McCall's: 6283 (misses lined dress) - Type:Formalwear  | | Viewed 227 times
| 3 more reviews | | Reviewed by: | Lynn67 | 
 | About Lynn67 | | AL USA | | Member since: 7/21/09 | | Reviews written: 30 | | Sewing skills:Intermediate | | Favored by: 6 people | | patterns reviewed: 27 | | Bio: more... |
| | Posted on: | 2/6/13 6:51 PM | | Project Photo: |  | | Pattern Photo: | 
McCall's Pattern Info | | Pattern Rating: | Recommend, with Modifications | | See other patterns in this category: Dresses Formalwear | Available for sale on PR: $14.96 (See envelope)  | | | | Fabric: | Satin [See other projects in this fabric] | | Related Links | Click on  to add a link |
| Pattern Description:
I made the one-shoulder, long skirt view. From the pattern envelope: Empire waist, lined dresses have princess seamed bodice, side zipper closure and boning; package features interchangeable components to create your own design; choices include three bodices and skirt variations including overskirt, pinched skirt, short straight skirt or long straight skirt with front slit; included in package are tips for embellishing your finished dress; optional raveled rosette trim.
Pattern Sizing:
I made a size 8 bodice (32" high bust) and tapered to a 12 skirt (40" hips), but had to reduce seam allowances from 5/8" to 1/4" because it was too tight (being overly optimistic about that size 12).
Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?
My version was just a line drawing.
Were the instructions easy to follow?
Yes, but they were skimpy. For example, they tell you to stay-stitch the sides of the bodice where the princess seams are going, but they don't mention stay-stitching the neckline, which is on the bias in the one-shoulder version and stretched out so badly I had to recut my bodice and lining! They're also WRONG in a couple of places when it comes to the lining. Regarding the skirt lining, the instructions are identical to the skirt, but with a slit they should be reversed. The diagram IS reversed, but I didn't look at it in time to catch it, so my lining slit ended up on the back right of my dress instead of the front left. I had to rip and re-sew to fix it - bleh.
What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?
I love the style of it, and it has a cute page where they encourage you to "be the designer" and copy which bodice and which skirt you want, then put it over their drawing of a woman - like a paper doll. That made it kind of fun. I DIDN'T like that you really needed to be familiar with linings to get it right the first time, and the fact that there were mistakes in the pattern with the pictures being the opposite of the written instructions. They also made a mistake lining the one-shoulder bodice: they tell you to have it right sides together when you sew the shoulder seam and lining, then turn it right side out. But you can't, because you've created a Moebius strip that way. I had to rip the shoulder seam and turn the thing wrong sides together to get it right. (It makes sense if you have it in your hand.) I wish they also had a better way of dealing with the top of the slit so it doesn't end up puckery - that was kind of messy.
Fabric Used:
"Tie-Dye Glitter" Satin from Joann with standard lining fabric
Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:
I raised the front bodice piece an inch to cover the non-shoulder-strapped boob, and other reviewers have mentioned lengthening the bodice length, which you should certainly do if you have any chest to speak of. I also sewed quarters into the hem edges of the slit to weigh that down a little bit. May have been a bad idea since they clang on my shoes, but 50 cents may also come in handy during Mardi Gras in New Orleans - like to call a cab for instance!
Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?
Sew it again? Posssssibly.....there are several options included. Recommend to others? With the caveat that they study the lining instructions closely and realize there are a couple of mistakes in the pattern.
Conclusion:
I think it's a beautiful dress with several cool options and the pattern seemed well-drafted, but you need to be familiar with some basic techniques without relying on the instructions so heavily, like myself. Here's a link to the dress construction parts of my blog with more pictures while under construction.
| Buy this pattern for $14.96 List Price: $19.95 Add to Bag  |
|
|
 Pattern with more than 5 reviews!
<< Previous Next >>
6 Comments
Login to Add a Comment |
|
|Login|Help]
Despite all the headache, I think your dress turned out beautiful! I hope you have fun wearing it!
2/6/13 8:38 PM
I really enjoyed reading your review! Sorry it wasn't an easy project. I'm originally from LA but live in Ohio now; you're making me so homesick for some good ole Mardi Gras fun. Oh well, guess I'll have to make do with some homemade Cajun food.
2/6/13 10:00 PM
Looks wonderful, and I love the style!
2/6/13 11:59 PM
Thanks ladies! Prostheticsgirl - bet you're missing our balmy weather too - stay warm up there!
2/7/13 5:42 PM
What a gorgeous dress! Looks amazing on you! Worth the fuss I think :)
2/8/13 5:21 PM
Your blog writeup is hilarious. I think you've captured some of the frustrations that all sewers experience!
2/9/13 7:08 AM