A LITTLE AHEAD OF THE GAME (Missoni-esque Knit Dress)...

...I guess about a year of marination was long enough for this fabric. 

I remember one fall day last year at Hancock Fabrics when my friend Cecil twisted my arm way behind my back to make me buy it to add to my stash.  Of course I tried to resist, saying "no, no, I have far too much fabric stashed already, I just can't possibly buy another piece!".  But the pain was too much to bare - so I had to make the purchase.  You know I'm just kidding about the arm twisting part - right?

I really meant to use this Missoni-esque knit last fall, even though I really didn't know what I'd make from it at the time.  But as with so many other pieces of fabric, it just didn't get sewn last fall.   But this weekend another dress vision popped into my head, and I knew that now was the time to cut into it.

Cecil helped me remember this pattern to make my dress a reality

MCCALL'S 6612

I first fell in love with the pattern when I saw Candice make it last fall.  Wonderful dress, but I didn't want the maxi.  I wanted a boot length midi with long sleeves, so that's what I made.  This pattern has a gianormous cowl neckline or collar - I LOVE IT TOO!  It's a simple pattern, straight forward, no need to read the instructions.  Confession:  More often than not I read the drawings in the instructions instead.  But I must admit that this has gotten me in trouble on more than one occasion.  This time; however, the drawings were enough. 

I went with a straight 16 and everything worked out just right.  I made only two construction changes:  (1)underlined the body of the dress with poly interlock to negate wearing a slip, and (2)pegged in 2 inches at the side seams from knee to hem.

I predict that weather in my area will not permit wearing the dress until mid-October or even later.  But whenever the time does come I'll be just a little ahead of the game.  My dress will be ready for first chill.  All I have to do is decide...
 

to belt, or

 

not to belt, that is the question???