Sunday, March 16, 2014

More on McCall's 6506 Shirtdress

I had a lovely lunch with my friend yesterday and she took this photo of me. It was meant to be posted on FB to show how happy I was to receive a signed picture of my favorite soccer player, but I thought I should post it here as well. Although it is not front/back photo, it still may help some readers to visualize how the dress looks on a petite figure. I am 5'2/157cm and wear US size petite 0/XS. I cut pattern size 8 and shortened the bodice.

Shirtdress


Some random thoughts after wearing McCall's 6506 shirtdress:


The dress is comfortable to wear even though the fabric has no stretch to it. If you have a thick back, I recommend that you make a muslin to test.

Waist is marked on the skirt pattern. This means that the belt is supposed to be slightly above waist, but mine sits at waist. I probably should have shortened bodice additional 1/2 inch or so. However, I think tying the belt at waist is more comfortable than doing so at above waist.

The waist darts are supposed to be folded outside. I folded inside because I did not care for outside darts. This change did not affect the fit at all.

Skirt hits at knee. If any shorter this print may look a bit childish for 40-something woman. I may shorten the skirt if I use more mature fabric.

On pattern envelope the collar looks too big for my taste. I cut off its long edge about an inch. Even after that I still feel the collar is big and dress looks little too 70's. Now I see why. I had to alter the shape of the collar, not just trimming around the long edge. I like this collar on Oscar de la Renta:

Photo courtesy of www.Nordstrom.com
Oscar de la Renta Lace Print Shirtdress

Be warned: The skirt is easily blown up by the wind!

Overall, I like this pattern. It is great addition to casual daytime wardrobe.

Until next time, happy sewing everyone!

Wednesday, March 12, 2014

McCall's 6506 Plenty by Tracy Reese Shirtdress

I had some time to sew last weekend at last! Did I try to finish Vogue 8857 tunic that I started last fall and abandoned since then? Nope! I made this dress.


Shirtdress
McCall's 6506 Front

Shirtdress
McCall's 6506 Back

Fabric: Cotton Poplin from Gorgeous Fabrics (I used same print before: Vogue 1177 Poppy Blouse)
Pattern: McCall's 6506 - Out of Print (Limited sizes are still available at McCall's website as of 03/12/2014)
Some Changes: 
  • Collar: Since I thought that collar looked too big on the pattern envelope, I made it smaller.  
  • Pockets: I wanted to make pockets and actually cut them out, but the instruction for attaching them confused me so much that I decided to omit them. I thought that either the illustration was wrong or cutting line and fold line on pattern were mixed up. Of course I could be wrong...

The dress has a retro vibe to it. I like how pleats turned out. 


I tried Hong Kong finish for the first time. I am loving the result!

Hong Kong Finish

  By the way, this dress sold at Nordstrom looks identical to McCall's 6506.

Photo Courtesy of Nordstrom.com
Plenty by Tracy Reese 'Amy' Print Shirtdress

Now I want a black belt to wear with my new dress! 

Shirtdress

Happy sewing everyone!