Saturday, November 12, 2011

McCalls 6433 - Unity Conference Dress 2011



McCall 6433

It has taken over a month to review this dress. The first photos were grainy and didn't show the details. The second set aren't too much better. So today I was lucky. Saturday morning bright and sunny, about 50 degrees. Perfect for the third photo session.

I'm a fan of the Palmer/Pletsch fitting system, and I love when the instructions are included in the pattern.

Pattern Description: MISSES' DRESS IN 3 LENGTHS: Fitted, lined bodice, front and back darts, stitched shoulder pleats, back zipper and self lined cap sleeve. A,B: A-line skirt, stitched pleats, C: Straight skirt, back slit. Optional purchased belt.


Pattern Sizing: 4-16

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it? Yes it did.

Were the instructions easy to follow? Yes. They were typical; no problems with understanding the instructions.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? I like the design of this dress. The pleats at the shoulder and waist. My dislike is related to the drafting of the bodice front and back. Two of the views have sleeves, one does not. All three views use the same front and back bodice. The maxi dress is made out of knit fabric, which probably doesn't cause a big issue with the armhole. For me the lower portion of the armhole is too low for the sleeved view (red). I didn't notice this issue until after I set the sleeves. It's not a big problem; but it's noticeable in the feel and wear of the dress.

Note the difference in the fit.

Because I really like the bodice of this pattern, I tweaked the front and back to fit better. I plan to combine this bodice with another pattern. My inspiration is a dress from the Cadena Fall 2011 fashion magazine. But that's another review.

Fabric Used: Cream silk linen from Vogue in Evanston. Polyester lining.


Pattern alterations or any design changes you made: Usual changes, FBA, prominent shoulder blades, sway back and lengthen skirt a few inches. I also added lining to the skirt. To make the front skirt lining, I used the skirt pattern for the maxi. For the back lining, I simply used the back skirt pattern.

The plunging neckline is too low for my taste.  I bought it up about a inch or so.  You might want to do the same as it is still cleavage baring. (This change was made in the cutting process.)

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others? Yes, I will use the bodice for another dress. And I do recommend this pattern. Make sure you make a muslin or paper (pattern) fit the bodice.

Conclusion:
Cute dress that is easy to make. I do recommend it to all level sewists with modifications.

A few more photos here.

18 comments:

  1. Ohmy is that beautiful! I was really drawn to the pleats on that dress and they work wonderfully in your version!

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  2. Love the pattern - a great reworking of a conventional dress design. Beautifully made as always.

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  3. Gorgeous dress and great fabric choice. I noticed the pattern while making a pit stop on the Mccalls site... hope to purchase it during the next mccalls sale at joanns. Really like the pleating detail.

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  4. Oh that dress is lovely! You look so beautiful!

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  5. You look gorgeous! Love the pleating detail.

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  6. I love a white silk dress & yours is gorgeous on you! The design is beautiful...... such a inspiration.

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  7. Yes, I love the detail of the pleats! You look pretty in it!

    But could I please have the shoes? For free, I mean. *wink*

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  8. It looks great on you! You do it more justice than the pattern photo.

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  9. You look beautiful in the dress. The fitting is so well done! Good work. Yes, you should make it again. I am disappointed that the sleeved and sleeveless version have the same armholes. One of the versions would have to fail.

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  10. That's very pretty. Chic and beautiful.

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  11. My Gosh, you look beautiful in this dress.

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  12. Beautifully done, and you look lovely wearing it.

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  13. You look beautiful in this dress. It;s a stunning rendition of this pattern which I'm considering for my DD.

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  14. Beautiful dress. It looks so classy and elegant!

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  15. I just bought this pattern! Yay! Yours looks LOVELY! Very glad for the feedback on the top fit!

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  16. adorei o vestido branco ai esta chegando o inverno aqui o verão vou copiar a sua ideia beijos brasileiros pra você

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  17. This looks great on you. I love that you went with white.

    It's good to see this pattern made up. I noticed it when it came out, but they didn't do such a great job styling it on the cover. You're a much better advertisement for this pattern!

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  18. Absolutely love this dress. I have it in my "wish list" Which is growing like no-ones business. Nice to see it on someone.

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