Friday, February 22, 2013

Finished: The Spur of the Moment Dress (McCall's 5668)



Yay! I did it. Even after deciding to make this a week before leaving for my older sister's 40th birthday in San Antonio, Texas, I was unsure if it would ever get done. It took much more time with the muslin stage than I was hoping, but it was so worth it! Now I have a cute black wool dress, that I think I can dress up or down to work for whatever situation. Now on to some of the details. 


I used McCalls 5668 which looks like it might be from the mid or late 50's. I had to do some tweaks to the pattern to make it work, but I love the final results.  Once I got the pattern down, it was pretty easy to sew. Two pleats for shaping the bodice and the skirt, a snug midriff to emphasize the waist, and four darts for shaping the skirt. Simple but effective. 

I used a black wool that my mother had bought me two years ago from Joann's suiting section. I am trying to use up my stash and this cut into almost the remainder of the yardage I had. It pressed beautifully and really was great to work with. The drawback — after I was done, my ironing board and floor were littered with a film of fine black wool dust :) Besides that it was great. And the dress is very warm yet breathable.


Since I went with wool, I decided to line the whole dress. Otherwise it seemed way too itchy! I cut and sewed a separate bodice and skirt out of a red bemberg rayon (named Tango!) The bodice was machine sewn to the back V and front neckline and then under-stitched to prevent it from peeking out. I attached the lining by hand at the zipper and  the sleeves. The skirt lining was attached to the skirt waistline seam and then I hand-stitched where the bodice and skirt met. The pattern called for facings, but instead of using the wool (which I thought would be itchy and bulky) I just cut the facings from silk organza, attached that to the wrong side of lining. This provided a little more structure around the neckline, V-neck and sleeve openings. I think this was a great option and provided just enough structure to the lining and to the wool and also still made the dress breathable.



There are a few things that still need tweaking, but I am not sure how to address them. If you look at the picture below you will see that I still have some wrinkling on the midriff and in the upper back. But I am told that if I fix that I may to be able to move my arms! And that is necessary for a dress :) If anyone has any fitting suggestions, I am always open to ideas!


All in all, I think it is a great addition to my closet. It was easy to sew, and would have been even easier if I hadn't decided to fully line it. Oh, and the name. Did you get it?!?!? I thought it was super clever. Spur. Like Spurs of San Antonio, where I went to wear the dress! And I had to make it fast! Okay, maybe a little to complicated than clever. Whatever, I still like it ;)


Have you ever finished something that you thought was a goner?  What kept you going? Go on, and tell us!

Have a great weekend!

16 comments:

  1. It looks great! and i love the red lining you picked =)

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    1. Thanks! Isn't that fun?!?! I think it is my favorite part of the dress :)

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  2. Your dress is fabulous, you did a great job!

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    1. Thanks so much! That is high praise indeed after seeing your creations on your blog! :)

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  3. I enjoyed reading about the process so much that I'm now a subscriber to your blog. Keep up the gorgeous and inspiring work!

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  4. Gorgeous! What a perfectly elegant, understated but sexy dress.

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    1. Thanks! I think it will get worn quite a bit :)

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  5. I love everything about this dress - the dramatic back, the red (super sexy secret) lining, and the fit and style is just spot on and so flattering on you.

    I think there is a point in every project when I am convinced that it will end in doom. I think it's just part of the process. ;-)

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    1. Right?!?! No matter how much prep work and being careful there is, there is always that moment that I want to just go out and buy a dress! Ha!

      I love the way this dress came out. It really is a flattering silhouette, which was kind of shocking because it is not one I would normally choose. And the lining was perfect for it: classy on the outside and sassy on the inside! Thanks for your lovely words :)

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  6. I'm so happy this worked out as beautifully as it did, and that you got it completed in time. I was worried for a few days. Didn't know that reading sewing blogs could be so suspenseful. :) You look amazing in these photos, and I am in love with the red lining as well. Neat shoes too.
    Shelley

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    1. Thanks, Shelley! I appreciated your motivation when I was in the final moments...I was hemming the morning of the event :)

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  7. This is ADORABLE! Totally worth the work you put into it! Great job, girl!

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    1. It came out so much better than I had anticipated! Worth the work, yes, and no tears *or* breakdowns this time around!!! :)

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