I’m back once again, this time with my first iteration of the McCalls 6713 dress. Like I said in my earlier post, I’m all about the blues this summer.
I kinda posted out of order on this dress as this is the first make of M6713, and is a bit more true to the pattern.
As you can kinda/maybe see, the fit on the bodice is a bit different than in my Painted City version. In this blue swirls dress, the neckline is the same height. What’s different is that there is 1/2 inch less fabric in the side seam – which makes it more snug. I should note that this blue dress is the fit as is dictated by the pattern for my size.
On the Painted City dress I added 1/2 inch to each of the bodice fronts – which means more neckline drape – or a more relaxed fit. I lengthened the bodice on the Painted City dress by 1/2″ or 3/4″ or so, since I felt like the blue one was a bit high for my true waist.
Additionally, the neckline on the blue dress was stitched with clear elastic from shoulder to side seam – I wanted to prevent gaping. I went a bit overkill on the gape factor and it resulted in a much more fitted & higher neckline than the Painted City version.
See no gape. :)
It’s really small differences between the two dresses, but when I wear them they feel so completely different on. This blue one is much more structured and modest, whereas my City dress is more relaxed & breezy.
Fabric once again comes from Emma One Sock. I was able to buy this piece as a remnant or roll end – which means discounted prices. *Woot* I love that she has clearances & discounts updated on nearly an every day basis. And no… I am not endorsed by EOS in any way, shape or form. Although…. I would be happy to swap fabric for creations. *cough cough*
Part of the issue with not getting a swatch first in this fabric was that I thought these swirly bits were much, much smaller. You can imagine, I really had to work hard on my pattern placement of these circle swirls.
Couldn’t have them placed over my booty, boobs, or vagee. As a result I had to cut very carefully and I felt I wasted a bit more fabric than I normally would have. But it all worked out quite nicely, no?! :D
I can’t act – ever! This is my *nonchalant* look as I pretend to knock on this awesome door. It’s a side door to a church in the University of Chicago campus – but I don’t think this one is being used for a church. Not 15 mins later did a gal come out of the door… Really glad I didn’t knock for real.
As I have loads more items to photograph, it’s been quite nice to venture out and explore our new neighborhood some more. It’s given us quite the opportunity to walk around and check out the campus or a new-to-us park. We’ve been so holed up, working on our house and yard that we haven’t really explored our own neighborhood as much as we ought to have been this past year. But we’re getting there.
Next up: Faux leather Robson Trench! Can’t wait to share it with you guys. :D
In: Sewing
I LOVE IT! The colors and style are so fantastic on you, and the pink hair works so well with the blues :)
Really nice to see you again. Love seeing your sewing.
Thanks Llynnda. Still trying to get in the swing of things as I haven’t been blogging consistently, but it feels nice to be back.
Another great dress Liz! I can definitely see the difference in the two dresses with the tweaks that you made – both look like they work really well though. Nice job with the pattern placement – I hate having to work around large circular prints – it’s just something we women have to deal with though ;)
I am so looking forward to that Robson Trench! I have the pattern and have been wanting to sew it up – but it just hasn’t worked out yet.
Thanks Annabelle! :) As far as the Robson goes – it was quite time consuming cutting it out. But the sewing on it was actually really quick, all things considering. It’s a great project since there are so many small pieces, I could sew for as little as 20 mins and actually felt like I had accomplished something.
Nice job on the spot placement, I think you nailed it. Plus, I think the bodice looks great ~ you are right that both dresses seem so different just from those little tweaks. Very interesting!
xox,
bonita of Lavender & Twill
Both dresses look great, but I like the swirly one the best ;)
Also, love the shoes, I need me some nude shoes!
Thanks Siri. :D
I just got these shoes, actually. I needed some to and when they went on sale I haaad to have them. :)
So glad to see you’ve made two versions of this dress! I’ve had this pattern for a while, but haven’t worked with it yet. The door is a great backdrop for your colorful dress. :)
I know right?! I rarely make two of the same thing but I think I’m finally catching on. Case in point – sewing up my SECOND cardigan right away after finishing the first this weekend.
[…] over at the University of Chicago campus. If you’re sneaky you can see I’m wearing my Blue Swirls dress […]
Hi Liz,
I’m about to make this dress. I think I would like mine to look a bit more like the Blue Swirls Dress. You said you sewed the neckline from the neckline to the side seam with clear elastic. Can you elaborate? I’m not quite sure I know what you mean. (Elastic over the seam? elastic instead of thread?) Any help is appreciated.
Thanks!