September 2, 2013

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???


53 comments:

  1. Belt! I like how it breaks up the column of stripes. Nice dress Faye. I wouldn't be able to wear that here until February. And then, only for a minute. :-)

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    1. Thanks Debbie! YES, BUT Florida is so very nice. That is where you live right?

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  2. Really pretty dress, Faye,I like the length and the belt.

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  3. I'm going to be argumentative and say no belt. Also, I am on board the midi-length train, such a good idea.

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    1. Thanks Adelaide, I love the midi for fall.

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  4. Great dress,I wasn't going to buy the pattern until I saw your dress.

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    1. It's such a simple pattern and a great fit is possible just by tapering the side seems. I love simple.

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  5. Faye, that looks great--I will have to buy this pattern!
    I vote for the belt!!

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    1. Kyle I think it's a great go to pattern.

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  6. Great Dress!! I love Missoni type stripes. As regards the belt, I don't think it has to be an either/or decision - maybe you could wear it both ways depending on how you feel or what else you might be wearing with it.

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    1. Yep, I think you are right Sarah. That giant collar is a statement detail in itself.

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  7. 'Twisted-your-arm' to buy this gorgeous fabric...as if we would believe that one! Such a great dress - belted or unbelted. I can also see it with a jacket over the top, your on a winner with this one...J

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    1. You are right Judith, it didn't take much to get me to make this buy. I like the jacket idea too.

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  8. It is a wonderful dress, and I bet you look great in it. I like the dress w/ and w/o a belt.

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    1. Yep, I can already see me wearing it!

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  9. Oh I love this dress Faye! I vote for the belt, but it would look great either way. I would love to see this dress on you.

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    1. It's gonna be a while before I can wear it Myra - it's still too warm here. But at first chill it will be ready.

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  10. Anonymous9/03/2013

    definitely belt...super cute

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  11. Anonymous9/03/2013

    Yay!!! Too cute! I may add this to my fall ensemble--I've started planning for the new season. I've seen some great prints for the fall, and I love the idea of styling it with boots! Cheering you on!

    P.s. I like the belt, too! Vita

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    1. I love grab and go dresses Vita. I won't even have to wear a necklace because the collar is such an attention grabber.

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  12. I have brought this same fabric and pattern!!!! I am so glad to see how well yours has turned out. I think the belt would be very nice.

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    1. Regina can't wait to see your dress. I know you will love it.

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  13. Great looking dress, gorgeous fabric. I think I like the belt and you might consider also using a gold chain type belt that allows for draping.

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    1. Hadn't thought of a gold chain belt Linda. I need to get me one.

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  14. You put this gorgeous fabric to good use! Love the length, it will look great styled as you described. Love sewing for Fall.....

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    1. Thanks Patty! I love sewing for Fall too.

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  15. There you go again, Faye! You make this fabulous garments that force me to add yet another pattern to my infinite queue. Stop it already! LOL

    Seriously, this is a great dress. The pattern and fabric were made for each other. Fantastic!

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    1. Thanks Lynne. You'll love the simplicity of this pattern.


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  16. Fabulous dress Faye, and thanks for the shout out!

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    1. Thanks Candice. You deserve the shout out - you make gorgeous things and style them just right!

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  17. Beautiful dress...love the Missoni-esque stripes. I have this pattern and love that you made it midi-length. I may have to make it and wear it with boots myself. Our weather is already starting to change, some trees already starting to change colors and about 15 degrees cooler.

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    1. Boots, love them! I plan on making several midi length dresses for Fall.

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  18. Faye, I would also say no belt. Just your boots or booties should be fine. The dress is semi fitted, you really don't need to define the waist. Just beautiful, I love how it turned out.

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  19. I quite like it with the belt, but it looks cool either way, I would wear with dark brown tall boots. Luscious!!!!

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    1. Yep dark brown or dark tan. I can't wait til it's time to wear it.

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  20. Love it! Wear the belt, it looks so cute that way.

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  21. OOh, Faye, this is great! Somehow I'm still not quite ready for Fall sewing!

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    1. Thanks Clio. I'm usually fighting having to leave summer too, but not this year.

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  22. It's super beautiful! I think i love it with a belt. ;)

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  23. Yes...I'll take the credit! Only problem is that I wish I'd bought some of that fabric too (smile). Faye you made it come alive with just the right pattern. It really looks great with or without belting.
    Cecil

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    1. I thought you'd get a kick out of me blaming you. Thanks for the pattern tip, it was just right for this dress.

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  24. I love with the belt better. We should follow each other on BlogLoving www.bloglovin.com/blog/6937167/rose-charlescomblog

    By the way, I have a contest going on in my blog, come check it out if you want to win 1-year subscription to ELLE MAGAZINE.
    www.rose-charles.com/blog

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    1. Thank you Rose! I just added you to my bloglovin list. And you know I'm a contest enterer - so I'll sign up for you contest too. Very nice to virtually meet you!

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  25. Wow! this is fabulous. The fabric is so eye-catching!

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  26. This is awesome! I love everything about it and can't wait to see you wearing it with a belt, your boots and maybe a cardigan!?!

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  27. Thank you Carolyn. I'm in love with the dress.

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  28. A great looking dress for fall.I think the belt would be fabulous

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  29. WoW, this maxi is so pretty! I forgot that I, too, had purchased pattern and fabric to make up, blah, blah, blah. I MUST get busy on this one you have so inspired me! About the belt ... Either way will be great. Can't wait to see you wearing this one great job!

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