut out and sew 2 pieces for each tie, the instructions call for you just to turn under but on a knit with the print only on one side you will have the wrong side showing.
Here is the dress on me:
See what I mean?
Fabric:
Knit from Gorgeous fabric
What did I change?
Well, everything. I thougth do I want a dress hanging in my closet I will never wear, or do I want to fix it right now. Fixing it won out. I went to anthropologie for inspiration. Found some tops with elastic at the waist, some contrasting trim and I went to work.
The collar went bye-bye. I took off the skirt and made it smaller, no more gathers, just two pleats on the front. I found a black knit shirt in my closet, no longer wear that one. So, I added the 1/2" binding at the neckline and then the trim between the skirt and the waistband. The ties were also eliminated. I stitched some channels in the waistband and added 2 rows of elastic to help with the waist.
Here is the new tunic on me- side view:
The front view on my dressform:
I might add a bow/tie from the black at the center front of the waistband. It needs it to blend the neckline binding and the lower trim.
Would I sew it again?
NO
Conclusion:
Not my style of dress, I think I am more of a skirt/ top gal. I like my top much better than the dress, don't love it but I will wear it.
I am sure this is a gorgeous dress on the right body type, but check the bodice width and all those gathers on the skirt. Also, if your fabric is busy, the collar doesn't get noticed.

12 comments:

  1. Oh I love it! Great save! Next time I have a garment that just doesn't work I think I'll go all Anthropologie all over its keister!

    :)

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  2. OMG, Lori... we have done it again. I have that same fabric! I was considering making the New Look wrap front dress.

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  3. Good save Lori. There is no point keeping something you will never wear. It can be so deflating when a project doesn't work in a fabric you love. I'm glad you managed to save this one.

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  4. Anonymous8:49 PM

    I love how you saved this dress and made it into something wonderful!

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  5. Anonymous9:07 AM

    I made this pattern too and I also hated it. Maybe that's why they don't show a real person on the envelope.

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  6. Great save! The top is fantastic. I too will use Anthropologie as inspiration the next time a project doesn't work. And thanks for the warning - I also have this pattern. It was one of the next ones to be completed. I think I'll pass.

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  7. Anonymous9:03 AM

    Great idea. I also liked your review. Good luck on your next project!

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  8. Anonymous8:59 PM

    Well, aren't you the clever one! Love how you cut it down. Fabric is so pretty and just perfect for the look.

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  9. What a transformation! Good job!

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  10. Anonymous8:39 PM

    I've been eyeing that fabric for some time now. It makes up so lovely, both ways. I did think the dress looked nice on you, but if you don't like it, that's all that matters. Your altered top looks fab too. Was the fabric fun to work with? It looks like it.

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  11. Great save. You know, great minds think alike. I'm sorry I missed this the first time!

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  12. Great save. You know, great minds think alike. I'm sorry I missed this the first time!

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