It Ain’t Nothing but a Houndstooth
Crying for accessories 
I made the dress for football games since both of the college teams my family pulls for are black and something. I finished it Tuesday and their football seasons are almost over – something tells me it’s not going to make it to a game this year.
So…….How about lunch with the girls
dinner with my hubby….
or the annual “Twas Two Nights” family holiday get together? 
I have seen houndstooth dresses e v e r y w h e r e this fall and couldn’t resist this Ralph Lauren wool from Mood Fabrics. It’s very soft with z e r o itch factor.
Several features of this McCall”s classic dress pattern appealed to me. With a separate bodice and skirt, I knew the alterations would be more precise than a one piece sheath, I really liked the pockets, and the pattern uses less than two yards of fabric. 
The dress is fully lined and heavy. Originally I made View E, but once I tried on my dress with the basted long sleeves I quickly knew it was only suitable for subfreezing temperatures.
UGH..
What had been my first ever perfect sewing project now had an issue.
I managed to finish the now sleeveless dress by turning in the seam allowances and whip stitching the lining to the wool.
It was one more learning experience, but hopefully I’m one step closer to that perfectly sewn garment……… and please don’t tell me it doesn’t exist!
So here I am in nothing but a houndstooth ready to take on most any accessory … except maybe some blue suede shoes ;)
Happy Thanksgiving to my American friends and best wishes to my international friends for a wonderful weekend!
the perfect garment….mmm I truly have yet to find it
m. You look lovely and I like it sleeveless. m. 
Many thanks, Maria! …… the elusive perfect garment…………. I’ll wear this in the meantime
Lovely fitted bodice and pockets that don’t gap- oh, this is lovely! So many fab ways to acessorize- I think I need to explore some checks….
Thank you, Anne! You’ll take checks to a new level!!
The perfect garment is one that is comfortable and looks fabulous on the wearer. I think this is probably perfect, or as perfect as anything gets. I love it!
Oh how I like your attitude! Many thanks for writing, Becky
This is really pretty! Houndstooth….oh how I really like you! Should be a staple piece in every woman’s wardrobe! and you have created the perfect piece for yourself!
Thank you, Myra! I’m having to force myself not to wear it too much
Very inspiring review! You have done a beautiful job with construction and fit, and also in sharing the different ways that this dress can be worn, thank you!
I have this pattern, so it’s definitely a keeper. ;o)
Hi Alethia! Many thanks for your nice comment and I’m thinking about making the pattern again. It’s a good one for sure
BTW, Do you have plans to recycle the sleeves into something else?
FABULOUS black and houndstooth….and think the sleeveless will be much more versatile. Black hose make the outfit! Hmmmmm perfect garment?…..well maybe but not by me. LAURA
Thank you, Laura! Yes, I strive for perfection and will quit sewing when I get there
If the blue suede shoes were a deep cobalt blue, they’d work
LOL – how right you are!!
I love anything WITH POCKETS! I think I actually have a very small houndstooth print in my stash. I was amazed at all the choices of boots the other day when I was at the mall, so may make a dress and buy some black boots. ALSO, I didn’t know there was such a thing as wool that doesn’t ITCH. I never sew with it because of that. I have super-sensitive skin. Love the accessory shots. I know how much work that is from the few I put in my blog.
Hugs, Joy
Thank you, Joy! I love these pockets because they lie flat. Can’t wait to see your houndstooth
Don’t you just love such a versatile dress?? It looks great however you accessorize it. I know you have a lot of “go to” dresses, but this one will surely join that group!
Thank you, Karen! I have made a lot of dresses lately……. somehow I manage to justify every one
I love your dress, but then I love anything in black and white
You did a wonderful job on fit and, I agree, sleeveless is better, too. Have a good weekend.
Many thanks, Mrs. K! By the way are you a Duke fan?
The blue suede shoes would be stellar with this dress. I love a “blank slate” dress that you can dress up/down, and never thought houndstooth could be just that!
Many thanks, Tia Dia! In the past I only wore black with b/w houndstooth but it truly goes with everything
I love it…looks perfect to me. I just ordered some brown/white houndstooth check and I’m thinking tunic time. You’ll get a lot of wear out of this little number…well done!
;D
Thank you, Dorcas! Brown/white houndstooth will be fabulous on you – can’t wait to see your tunic!
Who know houndstooth could be so versatile? This is just lovely…and terribly chic whichever way you style it. Happy thanksgiving weekend.
Many thanks, Pendle Stitches!
great dress, love houndstooth and your various styling versions. I have made that pattern and it is a winner.
Thank you, Beth! I will have to look up your version of the dress as I love everything you make
Very nice! That will be great for the holidays
Many thanks, cjgal! I know I’ll wear it non-stop through December.
Love it with the red!! How about considering a sew for conductors – you’d be great at it? Sarah – I’m heading up to Toronto soon and going to see another great designer and I look forward to connecting you too. http://atelierrosemarieumetsu.com/home
Thank you, Sarah! Look forward to the new connection!
I love this dress. I am loving houndstooth. I have pinned your dress to my Pinterest Houndstooth board. See it here:
http://pinterest.com/thelostapron/houndstooth/
Thank you, Ana! I just love your Houndstooth board
Thank you for subscribing to my Pinterest! So fun!
I like the dress and the different outfit.
Many thanks, Marie!
Great dress, Sarah. So many different looks! I have made this pattern before and love it — although on me it ran a bit short-waisted. Love the pockets!
Hi Cissie! I made this version slightly short-waisted myself……. got a little carried away about shortening the bodice…. I do however love this pattern.
Love all your different looks! Looks great with each accessory, bet it would even look good with yellow accessories too. Wonderful dress on you.
Thank you, Miriam! Right after publishing this post I discovered how good it looks with chartreuse. Many thanks for writing
I love this dress! What changes did you make to the muslin from the first picture to the second? I’ve had a similar fit issue and wasn’t sure how to fix it. I’m thinking I need to give this pattern a try.
Hi Laura! I shortened the bodice at the designated pattern line and then I folded out another 3/4 inch of bulk in the back armscye to the center back. I tried to show this in the photos but it may not be clear. The first photo shows the muslin in the process of being altered. The second shows the finished alteration and the third shows the back.
Thanks for writing!
Well now that I look at the pictures again I can see the alterations! It is a lot easier to see them when you know what you are looking for. Thanks! I have to shorten then bodice on everything, and it is nice to see the difference that it makes, as shown in your pictures. I think I just wasn’t shortening mine enough in the past.
Lovely dress! To me this is the epitome of your style. So feminine and elegant:) I hadn’t realized how great of a canvas houndstooth is. That dress will definitely take you the distance.
Thank you so much for this nice comment, Victoria!
Love the dress. You’ve reminded me how versatile this pattern is..
Many thanks, Valerie! I’ve enjoyed your window treatment posts
You’re ain’t nothing but a rockin’ and stylin’ lady in this sleeveless houndstooth number!
I can’t top this one Louella!!
Lovely dress! looks good on you and your styling options are cool!
Many thanks, Joy! Actually, this dress is so versatile I could have added more looks
I love houndstooth and your dress is perfect. I have a cream and olive small houndstooth and you have got me thinking
Thank you, Sharon! Your houndstooth sounds lovely
This pattern has always appealed to me… and I’ve been trying so hard not to buy anymore… oh dear.
I love the fabric and I especially love the dress paired with a belt. Thank you for showing how versatile this dress can be!
Many thanks, Lizzy! I’m not trying to encourage you to buy ……. but…….. this would look great on you!……and McCalls does run $1.99 pattern specials fairly often……. I think you’ve got to get it
You are such an enabler!!
Love this dress!!!! It looks perfect to me!!
Many thanks, Sally!
Looking good Sarah – very on trend!!! I am always in search of that perfect garment; you know the one that raises the bust reduces the butt and openly stuns on first entrance
LOL !! I’m not sure this pattern does all of the above but it’s a good one
Many thanks for writing!
Such a great dress, Sarah. I love each of your stylings, especially with the coral sweater. I’ve been wanting to get to this pattern for ages and after seeing yours I surely will.
Thank you, Julie! I highly recommend the pattern
I really love this dress on you, and especially love the way the houndstooth accentuates the darts/pleats. The black belts really make it pop, and I love the matching bracelet. It’s perfect.
Thank you so much, Sue! The enamel bracelet and earrings were a gift from my hubby and they are as versatile as the dress
I commented on the MSN blog already, but GIRL, this is way cute! You look amazing in it (in all three stylings!)!
Many thanks for two comments! I know I’m going to love the dress
Your dress looks lovely- very well fitted! I think that by having it sleeveless it will work much harder in your wardrobe as your photos show. I particularly like the bight colours with it such as your pink scarf. Very classy
Many thanks! Taking the sleeves off was definitely the right decision
Note to self: Get some houndstooth for winter or for anytime really.
This is such a versatile and classy look on you.
LOL ! Many thanks for the nice comment
Your dress look fabulous and from your pictures you can accessories it in so many different ways. Sure you will get to wear it lots of times before the next games start.
Thank you, Pauline! I was slightly disappointed that I made it a little late into the game season….. now I hope it won’t be worn out before the next season starts
I like your houndstooth dress! I have used that McCall pattern for two dresses. However, I have made mine with sleeves as Sweden is pretty cold this time of the year. I also have a houndtooths fabric lying in my stash, a little stretchy fabric so maybe there will be a third dress. I like your black cardigan with fur too – great! It would fit in the Swedish climate.
Thank you, Ann-Britt! I’d love to see pics of your dresses
Yes you can. However, I have no blog where I can publish pictures, but I can send them. You can tell me on my e-mail address, ann-britt.uhrbom @ telia.com, where I can send them.
Me again – have you made the black cardigan yourself. If so, which pattern did you use?
The cardigan is RTW, but maybe one day I’ll make one
The perfect garment – my 6 years olds reckon they have found the key to perfection ….. pink or purple. How about a pink/purple houndstooth? Don’t worry, I am joking lol.
Lovely dress and it works a treat without sleeves. When it gets colder (does it get colder where you are?) you can layer over it anyway should you need to keep the breeze from your arms, so perfect really.
Many thanks! It does get cold but a sweater will do the trick. I actually think pink and purple houndstooth sounds very cute!
you’re probably right but with so much pink and purple in the house I am a little dazzled, shall we say!
Love, love, love!!! Houndstooth is one of my favorite patterns (Great title for your post, btw!) and this looks like it will be so incredibly versatile. I have this pattern, so it’s great to see it sewn up so well!
Terrific fabric choice, and beautifully done, as usual! Maybe I’ll tackle that silky houndstooth I have in my stash….
Many thanks, Cheryl! A silky houndstooth sounds dreamy
Oh, how I love Houndstooth! And this is no exception. Beautiful dress! Sewn beautifully! My coat (well, it’s actually my fabric as it has not yet been cut to be called a coat, but I’m hopeful) is houndstooth. I love your dress. Great work.
Thank you, Barbara! Good luck with the coat….. I’d like to have a houndstooth coat too
Fabulous as always! Every girl should have something in houndstooth!
Well put Ernestine! Every girl should have something in houndstooth indeed
Did you finish your leather cape?
I’d give my eye teeth for that houndstooth! A dress with bite!
LOL! It’s too early for me to top that one CherryPix
Many thanks for writing!
It is a FABULOUS classic! And I do love when houndstooth is brightened with pink! It’s just lovely.
Very stylish! I love the mix of menswear with the feminine sheath dress. I also love how you accessorized it. I have some houndstooth fabric (also from Mood) and this gives me some inspiration!
what a smart dress – and it looks wonderful with all the different styling options!
Thank you, Robin! I’ve already worn it enough to justify the project – just hope I don’t over wear it
You got the perfect fit! Wonderful dress
Many thanks! I plan to make it again now that I have the fit figured out
Sarah,
Thanks very much for sharing your trials and specifically, your fitting process. I was beginning to think that you were a perfect size for every pattern you worked on! When you decided to go sleeveless, did you change the armhole shape to a squared-off one, or is that an optical illusion? It looks very elegant.
I am an imperfect size for every pattern with an exception here and there
After taking the sleeves out, I just made the armholes work the best I could. Now that I look at it, the armholes looked slightly more extended on my dress than on the sleeveless envelope version (which was sewn with a different technique to begin with). Many thanks for your nice comment!