Pattern: McCalls 6070

Fabric: Ity print from fabric.com and upcycled black rayon knit from an old dress

Notions: 1/4″ elastic (for the shoulders)

This dress… it gave me troubles to start with!  I bought this print from fabric.com, but I was a bit confounded on how to use it.  I think it’s pretty, but I didn’t like how it looked if the print wasn’t matched (but that’s a huge pattern repeat… no matching unless I was making a mini-skirt!)  I also wished the stripes ran the opposite direction.  I hit upon the idea of using an old dress, which had great quality fabric, to make the top part of this dress out of black.  I made the ties out of the print, to tie the top and bottom together.

I cut the dress fabric on the cross grain, to get more of a vertical stripe.  Since I was only using it for the skirt, there wasn’t any problem with that.  I originally cut the maxi length, as you recall, but I wasn’t happy when I tried it on.  The dress, on me, has far more of an empire line than I thought (I don’t think the envelope photo looks empire waisted, though the drawings do.)  The skirt is a dirndl – ie a gathered rectangle.  I realized that I prefer my maxi dresses with some flair, as I looked oddly like a closed umbrella:

Notice that it was also rather short – I needed another three inches, as it isn’t hemmed in these photos. A maxi should be almost floor length to be the most flattering.  You can also see that it had an issue with mobility – that hem was narrow, and while I’m not saying that I always walk like a dude, I like to have the option, you know?

I removed 15 inches from the hem – it’s about one inch shorter than the length marked for the shorter length dress. Other modifications… I did not use the elastic called for in the waistband.  I made a size 6, where I would I usually make an 8 or 10, and it fits securely without any elastic.  I did use the elastic in the shoulders, which I thought was a very clever way to gather them!

Sorry for the blurry back photo – by the time I realized, it was dark!  I really like the back opening – it’s fun, but not too bare.  And the bra report?  (Because you know I always worry about that!)  I can wear a normal (not strapless) bra with this dress.  The back opening isn’t too low, and neither is the front.

My Mom bought me this necklace, which is made of beads that look like hematite (but are likely plastic.)  I love it, but I would have made it shorter.  I’ve been thinking of trying my hand at beading – if any more experienced jewelry makers have book recommendations I would appreciate it!

I didn’t go anywhere exciting in this outfit – just to pick up my husband from work, go to Ulta for shampoo (thus my terrible ponytail hair!) and to be the most dressed up person to ever eat at a Five Guys.  I recommend the bodice of this pattern – it’s lovely – but I might use a different skirt if making it again.  I think a flared skirt would be lovely, and give an even nicer shape to the bottom.

Pattern: Vogue 8469

Fabric: Cotton Sateen print from Sawyer Brook fabrics (available here)

Notions: Zipper, 1 yard of black voile for the sash

Here is my pattern review:

Pattern Sizing: I made a size 8 in the shoulders, blending to a 10 in the waist and hips. This ended up a little big, so I took the whole thing in by one size at the side seams.

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it? I think so!

Were the instructions easy to follow?They were fine, though I did follow my usual order of operations. I also used the seamless method of sewing a sleeveless dress bodice (tutorial here.)

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?
I thought it looked like a nice basic sundress, and I thought the ties were pretty. As it turns out, the only thing I don’t care for is the waistband. It sits very high – this is definitely an empire fit! It’s also a bit higher in front than in back for some reason. This is obvious when I turn to the side.  And keep in mind, I love an empire waist, so this one must be odd for me to object to it.  I also don’t like the asymmetrical tie (one side is longer than the other.) If I did it again, I would make the ends the same length, and tie it in the back.

I had trouble lining up the back waistband – it’s close, but not perfect.  I used an invisible zip, and three times was my limit for resewing it!  If the ties could tie in the back, it would cover than whole issue – alas, I did not think of that until too late!

Fabric Used:Cotton sateen from sawyer brook, with black voile for the tie. Upon reflection, the voile was a poor choice – I don’t like that it is matte while the sateen is shiny.

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:Just the ones mentioned above. I chose to make the sleeveless version, because I was afraid this print would be too precious with the puffed sleeves.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?I won’t make it again – the shape isn’t the absolute best on me, though I do like my dress. Having said that, I do recommend it – just be aware that the waist sits high, and notice think about how you want to handle those waist ties!

Conclusion: I just love this fabric, and I’m sure I will get a lot of wear out of my dress!

Pattern: Vogue 2333, vintage circa 1979 (the pattern is undated, but this is my best guess!)

Fabric: Navy rayon matte jersey from Fashion Fabric Club, 2.5 yards

Notions: 1/4″ elastic

Notes: I adore Diane Von Furstenberg.  Her dresses are easy to wear and flattering – plus, she seems to love a print just as much as I do!  In the 1970s and 80s, Vogue patterns licensed quite a few of her designs for their catalog.  Some, such as the infamous wrap dress, go for high prices on Ebay.  This one?  Not so much.  I think I paid $5 including shipping.  This style is back again.  I have to say that I’m glad – I think these drapey dresses look great on so many women!  My favorite part is the neckline.

I bought this fabric a few months ago, with this dress specifically in mind.  The designer uses lots of silk jersey for her dresses, and a nice rayon matte jersey is a good sub.  It’s hard to find rayon matte jersey for a good price (I hate the poly stuff) so I snatched this up for $4 a yard!  I was feeling a little frustrated with my sewing this week (though that Vogue dress is now finished, photos to come later) so I wanted an easy project.  I was a bit wary that the pattern said “very loose fitting,” but I liked the photo so I forged ahead.

They weren’t playing around with the ease on this thing – the finished bust measurement is 40″ on a size 10.  However, since part of that is eaten by the cowl and the kimono sleeves, it actually fits quite well.  The neckline is wide, and can be worn that way or with more of a drapey cowl (as in the pattern photo below.)

I made a few alterations to modernize the pattern.  First, I saw that the pattern said it fell “5 inches below mid-knee.”  In my opinion, that’s an unflattering length for a straight skirt, so I shortened by 5 inches before cutting.  I still have the side slits, mine just aren’t as long.  I also chose to use a separate belt, rather than the included belt (the belt pattern is really short, meant for you to use a ring closure rather than tying it together.)  I think it would also look great with a contrasting skinny belt.  I’m on the lookout for yellow and red patent skinny belts to try!

Since I used a knit, I didn’t do any of the called for hand sewing.  My hems are machine hemmed – not my absolute favorite, but I don’t like how a blind hem looks on a knit.  I finished all my seams with the serger, because this knit had a slight tendency to shred.  The instructions were very clear, though I confess I changed them at times (I did not, for instance, use stay tape on the pockets… I just ran a line of stay stitching.)

Should you decide to make this pattern, I recommend not trying it on before adding the waist elastic.  It is… not so flattering that way.  I don’t think it would work to leave it out and just belt it either, because the dress is so heavy that it stretches out without the support of the elastic.

Is it a bit 70s?  Yes, but fashion is enjoying a real revival of these styles.  I’ve worn this dress all day, and it’s both comfortable and flattering. Sometimes vintage patterns don’t go well, but this one is a real keeper I think!