It's the Holiday Season - Time for Parties and Fancy Dresses

I'm a little bit behind schedule for posting one of my latest dresses. This one was finished in September.  It posted on the Mood Sewing Network on Wednesday.  Here, I want to share more of details on the construction process and my thoughts on this pattern and dress.

Long, long ago back in... July, this beautiful brocade caught my eye. The rich jewel tones sparkled against my brown complexion. I saw a holiday dress.  Perfection.  I bet you're thinking, holiday dress in July? Yep. I wanted it to be ready before the first big holiday event rolled around.


Typically, I make myself a birthday dress, which is usually white or off-white because my birthday falls on the week of our annual Women's conference. This year I wanted to change it up a bit. No white dress for me. I finished it a few days after my big day.

I like this brocade's bold print. It turned out so well that I think I'll continue with the boldness for future birthday dresses. Mood has a huge section of brocade fabrics. There is something available for every complexion and style.

I used Palmer/Pletsch McCall 6464. It was the first time I used this particular pattern. The empire waist and the center front panel are what drew me to this one.  I made several changes for fit and style/construction.

Fit changes:

I first mentioned this project in a September post for Notes on a Pattern. My biggest hurdle was the FBA. The first step in the FBA process is altering the tissue pattern to include a bust dart. When I sew the bust and waist darts, it created a "cone boob" effect. That's not a good look for me.  So I divided the "big" waist dart into two darts. This made the bust area smooth. Sorry I don't have a illustrations. I made this change as I sewed. For the back I made a broad back and sway back adjustments. I think I achieved a good fit; it would have better even better if I added about an inch to the length of the bodice.


Construction changes:

• Trim along the bodice and front seams of the dress. Shown in above pictures.
• Hong Kong finished seams on the skirt of the dress.

•  Silk organza to shape the sleeve cap.

•  Hand picked zipper with beads (You can hardly see the beads because of the fabric print.).

I can't say that I will sew it again. I have so many patterns.  But it is incredible.

So, this is my first holiday dress of the season. I may make two more. We will see.

Happy Sewing!
Cennetta