Thursday, May 16, 2013

McCall's 6700 - The "It" Maxi Dress of 2013

Last year's "It" maxi was M6559. Everyone made it at least two times. All I did was buy the pattern two times. Anyway, it too shall be reviewed soon.


This review is about McCall's latest "It" maxi dress, M6700. I've seen at least five gorgeous maxi dresses on PR and in blog land. Each one a winner, and I would love to have (in my size of course). Wink, wink. So I moved this to the very top of the list, pushing aside all those UFO's sitting in the closet.  

Pattern Description:
MISSES' DRESS AND BELT: Pullover dress has fitted, mock wrap bodice, shoulder ties, elasticized shoulders and raised (seamed) waist, fitted, narrow hem, thread carriers and self belt. This is a Fashion Star pattern that can be used to design a top or knee length dress. So there are some additional options to take advantage of if a maxi dress is not your style.

Pattern Sizing:
8 to 24; I used 14 with modifications.

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?
You bet it did. I noticed that the armhole come pretty high on the model, which is a good thing. The pattern is also drafted with a high armhole, but I added my usual 3/4 inch just in case. In retrospect, I think I'll not add for the next version just to give a little move. Mind you, it's not tight, just a little higher than necessary.

Were the instructions easy to follow?
Very simple to follow. A beginner would have no problem making this dress. Very simple.
 


What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?
Oh my goodness, what is there not to like. My likes: - Mock wrap bodice - shoulder ties - fullness of the skirt - easy to sew - design options - versatility of wear; dress it up or down - cute summer dress No dislikes.  


Fabric Used:
I purchased this knit from Gorgeous Fabrics about a year ago. Ann called it Purple Haze; when I read the name, it reminded me of Jimi Hendrix's song of the same title. I bought it to make different dress, but changed my mind when I decided to move this dress to the top of the list. It's perfect for it.

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:
Although this dress has some wearing ease, I still made my usual FBA. I did not want to take a chance with having fit issues in the bust and shoulder blade areas. It was necessary.
 - FBA - The FBA added about 2" to the width of the dress, which I did not need. To get it to fit the width of the front skirt, I folded a 1" pleat at the waist below the apex. For the skirt, I cut it 1" wider to absorb the rest of the width. Once attached and the elastic inserted, the pleat disappears into the gathers formed by the elasticized waist.
 - Prominent Shoulder Blades -NOTE: The front and back skirt are one pattern. If you do not make any width adjustments to the back, cut them separately to ensure the appropriate length for each section of the waist.
 - In the sewing directions for the ties, #8 - slipstitch the ends together. I didn't follow this. I sewed cross one end of each tie; pivot; then sewed the long end together; trim at the corner. Then I used my loop turner to turn the tie to the right side. If you don't have a loop turner, it is a good idea to get one. It makes sewing ties and straps easy.
 - For the narrow hem at the lower edge of the dress, I used steam a seam to help stabilize the hem while sewing. I love this stuff and always use it on hems of my knit garments.
 - Loops for the belt. I prefer fabric loops to the thread loops. So I used the width of the tie as a guide for the thickness of the belt loops. The length of the piece of fabric was about six inches long. After sewing I cut two loops about 2 1/2" long and attached them to the sides of the waist where the bodice and skirt are joined. Then I stitched the side closest to the dress along the side seam of the skirt so the loops would not stick out from the side of the dress.
 - I did not have enough fabric to make the belt as suggested. So I made the best of the straps. I was able to cut two belt halves and join them to make a belt long enough to get a similar look as on the pattern illustration.

 
Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?
Yes and yes. I cut the second dress the day after I made this one. It's ready to sew. This is a easy pattern to try for a great summer maxi.

Conclusion: This is definitely the "It" maxi dress pattern of the season. This dress is super cute and a beginner can whip it up in no time. I highly recommend it, short or long.

More Reviews to come.
Happy Sewing!
C

24 comments:

  1. The Dress Is Lovely On You :)

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  2. Those McCall's Fashion Star patterns really are winners, aren't they? This looks fantastic on you!

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  3. You are IT Miss Thang!!!!!! :-! I love your fabric choice.

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  4. You are on a roll lately with so many lovely garments, this is just gorgeous!

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  5. Your dress is beautiful Cenetta!

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  6. LOVE that dress. That fabric is beautiful. Looks fab on you.

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  7. This is so lovely you on you, the color the style. You look cool as a cucumber on a hot day and that's cool!

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  8. What a perfect marriage of fabric and pattern! I don't have this pattern yet, but I think I'll get it and put it at the top of my sewing list. Yes, I'm creeping on your blog to find my next sewing projects. :)

    And I named that fabric after the Hendrix song ;)

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  9. I agree with everything you said about this pattern. You look great!

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  10. You look sensational! Looks to be the perfect summer dress.

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  11. Another beautiful dress Cennetta and it looks so elegant on you. Love the fabric.

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  12. I love this on you! So stylish and the color is just perfect.

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  13. Super dress - thanks for the review and pointing this one out. You looking stunning.

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  14. WoW, you are really getting some sewing in. All of your dresses are lovely and I will need to bump this pattern up on my sewing list. This fabric is gorgeous and your fit is spot on. Again!

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  15. Beautiful!!! I have been looking at this pattern from every angle. LOL I'm adding it to my pattern collection and move to the top of my sewing list.

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  16. I have to make this one! Love it!

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  17. Very pretty and agree perfect marriage of fabric & pattern. The maxi looks fabulous on you.

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