Sunday, May 25, 2008

Unscheduled sewing detour - McCalls 5621

Although I had a detailed sewing plan for May, last night I ignored it completely and pulled out McCalls 5621 to sew. I've had an Indonesian batik in my stash (found in Salvation Army, with Indonesian Batik label still intact! - $1.99) for about 6 weeks now, and I've been itching to use it.


(Ignore the super-dorky look, the sun was in my eyes, I think.)

This dress came together so easily. The only slightly complicated part was the yoke - and it really wasn't - just required some careful pinning.




Can I bitch a little about the Big 4 pattern sizing? (See Christina's commentary here.) Begin rant. I'm a 10-12, according to my measurements. So, I bought a pattern that had 10-12-14-etc sizing. Yeah. Right. This dress is ridiculously loose in the bodice. I need a 6 or an 8 at the top, at least. So, its one thing if the sizing is just off. Its another thing completely if the sizing is SO OFF THAT I BUY THE WRONG SIZE PATTERN! End rant.

That being said, I like the dress, resemblance to maternity gown notwithstanding. And I love the fabric! I'm heading out for dinner - my family's waiting with thinly disguised impatience - so the dress gets an outing tonight! Yay for sewing skill improvement that actually lets me wear what I make outside the house.

15 comments:

AllisonC said...

What a brilliant fabric find! The dress looks great, not at all maternity like on you, but I hear you about pattern sizing on the big 4, it's often insane!

Erica Bunker said...

I love that dress! That fabric is TDF! Brilliant choice!

Stephanie said...

I love it!

Kristy Chan said...

that really does look fantastic - I've quite often seen those batik fabrics but never would have thought to use them the way you have in your dress and skirt. I might try it out now that I've been so inspired by yours

Carolyn (Diary of a Sewing Fanatic) said...

That fabric so makes the dress! I bought this pattern but never really thought about making it up! Now it goes into the "must sew" pile...and for the sizing, remember this experience and only buy patterns in the smaller size range...you probably wear a different size in each pattern company!

Adrienne said...

How GORGEOUS!!! The fabric is FAB!

Chicago Sarah said...

I share your frustration with sizing...I'm often different sizes in the big 4. But, that dress is great and NOT maternity looking. I love how you pick up fabric at the thrift store and reuse it. I have some thrifted sheets waiting for some project- I've got to be more selective!

Sew Shy said...

I looove this dress. You picked the perfect fabric for it too. Hooray for sewing detours! Um... maternity was the LAST thing on my mind when I saw it. I think it's stunning.

Summerset said...

What a great use of such an interesting fabric! Ethnic prints are very popular and you've done an amazing job with that piece.

angie.a said...

Ooh it looks wonderful! I didn't think maternity in the least! Great find on the fabric too.

Dawn said...

Was it a border print or did you use two different prints? It looks great. Your yoke looks great; that's where I have problems.

Christina said...

Wow! I am seeing that rounded neckline in a whole new way - your fabric choice makes it look less 'trendy' and more 'exotic'. Okay, I'm officially lusting after your dress!

Alpa said...

that looks really beautiful on you, it's very stunning! I love this pattern too - the neckline is really beautiful. BTW, i've added you to my blogroll :)

Linda T said...

Very nice. Lovely fabric!

Meghan said...

Hi there--I just discovered your blog, and I adore this dress. What a find! It looks fantastic on you.