Monday, August 5, 2013

McCall 3865: The Bright Side Dress


Thanks for all your sweet comments when I gave a sneak peek of this project over at the Mandors Fabric blog.  Now, McCall 3865 deserves a post all its own!

This is my first 1940 McCall evening gown pattern.  I knew the moment I saw this pattern that I was inspired by View A...the dashing red tropical print:


I knew I wanted to wait for the perfect fabric for this dress.  Something with great drape that could transition from the beach to a nice dinner party.  I think I found a match made in heaven.  I used a lightweight floral cotton fabric that sews like a dream (from Mandors Fabric Edinburgh).

The bodice front is gathered down the centre with a stay attached behind the gathers to hold them in place.  The bodice waist makes a nice v-shaped line and is attached with a lapped seam over a gathered skirt.  The open back is also in a v-shape:


The straps are pleated in the front and attached to the upper bodice back.  I made several significant alterations to the pattern.  First, I didn't keep the back opening.  The original pattern closes at the back with a series of small buttons and button loops.  I think if I was doing the evening gown version, I would have kept that design...but in the more casual version, I knew it would drive me crazy.  So I sewed the back bodice seam closed and inserted a side zipper instead.


I ended up moving the shoulder straps about an inch towards the center.  I also took up the skirt by about an inch and shortened the back bodice piece by about half an inch.


The dress pattern is featured in the September McCall's magazine with this description:
McCall 3865: Wide straps are the smart ones now.  The blue evening frock with these new wide straps, is also important for its pretty bodice cut in heart shape.  The skirt fulness is slight, it goes perfectly with the bodice fulness and in rayon jersey it adds nothing to the hipline.
This dress is incredibly comfortable!  I can't wait to go somewhere tropical in it.  The weather in Edinburgh this summer has been almost tropical and we took a walk out on a beautiful day with the sun shining through the trees:



What can I say? This pattern is indeed the bright side of day and night!


SHARE:

35 comments

  1. What a fabulous print! It makes for such a lovely summer dress :). Beautiful Debi!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Wow! Beautiful! It's a beautiful print and you made it into a beautiful dress.

    ReplyDelete
  3. I just love the fabric, and your dress is divine!

    ReplyDelete
  4. This fabric is beautiful and really suits the style of the dress. I think I'm going to have to make a tip to that fabric shop in Edinburgh!

    ReplyDelete
  5. Yes! you should definitely go to Mandors!! It's a lot of fun :-)

    ReplyDelete
  6. Thanks Kristin!! I really enjoyed making it!

    ReplyDelete
  7. Thanks Hanne!! I just love the print--so summery and fun!

    ReplyDelete
  8. Thanks Rachel! I just love the dress--here's hoping we have lots more sunny days this summer :-)

    ReplyDelete
  9. That is just lovely. Gorgeous fabric! And the design is so timeless!

    ReplyDelete
  10. I love your version of this dress, so very feminine especially the gorgeous cut at the back. I thoroughly enjoy reading about your journey through these patterns. I have always loved this era and it is so inspiring to see you recreate them. I look forward to seeing your next creation.

    ReplyDelete
  11. I love how you took an evening dress and made it a perfect daytime dress. And your choice of print was inspired.

    ReplyDelete
  12. How pretty! The tropical print is perfect for summer and you look gorgeous in it :)

    ReplyDelete
  13. Debi this is just a winner all around I love it!! The fabric, style and you in it perfection!! Nan

    ReplyDelete
  14. It is stunning! A perfect fabric shoice and it looks fantastic on you!

    ReplyDelete
  15. Beautiful! What a lovely job!

    ReplyDelete
  16. Thanks so much! I'm really enjoying sewing up these patterns! It's always fun to see how it looks in real life!

    ReplyDelete
  17. Thanks Gail!! I just love how many of these designs can translate into modern day wear as well!!

    ReplyDelete
  18. Thanks Beatrice!! I do love how this pattern can transcend both day and evening wear!!

    ReplyDelete
  19. Thank you dear!! I was so happy to have found this print fabric :-)

    ReplyDelete
  20. Thanks so much Nan!!! I just love it too!

    ReplyDelete
  21. Thank you so much!! The fabric is a dream...glad I waited to find the perfect tropical print!

    ReplyDelete
  22. That dress is stunning! Definitely has the wow factor!

    ReplyDelete
  23. Such a lovely dress! That fabric is just perfect for it. In fact, I have a very similar pattern from Wheldons which must date from around the same time. It looks almost identical from the front, though it has a high back.

    ReplyDelete
  24. ooh it does look comfy! Such a great pattern, I love it !:)

    ReplyDelete
  25. So amazing... you look wonderful and floaty! That colour is really a winner on you too... :-)

    ReplyDelete
  26. Very Nice! The alterations came out perfect, totally understand about the zipper. The dress looks stunning on you. Good Job!

    ReplyDelete
  27. Beautiful!! This is a great marriage of fabric and pattern - definitely the bright side!

    ReplyDelete
  28. I love that you've decided to call it the "Bright Side Dress."

    ReplyDelete
  29. Oh Debi! This is beautiful, you look like a tropical goddess!!!

    ReplyDelete
  30. Wow, this is such a beautiful dress and the fabric choice, great! It's perfection!

    ReplyDelete
  31. Soooo this is my new favorite make of yours. That is the perfect Hawaiian print, where did you get the fabric???

    ReplyDelete
  32. This is so gorgeous! I love it! It's so flowy and summery!

    ReplyDelete
  33. oh beautiful debi, i adore this dress, you look stunning!!!!!

    ReplyDelete
  34. beautiful dress, debi.. you totally need a colorful cocktail for this one, as an accessory :)

    ReplyDelete

I read each and every comment--thank you so much!

Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...
MINIMAL BLOGGER TEMPLATES BY pipdig