Since the June theme for MAGAM (Make A Garment A Month) challenge was 'stash busting', I had been going through my enormous fabric stash and found many interesting but forgotten fabrics. One of them is this nice stretchy polyester knit that has black and white small oval print on it. When I picked it out of the storage, it instantly said 'maxi dress' to me. I thought I would make a maxi dress for myself for this summer with the condition that I only wear it while hubby is out with me helping to 'catch' the 2 kids.
I rummaged through my pattern stash and found McCall's 6612. I like the slight A-line look of View D. It was obviously going to be a very easy and quick dress to make. I used size 14 on the top and narrow it to size 12 at the hips. I omitted the cowl neck because it would be too hot for the summer. I also made my usual short waist adjustment. I added a centre back seam to allow for my sway back adjustment but it wasn't necessary since the weight of the fabric was pulling the dress down so it didn't bunch up at the back. I also shortened the hem by 6cm because of my short stature. The neckline was finished with a clear elastic sewn to the seam allowance and then folded to the wrong side (I learned that from watching 'Sewing with Nancy'). The only thing that bothers me a bit is that the armhole gapes a little when my arms rest a certain way (you can see that gaping in the photo below at my right arm). I will need to figure out if that has anything to do with my barrel chest or my sloping shoulders.
I am quite pleased with the result. It's very comfortable to wear. The print of the fabric helps camouflage my mommy tummy a bit. Even hubby said I looked good in it. Usually he would either say 'it's okay' or 'no good'. I do have to watch my steps so that I don't step on it. I certainly don't think I can run after the kids in this dress. I think it's one of those dresses that I can go to the beach or dress it up for a dinner date. Since it's knit, it won't wrinkle and it's travel friendly. Another quick and easy summer dress!
My review for this pattern can be found on PatternReview.com.
Really like this. I actually have this pattern in my stash too. After seeing yours makes me want to pull mine out, and see what I can come up with. Very adorable summer dress.
ReplyDeleteThanks! It's one of those simple a-line dresses that can really show off the print of the fabric. I look forward to your rendition of this pattern!
DeleteThis looks great, and I bet it's comfy too - the perfect combination :)
ReplyDeleteAbout the armhole gape - it's hard to tell from the picture, but could you get rid of it by pulling the shoulder seam in a bit, especially on the armhole side? I have this problem too with knit tops and I don't know what causes it!
Thanks Emily Handler! I think I will try altering the shoulder seam first and see if the gaping will diminish. I have done that with some other dresses before. I do have very pronounced sloping shoulders. And my barrel chest probably makes the gaping worse!
DeleteI love the simplicity of this dress. You did a nice work and the whole dress suits you beautifully :)
ReplyDeleteThanks Hana Velvet Ribbon! I think simple dresses without frills are best for my shape. Best of all, they are quick and easy to make!
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