Sunday, August 30, 2015

Summer's Not Done Yet

Even though I've made some plans, bought some patterns and trims for my fall sewing plans, there's still a lot of summer left here on the East Coast. It's going to be in the '90s all next week and I'm thinking that quite a bit of September is going to be warm too.

So with that thought in mind and the fact that I've just about had it wearing my limited summer wardrobe, I made a couple more versions of McCalls 6559. Hey I already had the fabric, so why not use it?

Black 'n White Version ~ McCalls 6559:
The first version is from a herringbone/houndstooth ITY knit that I purchased in late October/November of last year from Fabric Mart.


I've always been intrigued by how the herringbone/houndstooth print worked and thought it would make a great short version of McCalls 6559. 

What do you think?


  • I added a black foldover elastic at the neckline. 
  • Turned down the armholes and stitched. 
  • Turned up the hem and ironed in a little stitch witchery then stitched it down. 
Easy peasy...a new dress for work this week...



Wearing it with a little cardi will make it perfect for public transportation and the office..


This one is golden because my oldest daughter gave it her seal of approval and said she'd even wear it! I know it's a good make when one of the daughters endorse it!

Large Floral Print ~ McCalls 6559:
The next one has a little backstory. I was cleaning a couple of shopping bags out of the storage area. I thought they only contained books because I'd cleaned off some more shelf space to store them. When I opened the second shopping bag, there were four pieces of fabric at the bottom of it...one still in the envelope from EOS with a date of June 2013 on the invoice.  

The first short border print dress turned out so well that I decided to make another. The fabric is from Fabric Mart and was $4.49 per yard - probably purchased during another one of their sales. I just loved the bold floral print and how it ended with a border!

So a few pretty pictures...





Next up is finishing off the blue and white print dress from the last post.  After I cut out the shell, I realized that I like a cotton sateen garment better with a lining. Then I decided to add piping to the neckline and finally maybe some pockets on the front?  I've turned this into a project...so that's how I spent this Sunday afternoon.

Oh and the little people were here...



A few behind the scenes shots ~ 
This is what happens when little people are running around when you're trying to take pics...






I know this post is picture heavy so thanks for understanding about all of them. You know I can't help but share grandchildren pictures! 

This is what I did with my weekend.  What did you do with yours?

...as always more later!








76 comments:

  1. Both dresses are fantastic and perfect for the end of summer! Bravo. Love the family picts as well!

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    1. Thanks they were both great for the really hot and humid weather we had this week!

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  2. Agree with Blue Sunday, great dresses and a lovely family!

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  3. So your cuties are learning to photobomb.... lol... love the dresses. The one with the greens just make me think of tropical places... Also your houndstooth/herringbone (tee hee.... both have to do with teeth!) is great! Enjoy all the compliments you will be getting!

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    1. Jean - they were just really happy to be in an area where they could just run. The pictures weren't even on their radar!

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  4. I absolutely adore the b/w houndstooth dress. You did a terrific job placing the different houndstooth sizes! Love it!

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    1. Bettina - the fabric came that way. I really just laid the pattern pieces down and cut. It's just an awesome piece of fabric.

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  5. Your combination of the houndstooths (or would it be houndsteeth -- lol) is genius! I also love your floral version. Enjoy those darling littles. They grow up too fast.

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    1. Erzulimojo - thanks for both compliments. They are growing like weeds so I'm trying my hardest to enjoy every moment with them!

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  6. That last picture cracked me up! Too cute!

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  7. Great photos! I caught up with family on the weekend too, but no grandkids yet :). Both dresses are lovely and that houndstooth fabric is just perfect for a simple style.

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  8. I love your blog. I don't usually comment but tonight decided to drop a little note. Gorgeous dresses the both of them. Love them! They look fantastic on you, too. Your little peeps are adorable as well. On a side note, I hope your daughter is doing much better still.

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    1. KCMama - the wonderfulness of youth - my daughter's gotten a job already and is back to working. Hard to believe she was so sick just 6 weeks ago! Thanks for asking about her!

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  9. This pattern has been good to you; you have made a fantastic series of dresses. I wonder why you used elastic to bind the neckline? It looks good - but is it different from bias. Your grandies are gorgeous, cute little inclusions in the pictures.

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    1. Patricia - I used the elastic because it was on hand and it was black. No great construction reason just what was in the cave.

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    2. Both dresses are so pretty! That houndstooth...so fresh yet always classic! Bravo

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  10. I love all of your dresses! Thanks for sharing the pics of your grandkids, they are so cute!

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  11. fantastic dresses, both. love the fabrics.

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  12. Oh yeah both cute and cute grand babies too.

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    1. sewmanju - thanks I think I'm more proud of the grandbabies though!

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  13. Love the houndstooth dress, but the floral is lovely as well. Gorgeous grandchildren too.

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  14. Both dresses are fabulous! You are such an inspiration to my sewing mojo! Love your outtake pictures. I like that the pictures show your "real" life, Family, Laughter & Love! You look fabulous.
    Bonnie @ sewplus.blogspot.com

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  15. I loved this post! Wow! Both of those dresses are fabulous and a different feel from the maxi versions. I love the black and white using the different fabrics. You have such a great eye for combining fabric in just the right way!! But the floral is gorgeous, too, in a different way. Have a great week wearing these! And the grandchildren (and your daughter) are precious!!!

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    1. Patricia - they even wore differently. I was glad that I made them especially because it was sooooo hot last week!

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  16. I love that houndstooth dress! So fun and sharp. The grands are adorable--keep 'em coming. Hope your daughter continues to do well.

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    1. Thanks Catherine for all of your good wishes and for appreciating the dresses.

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  17. Replies
    1. Girl - where have you been?! Just saw a pic on Instagram so it's good to know you're still chained to your sewing machine making amazing things!

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  18. All of your maxis are marvelous, but these two are my FAVS!!!! And, thank you for letting the world know summer isn't over yet! All of this talk of fall sewing plans feels so premature given that Fall technically begins on September 21st. In the meantime, we have more East Coast humidity to survive. You're doing it beautifully, by the way.

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    1. ...and it will be warm into October! Though my sewing is going to get a little schizophrenic - some fall with some late summer mixed in. I've managed to lose a few more pounds so I'm sure much of what I had for fall won't work this year!

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  19. I love all your 6559 variations:) That last fabric is especially beautiful, and it made me laugh that you found it hiding in a bag (I know that feeling too well;) What beautiful little photo bombers you have, too! I'm so glad you get to see them often.

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    1. Angela - I was tooooooo through with myself when I found that fabric in the shopping bag. Though I'm thrilled that one of them has become a dress already!

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  20. I love that black n white dress and the others too. Great work, enjoy the rest of summer.

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    1. Connie - that dress is so me! I love houndstooth prints - thanks for the compliments!

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  21. Just a whole lot of cuteness! :)

    I really love that ITY with the houndstooth. Such a neat fabric and it looks fantastic on you.

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  22. Lovely dresses and they will work into late Fall pairing them with long sleeve cardigans, tights & boots and you are good. Great pics of the Kiddos.... too cute.

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    1. Sheila - that's a great idea but I have to tell you I'm getting real tired of my summer wardrobe...repeating so often is boring me silly! I'm looking forward to sewing for fall and getting new things to wear. This is the downside of losing weight!

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  23. Fabulous. I love the out takes too.

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    1. Thanks Sewingelle - they are so funny when they are allowed to just run!

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  24. All your new dresses are looking great! Good to see that your sewing mojo is back. And super cute grand minions!

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    1. Denise - it is back but so scattered. I'm still trying to figure out what to sew...which can be as frustrating as not wanting to sew, y'know?!

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  25. Great dresses! That shot with the shorter green cardi is fabulous. You are looking great. The grand children are soo cute too!

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    1. Alison - it is a great print. I got a lot of compliments on the dress, so that was nice.

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  26. Love, love, love the dresses and the versatility of adding the cardi. You wear the dresses well! And the grandkids . . . precious!

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    1. Cathryn - I really AM most comfortable in a dress and feel my most confident. Hopefully that shows in the pictures.

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  27. I love when kids photobomb--it's always cute. Great dresses. Isn't it funny when you find fabric in an obscure place? It's like a random gift.

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    1. Robin - it was definitely a RANDOM gift! LOL! Just glad that I used one right away!

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  28. These are very pretty dresses. I am with you, still sewing for summer!

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    1. Lori - thanks and there is still a lot of summer left to sew for!

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  29. Love the floral print dress! Adorable grandchildren; of course they needed to help with the photoshoot!

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    1. Hey Marjie! The two dresses give off such different vibes - glad you like the floral one! And I love my grandchildren they give life such flavor!

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  30. Love the dresses as always. Your grandchildren and daughter are darling. Love the photobombing. Love the cardis.

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  31. These sesewing patterns is AMAZING! You have created a masterpiece.

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  32. I like houndstooth pattern too. Your dresses are lovely. I don't know how you manage to sew with the little people around!

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    1. Anne - they only show up the days I take pics. They're home most of my sewing time cause you're right I wouldn't get much sewing done with them here.

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  33. I like both dresses but really LOVE the herringbone one the most!

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    1. Thanks Linda! The herringbone one does give off a more professional look. I like that I can sew and wear both to my new job!

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  34. Carolyn, LOVE both these dresses. The houndstooth is so cool. You have such a good eye for what works.

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    1. Thanks Teresa! I think it's cause I love fabric so much - a gift and a curse! *LOL*

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  35. ....And the grandkids are absolutely adorable.

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  36. Darling photos with the kids in them! Your dresses look great!!!

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  37. That herringbone!!!!!

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  38. I absolutely love the dresses and the little people are adorable. You are blessed.

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