Sunday, September 8, 2013

McCalls 6559 Knit dress...testing the water


Well, it has only taken me a year or so to try out this pattern. Actually, I've always loved it! But I thought it only came with a racer back. And to my credit, one really has to look at the line drawing to see that it has an option (View D) with a full width back! as noted by a wonderful blogger in a post I read a few weeks ago.


The pattern is a little scary, since it is described as 'very close fitting'. Ummm. So I decided to do my muslin in the short version, facing my fear at the least cost possible. I sewed my usual size 14, and, wow, a good fit! Yes, I can see my curves, but nothing is too bodaciously clingy!


This kind of funky tie-dye fabric is a rayon-lycra knit from Fabric Mart, and, to my surprise, it didn't run or lose color when I pre-washed it. The tough part was laying out the pattern so that the stripes and blotches didn't hit the wrong spots.

Only a couple changes to the pattern itself: I raised the neckline by 1/2", and  narrowed the upper side seams by 1/2" at the armhole, curing down about 3". I also used a 1" hem and self-fabric bindings, rather than purchased bias tape.


I like it! Would you believe that this short version only takes 1 1/8 yd. of 60" fabric in my size? and 1 3/4 yd. for the maxi. That is really amazing and economical. My next one, a maxi, is on the sewing table, in a beautiful ITY knit from Fabric.com...


Back soon - Ciao! Coco

4 comments:

  1. This is a great pattern. I've made it four times so far:) I did make one with the racerback, but decided that's not a good look for me. Look forward to seeing your maxi!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Very cute, Coco! You did place the design elements very well.

    ReplyDelete
  3. You always pick out fabric I like! Very cute dress and it looks nice on you. Like Valerie, I can't wait to see the beautiful ITY fabric in a maxi dress!

    ReplyDelete
  4. That looks super comfortable and stylish at the same time!

    ReplyDelete

I love it that you came by...and thank you for your comments! Coco