The “{Red}eemed” Dress
Fabric: Rayon Blend $10
Pattern: McCall 6810
Year: 1948
Notions: Zipper $1.50
Time to complete: off and on, 2 weeks…..
First worn: Feb. 12, 2012
Wear again? Yes, I think I will.
Total cost: $11.50
I honestly thought this dress had defeated me. I almost gave up. It seemed like my choice to make this dress was starting to become a sewing nightmare. When I originally bought the fabric on double clearance, I knew I wanted to use it for this particular pattern. This dress seemed so regal to me, with it’s tiered peplum and the open key hole. A regal type dress needed to be a regal color. So red it was, which also worked out perfectly for this weeks challenge. I took a lesson from Veronica Darling and shortened the dress to be above the knee rather than at the calf and I chose the 1 tier style over the 2 tiered option. Little did I know the challenges I would be facing.
Not only did I make several mistakes, but I was incredibly sick the last 2 weeks. I was only allowing myself to work on this challenge when I felt somewhat good. My first mistake was not cutting on the bias. This proved to be my enemy while piecing this dress together. I will NEVER make that mistake again. My second mistake was forgetting to size the top half of the blouse down to my miniature person frame. Oh, wow, when I finally finished this dress (last Friday) I was swimming in the top half! I had to reset the side darts, add front darts, and take 2 inches in on the shoulder seam. Oh stone the groves! I thought this dress would never be suitable for wearing.
But it was eventually saved. And I actually don’t mind how this dress looks on me. It’s a fun dress and it makes me look like I have some curves. I added a brooch to it at the waist, to actually hide a mistake, but it is very well suited for the place I put it in. I am excited to wear it on my Valentine’s Date with the Hubs. From where I started, this dress and I have redeemed ourselves, and I am proud to say I made it. Now to work on better better poses for pictures….There is always something to learn, right?
This dress is adorable! I love the pattern and think you’ve done a great job with it despite the sizing challenges.
I love the dress, it is so pretty! Good Job! One suggestion however is that you consider pressing seams during the sewing process or at least iron the finished product – it’ll make a big difference for you.
Lisa, I do need to do that. I take the time to press sewing projects for others, but seem to not take the time on my own projects. This fabric was hard to iron, I should have steamed it after I finished. Thank you!
This is the cutest frikin thing! You did such a good job wit the styling, you could be on the pattern envelope! Great job.
Such kind words! Thank you!
You look amazing Bethany, sorry to hear that you were sick. There seemed to be a fair bit of fiddling about but you managed to pull through looking absolutely smashing at the finish line. Well done.
Kazz, I feel much better thank goodness. Thank you. I tried super hard not to look under the weather.
You’re a foxy 40′s vixen in that number. And a trooper for seeing it through to the end. Adore the dress.
Ha ha ha! I love it! Thanks, Najah!
Dazzling colour – well done for making it work!
I agree with Najah. You look great. I love the little peplum.
You are the “cat’s meow” in your vintage creation. Really adore your total look; matching hair accessory AND lipstick, and your hair style rocks!
Something to think about, especially when working with older patterns, always make a muslin draft. Speaking from similar experience(s), vintage patterns don’t seem nearly as accurate as our up to date choices.
I really need the patience for muslin drafts, but you are right. I do need to with the older patterns. Thank you!
Hey Bethany, hope you feeling much better this week. The dress in the color looks fantastic on you and I love the “Retro” styling.
Thank you Krista. i am feeling much better. That was an awful 2 weeks – but now I am ready to conquer.
That is a great pattern and your dress looks so good with the vintage hair and lipstick. The tiered skirt would scare me but it looks fab on you.
Thanks! The tiered skirt scared me too, but I faced my fears and went with it. I’m so glad I did.
Stunning! Love the hair, the dress, the whole ensemble!