12 Oct McCall’s 6355
Happy Monday, Everyone!
What’s better to spice up mundane activities than wearing a new dress? At last, an everyday dress…… perfect for filling up, dressing down and whatever falls in between 🙂
Turning to a pattern I’ve owned for some time, I paired McCall’s 6355 with an incredible knit purchased from Marcy Tilton fabrics.
Entitled the Chet Atkins Stripe, the fabric is described as “a black and ivory woven in crosswise 1/4″ stripes in very nice beefy rayon/lycra jersey. 2 way stretch with good recovery and a bit of lengthwise stretch, cool dry hand, nice drape with minimal rolling at the cut edge. Great for mixing with other knits and basics.”
One of these days, I’m going to learn to mix knit patterns, but for now I’m happy just to be sewing clothes I enjoy wearing 😉
The fabric is beefy indeed.
When it arrived in July I knew I must be patient for Autumn to arrive.
But oh, what a fine weight for the cooling weather. Now that I’ve sewn it, I believe it could work very well for structured patterns too.
The pattern, a Palmer and Pletsch design is suitable for woven or knit fabrics. While shifts are easy to sew they are not the easiest fit for me. At 5’2″ I find a lot of excess in the bodice and in the back. Through my non-stop sewing over the last three years I have finally reached a comfort level in altering this type of pattern. It’s true – I think multi-pieced patterns can be easier to fit!
What I didn’t realize until reading the fine print was the use of optional vertical darts in both the front and back. They are not shown on the drawing or in the photos. The back sorely needed the darts which eliminated the excess I wasn’t expecting after making the initial bodice alterations.
Fortunately, the fabric was not too heavy for the long darts and, the darts did not disrupt the pattern.
I am still debating on whether to add them to the front. I see slight excess but believe more darts might be too much.
My only deviation from the pattern was a slight design change in the cuffs. I added two inch bias cut bands to coordinate with the bias cut neck binding.
Another day, another dress?
N E V E R !
No two days are ever just alike and the same goes with sewing. I’m always eager to discover where the needle and thread will lead me.
Have a good one!
Betty
Posted at 08:21h, 13 OctoberI’m such a fan of your postings and have begun sewing again. I really like the way you accessorize as well! Many great ideas and thank you!
Ebi Poweigha
Posted at 08:31h, 13 OctoberGreat dress! Stripes are awesome, and your design decision to add cuffs to the sleeves was spot on.
Mary Frances Giattina
Posted at 08:32h, 13 OctoberAnother fabulous dress! I think you could add the front darts to show off your cute figure. Thanks for inspiring us 🙂
Regina
Posted at 08:36h, 13 OctoberAwesome dress.
Sharon
Posted at 08:37h, 13 OctoberWhat a great basic, Sarah! And the fabric is just as wonderful! Just wondering is you made the black cardi you’re wearing in one of the photos? Thanks!
Sarah Jo
Posted at 08:38h, 13 OctoberI want a closet full of dresses like this! Easy to wear, easy to launder, easy to dress up or down. I need to make a purchase from Marcy Tilton’s shop. I have bookmarked many but never followed through. After recently sewing with a great knit, I can’t go back to the flimsy $8/yard stuff!
Carolyn
Posted at 08:44h, 13 OctoberWhat a wonderful new dress! It’s versatile, comfortable and fits well. Win, win! Sarah I missed you during the wedding time and it’s so much fun to visit you and see what’s come out of your sewing room!
ooobop
Posted at 08:51h, 13 OctoberYou sure do know how to make jersey classy! Love the stripes and love the fit. Interesting that those back darts weren’t illustrated. Key to that lovely shape I think.
lisa g
Posted at 08:53h, 13 Octoberlove this dress! that fabric sounds amazing… it’s hard to find a striped knit in a good weight. i bet you’ll wear this all the time, i know i would!
Bobbie
Posted at 09:04h, 13 OctoberLove this and love reading your blog! Off to check out the fabric.
Sue
Posted at 09:18h, 13 OctoberYour dress is truly fabulous! Wonderful fabric and amazing fit. Love the way you have accessorised it, too.
Alicia @ Pandora Sews
Posted at 09:41h, 13 OctoberI really like this dress, and I like the detail you added with the cuffs. I agree that maybe the front darts aren’t needed, but wow am I impressed with how well the stripes stayed aligned through the darts in the back.
Alexandra
Posted at 09:42h, 13 OctoberYour dress looks great! And I love that pattern – it’s been a workhorse for me.
Vanessa
Posted at 09:47h, 13 OctoberYour dress is beautiful! It pairs well with the boots. Speaking of boots, where did you get them? I am on the hunt for a good pair myself.
gingermakes
Posted at 09:53h, 13 OctoberThis is really cute! I like the bias details!
Blanca
Posted at 09:57h, 13 OctoberVery pretty and nice fit. It does look like a very comfortable dress to wear. You inspire me to sew.
Angela
Posted at 10:10h, 13 OctoberI would leave it as it is — it’s a great dress. I love the photo of you pumping gas! Honestly, this is the kind of clothing I need the most — things I can wear to the grocery store;)
susan gill
Posted at 10:12h, 13 Octoberlove all your posts. would like more information about the rain coat you are wearing. did you make it? where did you get the material? is it laminated? i am going back to work soon and your
blog is really getting me excited about new clothes.
Katherine Dobrenen
Posted at 10:15h, 13 Octoberthis is perhaps my favorite item of all that you’ve sewn. such a useful, easy going piece. it looks spectacular with that red raincoat (with the black and white accents in the lining). I especially like the back vertical darts matching the stripes expertly and the bias cut cuffs. YOU ROCK!
Jackie
Posted at 10:48h, 13 OctoberSuper cute everyday dress. Keep the ball rolling with this everyday wear. I also have loved every Marcy Tilton fabric I have purchased.
Jenny
Posted at 11:08h, 13 OctoberThe cuffs are a great addition. That looks like such a great dress that will be in heavy rotation. beautiful!
Cissie wellons
Posted at 11:14h, 13 OctoberA definite winner in the everyday whatever the weather dress! Looks great on you. I always add darts in the back of this TNT pattern
Elaine
Posted at 11:22h, 13 OctoberI also am happy to see more new posts from Goodbye Valentino in my feedly now. Love the dress and the way you accessorized it so many different ways. One thing I like about your blog is that most pix will enlarge a little if I click on them so I can see more detail — like that beautiful necklace and the dart details in this post. This dress is ~so~ you and the previous dark dress maybe not so much, but definitely something every woman needs in her wardrobe. I tend to like the same colors and patterns that you seem to gravitate to, but there are times and places that something more subdued is more tasteful and appropriate.
Julie Starr
Posted at 11:34h, 13 OctoberWhat a terrific “around the town” dress…I love the bias bands and every one of your cute stylings. The fabric reminds me very much of the Mood striped knit you used for a top a while ago. How interesting that the darts don’t appear on the line drawings. I’ve found with many knit dresses that I can generally get away without any darts in the front but always need them in the back. Aren’t you happy that boots and tights weather is here?!
Katalin
Posted at 11:43h, 13 OctoberI love your new dress, I’m a great fan of stripes! I really like the cuff detail you have added also.
I don’t think darts are necessary for the front, but you could probably add them later if you change your mind.
linda r (phila burbs)
Posted at 11:46h, 13 Octoberreally really cute dress. I do want to comment that you look a lot nicer than I do when you are performing your mundane tasks!! I need to step my game up!! (think willie nelson!)
zibergirl
Posted at 12:22h, 13 OctoberGreat dress! A perfect staple for the cooler weather. Love the stripes!
Becky Bagwell
Posted at 12:34h, 13 OctoberLove the cuffs! Too cute!
Jan C.
Posted at 12:38h, 13 OctoberPerfect dress! If you want help with print mixing, check out Marcy’s “Cool Combos.” (NAYY) Congrats on another success!
Margaret
Posted at 12:44h, 13 OctoberYou really kicked that pattern up a notch, Sarah! I really like the addition of cuffs. Please send us some of that rain….California needs it!
Lori
Posted at 13:16h, 13 OctoberGorgeous dress, it is one of those perfect styles to have in your closet.
Gayle
Posted at 15:28h, 13 OctoberGreat job as always. The dress is adorable on you.
Chris Johnson
Posted at 15:44h, 13 OctoberGreat dress! It seems perfect for the season and everyday wear. The back darts make such a difference, and while I would not have thought front darts are necessary, after seeing the back, you could baste the optional front darts and see the effect. Also, making a top from this pattern might turn into a wonderful cozy tunic. Love your blog and being part of the RTW fast group.
Chris
Margaret Hardman
Posted at 22:23h, 24 Octoberi am from Australia and I really love your sewing,it has inspired me to start sewing again .
However I am always having finding the correct fabric for the pattern,pattern sizing and sizing.
I think I am size 14 but when I see it cut out it is too big
Please ,I need help with these problems,hope you can help
Great site
Sincerely
Margaret Hardman
Amanda S.
Posted at 00:26h, 27 OctoberSUPER cute dress! I love the bias neckline and cuffs.