Tuesday, September 24, 2013

McCall 3686: The 'Fall for Cotton' Dress


Thank you for all your lovely comments on my last post! I am happy to share my latest 1940 McCall creation, which was made with this lovely pattern and just in time for the 'Fall for Cotton' vintage sewalong:


I chose to make View A with the short sleeves.  This dress is really special to me because it's made with Weaving Destination fabric!!  Javita and I have been working to get our Etsy store online and hope to be selling these amazing social enterprise fabrics THIS WEEK!  woot! woot!  Read more about the story of our social enterprise here...

This fabric is amazing 100% cotton with orange, purple and white pinstripes and a neat border that I converted into the yoke for this dress.  I couldn't believe the border of the fabric was the perfect size for the neckline yoke pattern piece.  I am also super happy that I was able to match the stripes on both the yoke corners and skirt seams:



















The dress consists of a bodice yoke that is attached to the main bodice by a lapped and gathered seam on both the front and back.  The back bodice is slightly bloused at the waist.  The skirt is a simple two piece a-line that is also attached to the bodice by a lapped seam.  The sleeves have a gathered sleeve cap.  I also made a matching belt for the dress.



I did run into a slight panic moment with the dress.  Since I used the selvedge of the fabric to make the bodice yoke piece, I didn't need to finish the neckline.  I wasn't even thinking about the seam allowance and whether I would be able to fit the dress over my head!! eeps.  Went to try it on and I definitely couldn't get it on.  So I ended up sewing a few snaps alongside one of the shoulder seams.  hahaha!  I call it a 'design feature'!


I am very, very happy with the dress and imagine I will get a lot of wear out of it!  I love how subtle the pinstripes are and the beautiful colours of the fabric!


YAY! I can't wait to share this fabric with you all...stay tuned for more Weaving Destination fabrics!!
SHARE:

41 comments

  1. This dress makes a beautiful start of fall transition... The pattern really showcase the beautiful fabric ... Cannot wait to see how far on your sewing challenge you will be by December.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Fab dress .. The pattern and fabric really showcase each other. I've loads to do on my dress yet!

    ReplyDelete
  3. Wow,you really are a vision of the past. Dress,shoes,hair...amazing.I can't say enough how great this whole look is.You never fail to inspire!Seriously awesome killer dress! XO

    ReplyDelete
  4. This is fantastic, really! The matched stripes look so perfect, and the colours are really beautiful! You did an amazing job with this dress, my compliments.
    I entered the "Fall for Cotton" sew-along as well, but I broke my toe just 2 days after I entered, and since then I didn't have time nor energy to sit down and sew, even though the pattern is ready and adjusted, and the fabric is pre-washed. I guess I will not be able to finish my project in time....


    I envy you for your hair, it looks wonderful! I can't do anything that looks properly vintage, as it's very curly. A nightmare... :-/

    ReplyDelete
  5. Another stunning make! Thats such a great dress for all seasons :-D

    ReplyDelete
  6. The matching is just so precise & lovely. The dress & fabric is beautiful.

    ReplyDelete
  7. You look so stunning, the dress is a real inspiration to try and use stripes in different ways. The fabric is so beautiful, looking forward to seeing more Weaving Destination Fabric and hopefully being able to buy some!

    ReplyDelete
  8. Debi, that is so, so pretty and beautifully made. Absolutely love it!

    ReplyDelete
  9. This dress is so gorgeous Debi!!! loving that neckline.
    Your matching belts are so killer too...

    ReplyDelete
  10. This is really pretty. The fabric is lovely (I will eagerly await seeing the Etsy store) and the use of the edge for the neckline is perfect. I look forward to seeing your next 1940 make.

    ReplyDelete
  11. Wow, what a great use for that fabric. You look so good in the 40s!

    ReplyDelete
  12. What a fabulous dress - and a great colour for Autumn! I love the fabric, and the yoke, and the belt - the whole outfit really!

    ReplyDelete
  13. It looks wonderful! Such a beautiful fabric that can transition to every season too.

    xo,
    Em

    ReplyDelete
  14. The dress is fabulous and the fabric looks like it was made for this dress :)
    And you always have the best smile!
    Well done ;)

    ReplyDelete
  15. Love it, Debi. Great palette for you!

    ReplyDelete
  16. Oh my! What a beautiful and well constructed dress! You always do such astounding work!

    ReplyDelete
  17. The fabric is a perfect pairing for this dress and a great color for fall! Looking forward to seeing more of your fabrics!

    ReplyDelete
  18. I have been following your blog and sewing adventures for a while now and this dress and project have inspired me to comment. I really love this dress! Everything about it is perfect, the style, the fabric and the construction. I really admire your ability to make these vintage patterns fit you so well. I am really put off by the challenge of fitting a pattern that was drafted for a very different body than mine. And the fabric is fabulous! I have already marked the shop on Etsy as a favorite and will check back often anxious to see the wonderful fabrics and scarves. Congratulations on the award you and your partner received. Do you have any information on other projects funded by this organization?

    ReplyDelete
  19. I love the fabric, and the yoke detail is PERFECT!!

    ReplyDelete
  20. Fabulous dress, expertly executed. Fabric and pattern in perfect harmony. I too will be checking out your Etsy shop :)

    ReplyDelete
  21. I have been lurking for a very long time, and I have enjoyed seeing your parade of creations from vintage patterns, but this one utterly takes the cake! Love, love, LOVE it. Absolutely perfect combination of pattern and fabric. And I LOVE what you are doing with your social enterprise, Weaving Destinations.

    ReplyDelete
  22. Love the bold stripes on the yoke!

    ReplyDelete
  23. i LOVE it! The colours are sumptuous!

    ReplyDelete
  24. Oooh this is really lovely. Love the colors and the yoke!
    Can't wait to see the new Weaving Destination fabrics. I think what you and Javita are doing is fabulous.

    ReplyDelete
  25. Oh Debi, I love this dress!! And how special that you used Weaving Destination fabric. That yoke is fantastic. Don't feel bad about the neckline... I did the exact same thing on a sweater once, buttons and all! lol

    ReplyDelete
  26. I think this is my favourite thing you've made! The fabric works perfectly, and the whole thing looks fantastic. I can't wait to see more Weaving Destination fabrics.

    ReplyDelete
  27. Gorgeous! Pure genius for the neckline snaps!

    ReplyDelete
  28. Debi, you look so fantastic in this dress!

    ReplyDelete
  29. WOW, this is AMAZING! This might be my favorite of your 1940 dresses! Lovely!

    ReplyDelete
  30. Awwww! Thanks Ginger--I really love this one too!

    ReplyDelete
  31. Thanks so much Rachel! We've just listed our Weaving Destination fabrics on Etsy!

    ReplyDelete
  32. Thanks so much for the lovely comment!! I'm having a lot of fun with the 1940 patterns...and being able to help out with Weaving Destination has been such a joy! Thanks so much for all your support!

    ReplyDelete
  33. Thanks so much Barbara!! I was really excited for the match between the fabric and the pattern! The Melting Pot (where we got the Social Innovation Incubation Award) is amazing. Here's a list of the other lovely social enterprises from last year: http://www.themeltingpotedinburgh.org.uk/social-innovation-incubator-awards-2012-13-winners and this year's winners are equally as inspiring: http://www.themeltingpotedinburgh.org.uk/social-innovation-incubator-award-2013-14-winners

    ReplyDelete
  34. oh no!!! My sister recently broke her toe--it's so painful and frustrating!! Hope it heals soon. xoxoox

    ReplyDelete
  35. I must get some of that fabric! It's so beautiful! I love the dress and the way you used the stripes to play up the cute yoke bit on top. Yet another awesome dress :)

    ReplyDelete
  36. This is so pretty! I love the squared off neckline/chest area. Really pretty 40's make!

    ReplyDelete
  37. The dress is wonderful. You did a great job matching the stripes! Love the neckline. Congrats on finishing your Fall for Cotton project!

    ReplyDelete
  38. Thanks so much Rochelle! Not sure if you saw my comment on your blog? I'm having problems accessing my Flickr account...can I send you some pictures for the project parade? :-) and I would love to see the projects you would make with some Weaving Destination fabric!! xoxoxo

    ReplyDelete
  39. Yes that would be just fine. I'd love to include your dress :)

    ReplyDelete
  40. I was wondering if I might ask you a question since I know that you are so familar with this early 40s patterns. I am working on a pattern from 1940 with the puffy sleeve effect and it uses a sleeve stiffening. What base do you use for your sleeve stiffening material? Thank you!!!

    ReplyDelete

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

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