McCalls 6559 - Not for me...

There are 38 reviews of this pattern on Pattern Review and I've read a few others around the internet so I had high hopes for this pattern.  I knew I would need to make a few adjustments...I mean there's a thin, tall woman on the pattern cover and that's far from who I am...but I did have hope.

Halfway through the pattern adjustments, I became concerned about making this dress work for me because I needed to add quite a few inches in the abdomen and hip area.  I used a pivot and slide technique to achieve that.  I added an inch to the center back and I stitched the center back seam instead of placing the pattern on the fold knowing that I need some seams to make it look less muu-muu like on me.  I also raised the center front neckline 1.5" per the comments on the reviews I'd read.  I shortened the hem 1.5" but didn't hem it (other than the serged edge) prior to pictures because I'm not keeping this dress.


I also did a turn and stitch down of the neckline and the armholes.  I'm really glad that I didn't invest a lot of time in this because in all honesty this is just not a good look for me.  Here's a front and back view with full hair and make-up because I couldn't bear taking pics without them since the dress is just not working for me...

I won't even show you what the side view looks like because that picture should not be saved into perpetuity on the internet...sad peoples...it was just sad! Anyway, I won't be making a bunch of these to take with me on vacay.  

I do have a couple of RTW versions that I've worn on the weekends that will come with me instead, as well as, a couple of maxi skirts and tank tops.  Here's a pic of me wearing a RTW maxi dress...

(purchased from the Avenue)

I know that there's a McCalls pattern (5893) that has the same empire waistline and if I get inspired I may make one...but I'm not pressing the issue.  I have made a few other pieces that will be packed.  This ruffled black knit skirt...

this lavender linen tank dress... 

and probably my floral V1250 maxi...

Since I have these pieces and some others, I think I'm going to go back to working on McCalls 6506...because my daughter and the grandkids have gone home and I still have a few hours of evening left to sew...

...as always more later!