05 Nov McCall’s 6884
Just one look – that’s all it took ~~~~
It’s true, one look at this fabulous viscose jersey was all it took to convince me I needed a new wrap dress.
This medium-weight viscose was my first fabric purchase in Florence, and I would have bought much more if only the store was willing to ship. A tax voucher was all the handsome Italian at Valli Tessuti could offer me. After uncareful consideration, I concluded the voucher signified a generous discount, and I left the store with four beautiful pieces of fabric – two silks and two viscose.
McCall’s 6884 was waiting for me at home.
At last, yesterday, I cut the pattern pieces, altered the pattern pieces, cut my fashion fabric, pinned the instructions on my board and got busy only to find……
the pattern is a mock wrap. Your guessed it….. I DID NOT MAKE A MUSLIN because I knew it would fit.
It’s times like this when I truly envy the sewists who are never in a hurry and don’t mind spending 3 – 4 weeks on a dress. How do you do it? Please…… share you secrets with me!
I don’t mind so much that it is a mock wrap….. there’s no danger of wardrobe malfunctions on windy days.
and the long ties wrap around the back to create the wrap look.
After collecting myself, I turned my attention to handling this tricky fabric. I love its drape and recovery, but viscose jersey is slippery. Once again I applied a one inch strip of interfacing to the lower edge of the hem to stabilize the fabric.
I turned under and machine stitched the hem, then trimmed off the excess. I love this method because it results in a neat finish with absolutely no bulk in the hem.
What I mind, of course, is my haste.I let my excitement to be back online prevail, but fortunately I escaped disaster with my special fabric. The pattern is fine, the dress is fine, and one I’ll wear until the weather turns cold.
Moral of this story? Breathe. Read. Repeat.
Until soon 🙂
Doris Sayer
Posted at 02:06h, 05 NovemberBeautiful dress, love the fabric and style.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 19:14h, 05 NovemberMany thanks, Doris! 🙂
Lesley Murray
Posted at 04:52h, 05 NovemberIt’s exciting to see how quickly you’ve got round to sewing fabric from the summer. Most of mine resides with the rest of my stash.
However, I did trace off a pattern from a bought dress (not Valentino sadly – just a British department store).
The main point I want to make is some advice delivered by Alison Smith, who has a school and shop in Leicester, in the UK.
Like you, I always want to finish something the day I started. Alison suggested any project could be broken down into manageable tasks – so all straight seams completed. Any seam finishes next. Of course, having an overlocker, which I believe Americans call a Serger, makes that task much quicker, and simpler.
Alison also recommends going back to the Muslin each time you want to make the same garment. This is your true reference, as fabrics stretch with wear.
My sewing tutor mentioned she uses an Aqua Glue stick when working with velvet. I find this is the best way to join seams before sewing – when working with jerseys. Pinning is so tricky, and as you have probably discovered, don’t keep the fabric pieces firm.
I’m off to Prague in December to enjoy their Christmas markets. It didn’t occur to me to seek out fabric shops while I’m there – but having seen your fabrics from Italy – it has become part of my shopping mission.
Keep up the posts – they are so inspiring. And very much enjoyed.
Lesley
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 19:16h, 05 NovemberLesley,
Thank you for your wonderfully helpful comment. I appreciate all of the tips! Alson Smith offers two Craftsy classes which I’ve yet to buy, but I just might do so now 😉
Have a great trip to Prague!!!
Margo
Posted at 04:52h, 05 NovemberLOL! I am so glad to hear that someone else rushes into projects like I do. I’m glad it worked out for you because that fabric is gorgeous. You look lovely as always!!!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 19:17h, 05 NovemberI’m just lucky it worked out this time 😉
Many thanks, Margo!
Myra
Posted at 05:02h, 05 NovemberThank goodness you you took your time with this gorgeous fabric! Now you have a BEAUTIFUL dress! It’s absolutely stunning!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 19:18h, 05 NovemberHi Myra!
Well, I got lucky because it could have been much worse for sure! Many thanks for your comment 🙂
Sew, Jean Margaret
Posted at 06:10h, 05 NovemberYou can’t beat a wrap dress, such a classic and universally flattering style. Your fabric is perfect for this dress and it looks great and fits perfectly. I like your hemming method with the interfacing. I must remember to try this.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 19:19h, 05 NovemberHi Jean!
Thank you – you will LOVE this hemming method 🙂
Sara Mcintire
Posted at 06:25h, 05 NovemberGreat fabric choice and great dress. You probably already know this but I have had hotels package and ship fabric for me. Not all hotels will do this and the one that do charge but sometimes it’s worth it. I sew but sometimes I think it’s just an excuse for buying fabric!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 19:20h, 05 NovemberThank you so much for your comment, Sara! Sadly we weren’t staying in a hotel and I didn’t think about checking in with the post office in our tiny town. Next time I’ll be more prepared 🙂
Julie Starr
Posted at 06:40h, 05 NovemberHaving had my own struggle with this pattern, I completely understand your frustration! Nevertheless, the finished dress is gorgeous and you can savor the memory of Valli Tessuti with each and every wearing!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 20:46h, 05 NovemberHow true! Now tell me…………why didn’t I take time to read pattern reviews on this pattern? 😉
Sarah Jo
Posted at 06:41h, 05 NovemberI can relate to your frustration over haste and disappointment when things don’t work out as expected/hoped! The mental block it creates when I’m sewing often renders things unwearable that are perfectly fine. That said, your dress is lovely and I bet you’ll get a lot of wear out of it, faux wrap and all!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 20:47h, 05 NovemberThank you, Sarah Jo! I’ve learned a lesson with this project 😉
Becky Bagwell
Posted at 06:54h, 05 November☺ Wonder Woman did it again. Love it!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 20:47h, 05 NovemberI wouldn’t exactly go that far, but I do have a new dress 😉
Eleanor
Posted at 07:44h, 05 NovemberYou have a beautiful dress, and regardless, I’m just very glad your back! (I would have been excited to rush that dress too!)
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 20:48h, 05 NovemberLOL! Many thanks Eleanor 😉
Cissie Wellons
Posted at 07:48h, 05 NovemberBeautiful “wrap” dress. Who cares if it is faux wrap? But I too find myself in a hurry when I should take some deep breaths and think ahead! But you certainly don’t have a wadder here, rather a dress I’m betting you’ll reach for often!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 20:50h, 05 NovemberMany thanks, Cissie! It’s true, I do have a new dress……….. I just wish I knew what I was making before cutting out the pattern 😉
Patti Hall
Posted at 08:08h, 05 NovemberIt took me a moment to figure out what the issue was as your final dress is so beautiful. But I can see that if you had a true wrap dress that the fit would be more flexible…. and your dress had the potential to not fit because of false wrap. However, had you not mentioned it, none of us would have been the wiser as the finished project is gorgeous!! You truly know your best style!!!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 20:52h, 05 NovemberThank you, Patti! The dress is fine but I had a true wrap in mind for the fabric. Oh well…….. maybe I’ve learned something here 😉
Julie Gerlach
Posted at 08:09h, 05 NovemberYour dress is beautiful. I would consider it a success! Did you line any part of the dress?
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 20:52h, 05 NovemberThank you, Julie! I did not line the dress anywhere 🙂
Roxanne
Posted at 08:12h, 05 NovemberI love the print and the dress looks lovely on you.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 20:53h, 05 NovemberMany thanks, Roxanne!
Mary Funt
Posted at 08:33h, 05 NovemberLooks wonderful even if it is a mock wrap. Can’t wait to see what else you bought and especially your MOB dress. I perused fabrics in Florence last month also but didn’t indulge; maybe it’s my easy access to NYC that stopped me. I did however tour the Florence School of Leatherworking and am considering crafting something in leather. Watching all the time tested hand techniques of sewing leather inspired me.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 06:39h, 06 NovemberThank you, Mary! I’d love to see what you do with leather 😉 Did you visit Casa dei Tessuti? If so, I do not know how you refrained from a purchase regardless of easy access to NYC fabric stores!!!
Becky
Posted at 08:36h, 05 NovemberGorgeous, as usual, and disaster averted!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 06:40h, 06 NovemberThanks, Becky – very true 😉
Laura Casey
Posted at 09:23h, 05 NovemberWell, again you pulled this one off without a hitch, in a word FABULOUS, just FAB. The fabric is great and the make even better. I loved you showing how you did the hem….about to start on this softest knit I found at House of Fabrics in Asheville, and will finish it off using that method….no puckering here!
Beautiful pattern, fabric and woman…..Love it!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 06:41h, 06 NovemberWhat a sweet comment, Laura 🙂 Where is House of Fabrics? I’ll be in Asheville this weekend and may have some spare time if the weather is bad.
Margene Yeaton
Posted at 09:48h, 05 NovemberIt’s a WRAP! So excited to get your latest post this morning. Keep sewing as fast as you like because we get to see more of your style and creations sooner than later. You look fabulous! On my way to JoAnn’s as Vogue patterns are on sale! Thank you for your continued INSPIRATION.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 06:48h, 06 NovemberMany thanks, Margene for the nice comment and reminder about the Vogue sale !!
Alicia @ Pandora Sews
Posted at 09:54h, 05 NovemberThis is quite lovely! That fabric is to die for. I can see this taking you even in to cooler weather with black black knee boots and a chunky scarf.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 06:49h, 06 NovemberThank you, Alicia! I adore this fabric and agree, it can go into cooler weather with a few accessories 🙂
June
Posted at 10:18h, 05 NovemberIt fits your figure well, so wrap or faux-wrap becomes irrelevant. You look fabulous! Enjoy your new dress.
I am the master of the slogathon, never in a sewing hurry – the secret is to not need whatever you are making. 🙂 Ready to wear is available to purchase for a reason, and a gifted tailor can make it fit.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 09:12h, 06 NovemberI like your attitude ,June! Many thanks for passing on your words of wisdom 🙂
Cindy Aymes
Posted at 10:27h, 05 NovemberGorgeous dress and fits you like a glove!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 09:12h, 06 NovemberThank you, Cindy!
Karen Helm
Posted at 11:26h, 05 NovemberWell, it certainly looks like a true wrap! And it looks like you nailed the fit even without a muslin! That fabric is beautiful – no wonder you had to have it!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 09:13h, 06 NovemberLOL – it turned out fine, just not what I had planned 😉 Many thanks.
Maggie Edger
Posted at 11:54h, 05 NovemberAnother winner!!!! A Maggie
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 09:13h, 06 NovemberThanks, Maggie!
GayleMI
Posted at 11:56h, 05 NovemberLove your dress Sarah! You have a real talent for matching fabric with patterns. They always look stunning on you. Wish I could have been on that fabric shopping trip in Italy. If I ever get there again, I will want to know the name of those shops. So glad you are blogging again and thanks for the tip on the hem.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 09:14h, 06 NovemberMany thanks, Gayle 🙂 I’ve never seen such stunning fabric as I did in Florence.
Barbara Carlon
Posted at 11:57h, 05 NovemberIt looks lovely! I’m so jealous, when I was in Florence, I didn’t even think about fabric shopping.. What was I thinking!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 09:15h, 06 NovemberLOL – most likely you were thinking about soaking in the wonderful Italian culture!!
Catherine
Posted at 12:40h, 05 NovemberI buy fabric in Europe and just head to closest post office. Less expensive than UPS and very reliable. Ask for the international flat rate box….(they self close but I often bring tape to double seal). It is not cheap to mail but averaged with cost of fabric it works well and keeps suitcases for last minute finds…. I think I mailed six flat rate boxes last trip! Customs forms are filled out with address form…. I buy a box in advance and have forms all filled out….there is a weight limit but fabric generally keeps you under…. Beautiful dress!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 09:18h, 06 NovemberAha! This is wonderful advice, Catherine! Did you say you mailed SIX BOXES of fabric????? A woman after my own heart, indeed!
Catherine
Posted at 23:19h, 08 NovemberLots of fabric, yes! But also, books, magazines, notions, bags of buttons, usually a pair of shoes or two….those boxes are not huge. So fun to open at home! Tried UPS years ago and it was held up, never even left Paris. The Poste has been good so far….
Carolyn
Posted at 12:49h, 05 NovemberAs usual Sarah your dress is wonderful and I love the colors on you. We all know about the “rush to complete” syndrome. …. Which many times results at least one piece sewn backwards… It even happen on one of my muslins just a couple of days ago.. Trying to finish late at night the waist seams are on the wrong side!
Funny you mentioned the store in Florence, as I just pulled from my stash a piece of Versace silk my mom purchased there. The sales slip was dated 1998! It is destine to be a holiday blouse that I will be constructing at this weekends sewing workshop.
Thank you for sharing.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 09:20h, 06 NovemberMany thanks for your comment, Carolyn! I vow not to do this again ~
Lucky you – Versace silk from Florence! I hope you’ll share a photo of your holiday blouse with me 🙂
Jennifer Miller
Posted at 12:54h, 05 NovemberOoooh, I have a friend heading to Italy soon, perhaps I should send a fabric request with her? haha. Your dress is gorgeous, and as always, you prevailed over any issues. Beautiful fabric and fit!!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 09:21h, 06 NovemberThank you, Jennifer! If your friend sews, then she’ll enjoy fulfilling your request 🙂 Good luck!
Linda Galante
Posted at 13:01h, 05 NovemberLovely dress and the fabric is so special…very Italian! I’m always in a rush when I sew, because I’m always excited to see the finished product! So, like you, I leap sometimes before I look. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn’t. Yes, I would love to be more cautious, but I think for me, it’s a personality thing. Impatience is a virtue (LOL)?
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 09:23h, 06 NovemberLOL- I guess impatience can be a virtue! It was not in my case this time but thankfully it worked out OK.
Thanks for the comment, Linda 🙂
Claire
Posted at 13:37h, 05 NovemberGreat dress with a beautiful print! I have never made a wrap dress, and need to jump in soon for the sake of my work wardrobe. Just curious, why do you prefer the real wrap style to the faux wrap?
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 09:25h, 06 NovemberThank you, Claire! I like both styles just fine, but find the true wrap more fashionable, and I knew this fabric would work perfectly as a wrap due to its drape, weight and stretch. 😉
Nathalie
Posted at 13:41h, 05 NovemberHaha what a surprise! I also never make muslin. If you have found the ultimate way of learning to sew slow let me know. I have not mastered that either.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 09:27h, 06 NovemberLOL – I always make a muslin for woven fabrics but not always for knits. Maybe just being careful will slow me down a notch 🙂
Many thanks for the comment, Nathalie!
MaryEllen
Posted at 14:59h, 05 NovemberLove the fabric & dress ! But I also love that you are human and do the same things we all do . Just one clarification on the hem – is this iron on interfacing ?
Really ,really nice job
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 06:49h, 10 NovemberThank you, Mary Ellen!
Yes, the interfacing is a fusible knit interfacing. by Pellon. It is perfect in that it stabilizes the fabric without making it stiff.;)
Diana johnson
Posted at 19:51h, 05 NovemberGorgeous dress, your style is so classy, I too hurry through my projects, excited to start the next one.
Thank you for the tip.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 06:50h, 10 NovemberThank you, Diana! Maybe slowing down will be one of my New Year’s resolutions.;)
Michelle Paquette
Posted at 21:07h, 05 NovemberWell you’ve done it again! A gorgeous dress that fits you fantastic and looks great on you. Again, I am having serious fabric envy just like I did when you made a beautiful wrap dress with that St. John Knit.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 06:51h, 10 NovemberLOL! I think your envy would turn to pity if you had watched me handle this slippery fabric 🙂
Many thanks, Michelle for the comment!
Michelle Paquette
Posted at 21:16h, 05 NovemberI do have a question. What finish or stitch did you use to finish your seams? Doesn’t a serger also trim excess seam allowance. I am asking because about a year ago I got a new machine, which ai do love, with the intention of being able to make more professional looking seam finishes. I opted to get this machine instead of a serger. While I love how my machine performs I still cannot get nice clean looking seam finishes. It has an overcast stitch but it just does not look at all like this. It really makes a difference inside garment. Mine still look homemade IMO. I know this is so basic for everyone and I have been sewing for 40 years now but I still can’t accomplish beautiful seam finishes. Any tips would be appreciated!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 06:53h, 10 NovemberMichelle,
I use a serger to finish my seams. My sewing machine has an overlock stitch, but I agree that it is not the same.
Tomasa
Posted at 10:06h, 06 NovemberYou picked the perfect fabric for this dress. I am glad you did not leave it behind in Italy. It’s gorgeous and fits you beautifully!
I have the opposite problem you do….I wonder what the secret it of people who can make a whole garment in a day or two. It takes me forever (weeks) to make a garment. I just feel like I don’t have enough time and so I squeeze a little bit of sewing here, a little bit there. Eventually, it gets done.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 06:54h, 10 NovemberSurely, between the two of us we can figure out how to perfectly pace ourselves when sewing, Tomasa! I know an answer is out there somewhere 🙂
Erin Ashby
Posted at 10:22h, 06 NovemberGreat dress. I think bringing home fabrics from travel is a great souvenir. Much better than a t-shirt. I like to bring home scarves and other fashion accessories. Do you think of Italy every time you wear it?
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 06:55h, 10 NovemberMany thanks, Erin! Indeed I do think of Italy when wearing it. 😉 I agree with you – fabric is one of the best souvenirs
Teresa Davey
Posted at 13:32h, 06 NovemberA mock wrap sounds far safer to me. Lovely fabric, and that gold necklace matches perfectly.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 06:56h, 10 NovemberI suppose I wasn’t in the mood to play it safe, Teresa, but I agree a mock wrap is the safer choice 😉 Many thanks for your comment!
Barbara Hewitt
Posted at 18:48h, 06 NovemberI sew for two daughters, 4 granddaughters and myself, so there are rush, rush garments to make. Because 4 of my girls live on the other side of the state, and I am picky about fit, I have found that I have many garments in different stages, it gives me lots of thinking time, muslin garments and fitting times. The girls (teens), thankfully love what I make, but they like to pick the look. Often just a picture, which takes extra time due to making the pattern or putting pattern pieces together. Since I’m working on many garments at a time, there is always one finished and ready to wear. I also live in the center of the state (where we are half way to anywhere!!), so I order all my fabric from the East coast. Planning ahead is still something we are working on.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 06:58h, 10 NovemberWoah………………. your email made my head spin, Barbara! You are a saint and have very lucky daughters and granddaughters 🙂
Gerhild Turner
Posted at 20:16h, 06 NovemberI love the way the dress looks. And I know the frustration with Viscose fabric. It is like butter. You can’t hold on to it. I liked the pattern so much, I bought it today. Don’t know what kind of fabric I’m going to use but I already know, no Viscose for me this time.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 06:59h, 10 NovemberGreat, Gerhild! Send me a photo of your dress when you finish 🙂
Marguerite
Posted at 15:45h, 07 NovemberHello and welcome back! I’ve been checking faithfully! Great dress and fabric. I’ve never tried a wrap, although I love the look of them. You certainly have the figure for them though!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 07:00h, 10 NovemberThank you so much, Marguerite! The dress worked out but next time I’ll do a true wrap 😉
Juls
Posted at 06:17h, 08 NovemberAnother lovely dress, despite your haste in getting started, the result is a success nonetheless!
A quick question on your hem finish, what stitch do you use to sew the hem? A stretch stitch on a normal sewing machine? I’m about to sew my first knit fabric dress…! (gulp)
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 07:02h, 10 NovemberThank you, Juls!
I don’t want to steer you the wrong way but I stitched a straight stitch on the hem with a stretch needle. The interfacing stabilized the fabric and it stitched beautifully, but I know there are other techniques to try. Good luck 🙂
Juls
Posted at 18:07h, 11 Novemberthank you. It looks perfect and I trust your judgement and experience.
Jennifer Shaw
Posted at 23:03h, 08 NovemberYou look gorgeous in your new dress!! Wow. Thank you for sharing the pattern number, because I would love to make a mock wrap dress.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 07:03h, 10 NovemberThank you, Jennifer! Good luck with your dress 😉
Kangafrog
Posted at 00:15h, 10 NovemberBeautiful fabric and you look great In these colours. Personally, I prefer a faux wrap dress for the lack of wardrobe malfunctions. When I travel in France and need to ship things home, I buy the largest international mail carton at the post office, fill it to the permissible weight and post it to myself in Australia. It costs a bit but can be worth it. The same thing is probably available in other Parts of Europe.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 07:04h, 10 NovemberMany thanks for the tip, KangaFrog! Your advice calls for another trip to Europe so I can get this right 😉
Cindy C.
Posted at 08:57h, 13 NovemberExquisite as always! What a superb fabric choice, too. It makes your face just pop. People will be sure to do a double-take when they see you in it.
Sonja
Posted at 20:45h, 14 NovemberBeautiful dress! And much better results than I ever have when I rush! 🙂
Aikku Hasu
Posted at 09:43h, 19 FebruaryHello!
This fabric looks a lot like old Finnish Marimekko fabric called Unikko = Poppy.
Especially as our Pikku Unikko as Little Poppy. It can be found in many colours.
The fabric was created in 1964 by Maija Isola.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marimekko
https://www.scandinaviandesigncenter.com/ProductImages/Marimekko/16534/01/338×338/01.jpg
Jeff Laskowski
Posted at 08:55h, 30 JulyWow. Nice dress. Beautiful ensemble.