McCall’s 5377 (Out of print) Square Neck Empire Dress

Hi, everyone! I hope you are having a wonderful weekend. Today I want to share my first ever recreation of the designer's look. I was inspired by a picture of Adam + Eve dress featured in shopbop.com's Spring 2007 hard-copy catalogue.

Inspiration

My Version

Fabric: Cotton/silk gauze and Habotai silk lining from denverfabrics.com
Notion: Lace from trimfabric.com  ribbon/button from JoAnn store

Pattern: McCall's 5377 (Out of print) View C without bow and frill

To achieve the look, I applied lace trim on the band by zigzagging along the horizontal design on the lace. The catalogue picture did not tell me anything about skirt hem but I thought lace trim hem would be nice. I also made long button holes just under the bust so that they serve as ribbon loops.

Button and loop closure

Ribbon loops

Lace hem

So, this is how my favorite game called recreating RTW started. I've been addicted to this game since then.

Are you addicted, too?



Until next time, cheers to you all!

McCall's 5466 + Vogue 8555 Test Dress

This dress, the second test for my CH floral jacquard dress project, was made last summer. After I made the first muslin from Walmart remnant fabric, I decided to play safe and make one more muslin before I start cutting the jacquard fabric.

Fabric: Vera Wang Lavender Label brocade (polyester 76% cotton 24%) and matte polyester lining from fabric.com. (I made a skirt from this brocade before.)

Pattern: Again, McCall's 5466 (bodice) and Vogue 8555 (Skirt)

I learned that I should not sew the side of the bodice before turning it right side out. I also had to redo zipper a couple of times. It was frustrating, but it was a good practice before stitching more expensive fabric. I now understand the purpose of making muslin. It’s not only fine-tuning the fit but polishing the necessary technique before sewing the real thing.



Until next time, cheers to you all!

Simplicity 2443 Cynthia Rowley Jacket

Fabric: DVF cotton double knit from sawyerbrook.com

Pattern: Simplicity 2443. This is one of Simplicity’s Cynthia Rowley Collection. It comes with knit dress and vest pattern.

This pattern is so much fun because you can play with many details. I omitted D-ring at the sleeve tab, doubled the pocket fabric just for fun, and added hand stitches here and there.

Conclusion: This is fun, casual, and very wearable jacket!

Thanks, everyone, for stopping by!

There's more to come, so stay tuned ;)

Vogue 8379 Wrap Dress

Here’s another dress that I made few seasons ago.

Fabric: Rayon knit from emmaonesock.com. This is one of those “unnamed CA boutique designer” offerings. It’s pretty good quality for the price. (Does anyone know who this mystery designer is?) I like that this knit is opaque but not too heavy.

Pattern: Ever popular Vogue 8379. I made view B without collar. I did my usual petite alteration – shortened the bodice, sleeve, and skirt, and narrowed shoulder. I love that this dress does not require button or zipper.



Needless to say, this is DVF knock-off. It’s chic and comfortable. It’s also a great choice for travel wardrobe. I recommend this pattern just like so many other sewists do.

Until next time, cheers to you all!