Hello everyone! I am so happy it’s summer; it gives me energy. I love the sunshine, the warm air, and the flowers that bloom this time of year. This summer I want new dresses. They need to be comfortable during the summer heat. They need to easily transition from casual day wear to an elevated evening outfit and look chic whether I am in sneakers, flats, or platform shoes. I also want one of them will be white because I don’t own a white dress!
I saw Vogue V1653 and was immediately taken by its comfortable style and the simplicity of the lapel collar. I chose View D for its midi length and almost straight skirt. The side seam pockets was a bonus. I would wear this dress with a sneaker around town or with platform shoes and a belt I already own for dinner with friends. I selected Fabric Mart’s medium Persian blue 100% linen (SKU# UAA7473r) to sew this loose-fitting dress.
I favored McCall’s M7805 for its close-fitting lined bodice and midi length flared skirt. The button-down front reminded me of timeless shirtdresses. The off-the-shoulder neckline and the straps screamed summer. I would wear this with my flats for lunch with friends or with platforms to go out for the evening with my husband. I picked FM’s eggshell white cotton/polyester poplin (SKU# CQA3063) for the midi length View D.
Starting with the V1653 dress, I prewashed the linen in hot water and dried it in the dryer. I made a muslin first, cutting a size 14 for the bodice and skirt. The neck opening was very low for my comfort, only 2 inches above my belly button! So, I raised it by 4 inches. The rest of the dress was constructed according to the pattern instructions. Pellon sheer weight interfacing made the lapel look crisp. I serged the seams and finished the lower skirt edge with a 5/8 inch narrow hem. The slit in the lower center back of the skirt was a nice touch.
For the M7805 dress, I prewashed the poplin in warm water and dried it in the dryer. Based on my muslin, I cut a size 14, C cup, and expanded the waist to size 16. Pellon sheer weight interfacing was used for the collar, bodice front, and skirt front. Attaching the collar and straps took a long time since I wanted them to cover my bra straps and drape nicely. Modifications: I made the buttonholes vertical instead of the suggested horizontal. Also, I made 12 buttonholes instead of 11. The buttons were spaced 3 inches apart, instead of 4, to avoid the gaping in the bust area. I serged all the seams and finished the skirt with a narrow hem.
My dresses turned out as I imagined. The weight of the linen allowed the V1653 dress to drape nicely; I love its blue color. The crispness of the poplin gave the M7805 dress a vintage feel; its color was bright and popped against the black buttons. I am very happy with my new summer dresses!
Til next time,
Such pretty dresses. The blue one has both a simplicity and chic-ness to it.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful dresses, beautiful lady.
ReplyDeleteThey turned out wonderfully well and are becoming to you.
ReplyDeleteLovely fabric and pattern choices, great notes on changes, excellent sewing, both look great on you!
ReplyDeleteGorgeous dresses.
ReplyDeleteLovely!
ReplyDeleteLove the M7805 dress.... looks so comfortable!
ReplyDelete