Friday, September 30, 2016

McCalls 6987 - just had to try this...



This little adventure has taken most of my time for a week!

I've really enjoyed the tunic version of this pattern, and I've been so curious about the longer view. Earlier this week Birdybooo posted a darling version on Pattern Review. Which led me to Fabricsofcolor's wonderful version in an African waxed fabric.  Such inspiration!

This rayon challis from Girl Charlee has been hanging around in my stash since last October. I haven't used it because I knew that the pattern matching would be a beast. Sure enough, this thing kept me so busy. I drafted full pattern pieces so that I could lay them out flat (rather than on the fold) and have more control over the fabric and print. Challis is so shifty! I was pinning it to itself, the tissue, and my cutting board. Five hours to draft and cut...

The only change I made was to lift the back aspect by about 3". I just knew I wouldn't want quite so much 'hi-lo'. And I used the sleeves from the tunic, View A - they're really interesting and fun to wear.


 Check out all that pattern matching. The print has about a hundred things going on. Patting myself on the back...


So - one more pic of this version, in the light of day. I think this dress is unique and interesting. It just doesn't make my heart sing, which means I wouldn't wear it.


However, I knew going in that I could always chop it and make it into the tunic. It was super easy to do, and I like the result.




I'm glad it's finished! but looking forward to wearing it. Challis is a perfect fabric for Florida, and these colors just say autumn.



So, it's almost the weekend. I like a weekend project, it just feels right, and I've decided to give StyleArc a reprieve :-) In progress today - the Stevie boyfriend jean jacket. The one that the clothingengineer made for her mom snagged me!

Parting shot: how about a toad in a frog pond. This big guy has been spending all his time in this bird bath, making an awful mess and keeping the doves away. He's cute, but not a good housekeeper. So I emptied it. A few holes in the bottom, and it will be a cute flower pot.


Hope the weekend is nice for all - Bye for now. Coco
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15 comments:

  1. Sarah WebbSeptember 30, 2016 at 3:28 PM

    I agree Coco- much better on you as a tunic. I think the proportions of the dress overwhelmed you and it looked " drooby" as we say in my family! I

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    1. CocoSeptember 30, 2016 at 5:17 PM

      thank you, Sarah. Drooby is a great work to express how I felt about it looked!

      Delete
  2. paoSeptember 30, 2016 at 4:50 PM

    Oh no, I absolutely luved it on you as a dress! Everything about it was fabulous, and especially how you dealt with the print. I'd certainly wear it in a heartbeat. The tunic is fine too seeing that you're more comfortable in it. But I say do another dress, by golly! I have that pattern too, by the way.

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    1. CocoSeptember 30, 2016 at 5:18 PM

      I'm chuckling, Pao. Knew you would like it, and I hope you make yours - you'll knock it out of the park!

      Delete
  3. IreneSeptember 30, 2016 at 9:17 PM

    What a wonderful print! And what a great job of placing the right elements in the right places. (I do like it as a tunic on you much better.)

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    1. CocoOctober 1, 2016 at 5:33 AM

      Thank you, Irene. All the prep was fun - I really enjoy that part of a sewing project. A challenge! instead of a simple garment.

      Delete
  4. Catherine DazeOctober 1, 2016 at 4:19 AM

    Five hours to cut out, goodness! It is a lovely fabric though. I agree the proportions on the tunic version are better - so glad you got something you enjoy wearing after all that hard work!

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    1. CocoOctober 1, 2016 at 5:38 AM

      Thank you, Catherine. If I were still wearing 'short' dresses, I think I'd like it the way fabricsofcolor did it, a big print with more body in the fabric. And if I were a Lagenlook devotee (love it on others, very appealing), I'd do it in linen over funky pants. But I'm happy with the tunic. It shows the print to best advantage, I think.

      Delete
  5. CocoOctober 1, 2016 at 5:35 AM

    thanks, Valerie. And my thoughts exactly. The front was disturbing. Big black bow...LOL. Those toads - I have so many this year, it has been so rainy, and my garden is so peaceful, I think they've told all their friends about it.

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  6. twotoastOctober 1, 2016 at 11:56 AM

    Ooh, I rather like this pattern. Definitely 'my style'. I would probably have overlooked it due to the gathers, but made up it looks great! Thanks for showing us how good it can look!

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    1. CocoOctober 2, 2016 at 8:06 AM

      I hope you sew it! You always look terrific in your Lagenlook creations. And you've inspired me on many occasions.

      Delete
  7. RuthOctober 2, 2016 at 5:41 AM

    Oh yes, tunic length much better. Good for you for editing.
    Good colours for you too Coco.

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    1. CocoOctober 2, 2016 at 8:08 AM

      Thanks, Ruth. And the colors - my gray has impacted my perception of color choices! But this fabric was pre-gray, so it's good to have visual confirmation that I don't have to wear all pastels in my dotage :-)

      Delete
  8. MyraOctober 2, 2016 at 4:57 PM

    Yes this is really nice fall fabric colors and a great comfy looking dress too!!

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  9. Linda LOctober 3, 2016 at 9:25 PM

    Great job with all the print matching. I think it looks good as a dress or tunic!

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

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