McCalls 6331
I told ya I’d be back with more! I wasn’t kidding. I’ve been busy with sewing during my unintended internet sabbatical.
The Goal: After doing a lot of pattern drafting I was looking for some instant gratification so I went for a regular ol’ pattern. And I wanted to use up some of my stash and a pattern I hadn’t made before.
The Pattern: McCalls 6331 is one of those Generation Next series of patterns by hot new designers or something like that. Anyway, I liked versions B and C but was too lazy to do all the piecing involved with C so I went with B. 😉
One of the problems with losing weight is that I no longer have my go-to size. So I went with a 12 because I had success with that size before and while it fits in the waist the bust is a little too big. I might be able to get away with a 12 in a dress with a high neckline and sleeves but something this fitted I probably need to make a 10. Lesson learned!
The Fabric: Some floral cotton voile that I bought at the common thread and some dark navy blue leftover in my stash. I think it’s a linen blend. The navy is used for the lining of the bodice so that the folded part shows the lining.
The Changes: I did a rolled hem on the bottom scallops with black thread. I just got the rolled hem throat plate for my serger (mine needs a different plate and my hand-me-down serger must have lost it at some point) so I was excited to try it out. I don’t remember what the pattern wanted you to do for the hem… maybe use bias tape as a facing or make a hem facing…
I also added lingerie snaps on the dress straps to keep those pesky bra straps from drooping. I used tiny metal snaps stitched to a short length of serger thread chain. Best idea ever!
The Results: I’m breaking my own rules (well, they’re more like guidelines, anyway) by making a sleeveless dress and while it’s a cute dress I think I’m realizing why I don’t like sleeveless. I hate feeling like I’m constantly worried if my bra-straps are showing and making adjustments. I do think it’s really cute and I’ve worn it a couple times in different situations so far but we’ll see how much I wear it in the future.
Wow, it’s really nice. I love the rolled hem. I can’t imagine that you won’t wear that dress, it looks great on you!
Aww, thank you Nothy!
Couldn’t agree more on your best idea ever for those bra-strap-keeper-in-placer mechanism. I’m so totally stealing that! I’m also totally jealous that you’re wearing a super lovely summery dress when I’m still wearing scarves and thermal tops. Brrr! It’s a gorgeous dress – looks great!
I wish I could wear scarves and winter wear! I live in perpetual summer. I miss seasons. But thank you 😉 Spring is almost here for you!!!
cute dress! i really like the wide scalloped hem. good call on the lingerie snaps, by the time i make it to the finishe line i just don’t have the patience to add those little touches!
Ugh, I knew that I’d have to take the time and do the snaps after I wore it once before I added them and got so frustrated with slipping straps. I’m usually too lazy to do stuff like that after the dress is finished but this time it was necessary. 🙂 Thanks Lisa!
I haven’t been a huge fan of the scalloped hem on tighter-fitting pencil or a-line skirts, but I absolutely love it when it’s folded into the draping like that! beautiful dress
I like the scallops, too. You almost can’t even tell they’re scallops with the pleating, either, it just has a cool varied length hem effect. Thanks Meg!
You are adorable! I really like this dress. I like the rolled hem, that was a great idea…I wonder if my serger can do that? I’m quite partial to view C. I wonder if I could sew this dress for my class. Hmmm… You’ve definitely inspired me!
I think most sergers can do a rolled hem. I had to read my manual to get my machine all set up for it but then it worked great. Thanks Kara!!
Yes! Excellent idea on the bra-strap retainer. I am stealing that too :).
I also find bra straps are so annoying, It really does narrow your choice of dresses when you need to wear a proper bra and I always do. The first thing I consider when looking at a pattern is can I wear a bra with it and will it hide my bra?!
I think the dress is really cute, It would be a shame not to wear it.
Thanks, and I agree about the bra strap thing. I really hate strapless bras (they never make the girls look good like a regular bra and they never stay up) so I definitely make and buy clothes based on how bra-friendly they are.
I really enjoy the pattern and colours you chose. Looks like a great twirling dress. 🙂
Thank you, yes, it’s great for twirling. 🙂
I absolutely loves this on you, it’s so cute! Makes me tempted to get that pattern…
Thank you Marie. You should totally get it!
Love the autumnal palette! I bought this pattern during the last sale and I’m happy to see the dress turns out so sweet. I’m curious if the romper is as adorbs….
Thanks! I love the look of the romper on the envelope and pattern review has a bunch of cute rompers, I just don’t know if a romper would be my style, ya know? I’ve never owned nor wore one…
This dress is gorgeous – I know what my next pattern purchase will be!
I love the dress and your Pirates of the Caribbean reference!
This is really cute, I love the collar detail.
What a beautiful dress and you look so lovely!
Adorable!
LOVE the bra strap hider detail! The fabric and scalloped hem are beautiful too.
Just wanted to let you know that I’ve nominated you for some of those inter-bloggy awards over on my new work blog – http://byhandlondon.wordpress.com/2012/09/01/thanking-you-kindly/ – spread the love! x
Wow, awesome, thanks!!
I just discovered that a summer dress I got from Lands’ End has those bra strap holder thingys. I wish I had realized it the other 6 or 7 times I’ve worn it. Beautiful job on your dress, I wish I could sew that well!