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!
What a shame it didn't work for you. Any chance of 'chopping-it' and making a summer top???
ReplyDeleteAll my maxi dresses are sleeveless, so I wear short-sleeved shirts over them, a la Coldwater Creek. I suggest that if a shirt or jacket does not alter the attitude of your dress, you could turn it into a top and a tapered skirt.
ReplyDeleteThe fabric does look good on you -- so yes if you can save it into a top and a skirt.
ReplyDeleteI think it would be really cute with a short cardigan. The print is terrific, just needs something to break it up a little.
ReplyDeleteYou could always wear it for a nightgown. It happens. I've got a dress I made a couple of weeks ago that makes me feel decidedly dowdy. Not a look I want either. I love the other pieces you are taking with you and how many days is this vacation?
ReplyDeleteWell, here's what I do in a situation like this...something isn't fitting "just so" through the waist or under the bust so I bunch it up in the center under my bustline and put a really cool sparkly brooch there to hold it in place and toss on a little jacket. Try it!
ReplyDeleteI think the dress looks great on you but then if you don't think it does then you won't be comfortable in it... I guess it is that side shot you talked about. The fabric is fantastic so hopefully you can salvage it for something. Or as suggested - wear maybe a waterfall light cardi... hides all sorts of things. Your vogue maxi is FANTASTIC so with that and your RTW one your covered anyway.
ReplyDeleteGood on you for trying a new style anyway - I think the suggestion of turning it into a skirt is great or adding a little jacket to balance out the top / bottom . I have a bag where I put my unsure about garments in - I leave them for a little while to think about them so I don`t throw out anything too hastily . This has saved a few regrets in the past .
ReplyDeleteSo sorry it didn't work for you. I love the fabric and it was very pretty on you..
ReplyDeleteI do understand though...when it just doesn't feel right .you just don't like it.. Maybe if you tuck it away.. and come back later, some thing else can come from it. And if it don't.. You can know you tried it.ha..
Have a happy sewing evening.
Love the hair in today's photos! You look fabulous. the print is lovely, sorry the dress didn't work. g
ReplyDeleteIf you don't feel comfortable, try to do something else with this fabric, cause it is lovely.
ReplyDeleteI actually like this look on you for a change. A weekend look.
I agree with everyone the fabric is very pretty. What if you added maybe elastic under the bust or even a tye of somekind also under the bust, and maybe add a slit in the front maybe knee high?
ReplyDeleteThis one didn't work for me either, unfortunately. It's just not a good look for my shape.
ReplyDeleteYour other outfits/dresses look great, as does your hair.
Well, just to be curmudgeonly, I really like this maxi on you! And I love your hair worn this way - very fresh and summery. Maybe the pictures you posted were too "good"? Cause I really like it. Maybe even better than the purchased one.
ReplyDeleteI'm so sorry to hear this since you know how much I love this dress. But I am with you, if it doesn't make you feel fabulous why bother. I love the V1250 maxi.
ReplyDeleteI can relate to ths post. I've been avoiding hese tank maxi dresses because I know, they won't flatter me. They look great on other people, though. I actually think yours looks pretty good on you. I do like your RTW version with empire waist definition more though.
ReplyDeleteBummer about the dress! Well, nothing ventured, nothing gained. At least now you know to avoid patterns like that one because they don't make you feel fab.
ReplyDeleteOh dear, and such a lovely fabric. The 1250 maxi still looks wonderful, and you do wearing it, so please take it with you.
ReplyDeleteFingers crossed you can remake M6659 into other garments, xxx Michelle in Wellington, NZ
Front and back views look great, but I hear ya on the unseen side view ... as the same look (I'm guessing) is what has made me avoid that popular pattern. I just can't wear that much dress without something breaking it up.
ReplyDeleteNow that RTW Avenue dress is a whole 'nother story. It is just FABULOUS on you. It's flattering n so many ways.
If it makes you feel any better about your wadder - I had my own this weekend too. It happens. Too bad it happens with nice fabric, though. lol
Sorry about this one, sometimes that happens but it is so discouraging. We want every garment to be a winner! :) I like the other options you have available.
ReplyDeleteI actually think the dress is great. I like the fabric and it seems to hang well on you. You might consider putting in an empire waistband and maybe some lettuce edge hemming. I wouldn't wad it just yet--the fabric is too nice. Looking at you from a photo viewpoint, it's looks good.
ReplyDeleteIt's unfortunate that this didn't work for you but you certainly made up for it with your "Back Up Plan"! Perhaps you will find an occassion that you can wear the dress, even if it is in the confinement of your own home!
ReplyDeleteIt looks good on camera, but I understand that sometimes real life is not as kind. You win some, you lose some, right?
ReplyDeleteFrankly, I think it looks very good on you. But if you don't think so that is what matters. Pass it on and move on.
ReplyDeleteIt looks fine on you. But it is not a work garment. Personally, I really don't see how this pattern can go wrong, but if you say so.....
ReplyDeleteBummer! Unless you need a new nightie (and it's comfortable), trash it or give it away. The fabric and dress actually look great in the pictures. If you don't like it, you have so many other fabulous dresses to wear. The maxis in your packing pictures are terrific.
ReplyDeleteHow about a belt? I just finished a maxi, it is very full on the bottom, and I'll be wearing mine with a belt (as soon as I find one to match).
ReplyDeleteCarolyn, I like your dress. I understand how you feel though. It would make a lovely dress for entertaining at home.
ReplyDeleteThe V neckline is far more flattering, I think that would be a change if you did try that pattern again. If you edged the V neck and brought the edging down straight to the hem from the V apex It would create a vertical line that breaks up the visual in a flattering way.
ReplyDeleteJust a thought.
Love the fabric on you. Kudos for showing us to take a chance on something new and different.
I know you don't agree, but I think you look great in the first dress (the gray print.) That would be a perfect weekend dress for shopping or doing errands in style.
ReplyDelete