Sunday 6 September 2015

McCalls M6958 (or the dress it's now too cold to wear!)

Hi everyone. It's been a while since my last blog-post, and I have to be honest and say I have no idea where the time went.  A blur of day trips and camping, and the Summer has been and gone.


Today I am sharing my only summer make! The pattern (McCalls M6958) was purchased with a magazine I picked up in Sainsbury's. I don't often buy magazines with free patterns because, well, they aren't free, are they?! But this mag had three patterns with it, all of which I actually liked, so it seemed like a good idea.


I did a few standard-for-me alterations, changing where the bust dart fell, and lopping off inches in height so that the waist actually hit my waist! The dress itself was an easy make, but took me simply ages - just a lack of free time, I guess. It sat patiently waiting to be hemmed for over two weeks!  Then, after finishing it, the weather has been too cold and wet to take blog photos.


I have finally braved the weather to show the dress off. I am really pleased with it, and think that the shape suits me. It has a much more fitted shape than I normally wear, but it still has lots of ease, so it is comfy.


The camera has decided not to capture the colours at all well. The fabric is a lovely burgundy colour with grey and black geese flying in all directions. It is also the first piece of fabric I ever bought. I promptly decided I'd likely ruin it, so had better practise on old sheets and curtains first! But, two years on, I was determined it should sit in the stash no longer.


The colours are clearer here in this mid-make shot. It also documents my first invisible zip, which I am pretty proud of: it wasn't as bad as I had expected, but actually (and I know I am in the minority) I really like the look of a good lapped zip. I am pleased to have tried it, though, and have even bought a few more for future projects.
 

It does look rather blousey here; this is because the shaping is achieved with dart tucks, so it poufs out slightly. But not too much - I do like the overall shape.
 

I am hoping to be able to wear it with a cardie and tights to a party, but - other than that - this won't get worn till next year. A shame that, as I adore it.


I suppose it's all Fall/Autumn sewing for me from now on...

32 comments:

  1. That's a lovely dress, Louise! The shape of it is really lovely and the fabric goes well with the dress. (Aren't those hummingbirds?) And the colour is divine. I do hope you get a bit more wear out of it in the Fall, with a cardi over it and tights.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Oh yes I think you are right! Doh! Thank you.

      Delete
  2. I love it! Such a lovely fabric and the silhouette is very flattering on you!
    It's a shame you won't get to wear it through Autumn though - I like to wear my dresses with woolly tights and long-sleeved tees underneath to pump up the warmth factor.
    Congrats on your first invisible zip!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I may well try that, eke out how much I can wear it.

      Delete
  3. It's really pretty and I do love that fabric. I think we'll have some warm days yet before autumn really settles in so you never know....

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yes in fact it's been a scorcher today, really sunny and lovely.

      Delete
  4. This looks great, the fit looks really good! I'm the opposite of you, I've done quite a few invisible zips but have only done 1 lapped zip. I do like the look of a lapped zip though so should give it another go.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I am pretty chuffed with the zip on this. Thank you.

      Delete
  5. This is lovely - I really like the fabric, so pretty. I think it would definitely work for autumn with tights and a cardi. Great invisible zip too. I have never done a lapped zip. I really do prefer an invisible one. :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yes I think the colours are good for Autumn, going to try it with t shirts.

      Delete
  6. Sooooooooo gorgeous!! Even if it doesn't get much wear this year im certain it will be worn loads next year! I have only ever put in invisible zips - never any other type!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you, think I have done them all now: centred, lapped, exposed and invisible!

      Delete
  7. I really love this on you. Love the slightly fitted look with the slim skirt. So good to get something lovely out of fabric you love

    ReplyDelete
  8. Louise this dress is so very flattering on you. The color, the style -- you look gorgeous! I think those *free* patterns were worth the investment!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you I do feel good in it, even when I was trying it on at the fitting stage I knew it would work for me.

      Delete
  9. It's really lovely on you! I think it's so great that you've made something you really love and are proud of with the first fabric you ever bought - it must be a really satisfying sense of progress! Hope winter passes quickly so you can wear it again sooner rather than later...

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I have come so far in my sewing, only two years now and I am making reasonable quality clothes! Amazing really.

      Delete
  10. It's a lovely dress Louise, and you're right - the more fitted shape really suits you. Hopefully you'll manage to get a bit more wear out of it this year (I'll be wearing sundresses with carigans for a while yet), but if not at least you'll have a pretty dress waiting for you next summer!

    ReplyDelete
  11. Thank Ruth I definitely like the style, it feels very me. Maybe another one with sleeves is in order.

    ReplyDelete
  12. This is a very pretty dress! It's fun to use a cute print for a sweet summer dress :)

    ReplyDelete
  13. A really lovely dress! It fits you fantastically (from what I can see of course) and major congrats on that invisible zip xxx

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Ah thank you, looking forward to many more invisible zips!

      Delete
  14. Very nice it looked too. Thanks for coming to the party.

    ReplyDelete
  15. Too kind! Had a great time, thanks for a fabulous party.

    ReplyDelete
  16. Too right that shape suits you! Beautifully fitted and I adore that fabric. It was obviously patiently waiting to me made into this dress!

    ReplyDelete
  17. Too right that shape suits you! Beautifully fitted and I adore that fabric. It was obviously patiently waiting to me made into this dress!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Ah thank you, it got considered for many makes along the way.

      Delete
  18. Lovely shaped dress Louise and the colours really suit you too! I'm sure you could get some wear from this dress through autumn paired with a good pair of tights, boots and a cardi. It would be a shame to keep it in the wardrobe!

    Your first invisible zip looks awesome too. Very slick!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Wore it the other day with tights and a tee shirt. Looked fine. Totally proud of my zip too!

      Delete
  19. To protect the Binance account from unwanted viruses and hacking, the two-factor authentication key is provided in the Binance account. But, it is also observed that users encounter numerous errors related to the functioning of the Binance. All your problems will be resolved by the team members who’ve in-depth knowledge about the Binance and always there to give fruitful assistance. Dial Binance support number which is always approachable from any corner of the world and the platform where all your issues not only will be discussed but resolved by the professionals in a jiffy.

    ReplyDelete