Friday, April 25, 2014

McCall 3684: The 'Clackett Cantina' Dress


Late as usual for the party, I was stuck in the Clackett Cantina and didn't manage to get out in time for yesterday's deadline for the 'Sew Dolly Clackett' challenge.  For those of you that haven't heard of this...it's a lovely wedding gift for our beloved fellow blogger and sewist extraordinaire, Roisin.  I had the pleasure of meeting Roisin and Nic in London and I am over the moon at their wedding!   And yes, she is as nice and stylish in person as on her blog (with a killer shoe and me-made dress collection)!  A definite source of inspiration.

So, I wanted to pick an extra special pattern and photoshoot location for my 'Sew Dolly Clackett' dress.  Do you believe this western-looking street is hidden away in an alley in the heart of Edinburgh?  It is basically several false fronts on a bunch of sheds that an innovative furniture store owner (who used to work on movie/theatre sets) created for their business.  So great!


Of course, I didn't actually follow the rules for the challenge...I sort of made up a "If Dolly Clackett wore 1940s dresses" challenge.  Or "Dolly Clackett Sews for Victory".  But, I do think Roisin would approve of the fabric...so bright and colourful!  It brings a smile to my face.


I chose McCall 3684 for the extra drapey fabric (fabric content unknown but I'm guessing some sort of jersey blend).  I will definitely have to make this dress again because I wasn't able to make the awesome sleeves that are part of View A.



The bodice is really neat.  It includes gathering at the shoulders and then two w-shaped bodice pieces that are sewn together with a lapped seam just below the bust area.  I think the shape really elongates the torso (I like this look so much better sans belt, though I know they would have worn one in 1940).


The back has the 'bloused' effect and the dress zips on the side.


Raising a glass to you, Roisin and Nic!!!  Happy almost wedding!


Happy Friday everyone!
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30 comments

  1. that's a spectacular dress, debi! and it suits you perfectly! and what an awesome backdrop that is!

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  2. It's just incredibly beautiful!!!! I love the drape and the print (and the pattern, of course). A fitting tribute to soon to be Mrs. Clackett!

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  3. It's beautiful, Debbie! So bright and cheery and so very you! Love the backdrop.

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  4. Get out! That location is incredible, it's hysterically awesome that it's in Edinburgh. I love this dress, it looks both slinky and gorgeous on you, while being classic and timeless, too. Another gorgeous piece!

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  5. So cool to see this vintage pattern sewn up and worn. Well done!

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  6. I love the dress, But where did you get your shoes?!?!?!

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  7. Looks great! Perfect for the coming warm weather. (I meant to comment on your gorgeous dressing gown earlier, but forgot. The colour is absolutely stunning on you!)

    I'm going across the Atlantic (from Canada) and visiting Edinburgh for a few days in about a week and a half. After checking out your fabric store recommendations, I decided I need to make a trip to Edinburgh fabrics. Your posts about Edinburgh have been really helpful for planning my trip. Thanks!

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  8. I think this dress looks great on you! Perfect shape.

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  9. I love it -- gorgeous fabric and it looks great on you, Debi!

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  10. Wow! This is such a wonderful make! Well done

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  11. Beautiful dress, Debi! I love the pattern and fabric you picked. And the picture form the shoot are just amazing!

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  12. Debi!!! This is such a gorgeous dress! I love it so much!

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  13. What a fun fabric, with all the bright and beautiful colours. And the dress looks lovely on you!

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  14. What a fab fabric! So cheerful and fun. I love the dress as well: so classic 40's and looks really good on you :)

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  15. Excellent job as always, I very much like this! Excellent photo-shoot location, definitely going to have to pop on the old cowboy boots and hunt this place down!

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  16. You look beautiful! the dress and the location are just perfect

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  17. Great fabric, I'm sure Roisin would approve

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  18. Such a lovely pattern. Your dress is gorgeous.

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  19. Oh wow. That W shaping is very sweet and special. Lovely dress. Lovely.

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  20. This is possibly my favourite of all your projects. The style is so flattering on you and I love the ditsy fabric you've chosen. I would love to see your version of the sheer bodice and sleeves - there are just so many ways this could work beautifully. You must let me in on your secret location in Edinburgh. Great to see some lovely Spring weather here in Bonnie Scotland. anniesinstitches.wordpress.com

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  21. Thanks Mikhaela!!! xoxoxo

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  22. Thanks Tasha! I know, how funny is it that this is in the heart of Edinburgh? Most of my Scottish colleagues don't even know it exists!

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  23. Thanks Ann! Are you in Edinburgh?? The secret location is here: http://www.theguardian.com/edinburgh/2010/apr/21/secret-edinburgh-wild-west-village

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  24. That's a good question about reproduction McCall's patterns. We'll have to check into that. But good to know you have some in your collection. If we were to use them we'd have to know that every pattern piece is accounted for.

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  25. The pattern is awesome, you look fantastic in this dress!

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  26. That would be so cool! I'll email you with more details and you can see if you'll possibly be available. I would love to meet you!

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  27. This is wonderful. Well done!

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  28. This dress is so divine. What an amazing flattering fit! Just gorgeous :-)

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  29. Hi, I have just landed on this post and what a happy occasion! What a wonderful pattern and you have defnitely made it justice.
    I would love to see view A, have you tried it?
    I have tried to find this pattern online but no luck, any suggestions?
    I have read some of the previous posts and your offer as a fabric shopping companion...I love Edinburgh and haven't been for a few years..but if I do, I will be in touch!
    Look forward to following your blog from now on!
    Sonia
    sewdoi.blogspot.com

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  30. A wonderful dress, a great of choice for the fabric. Congrats

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

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