Pattern: McCall's 6885 (2014)
Pattern Description: Semi-fitted, pullover dress with collar, collar/front band, front pleat, pockets, tie ends, and rolled sleeves with button tab.
Pattern Sizing: Size B5 (8-10-12-14-16) View D. I cut out a size 12 bodice, sleeves, and a size 14 from the waist down.
Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing it? Yes, exactly!
Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing it? Yes, exactly!
Were the instructions easy to follow? Yes, they were. I was initially worried about the front placket but it wasn’t as difficult as I thought it might be. Everything else was pretty self explanatory.
What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? I like the casual feel of the dress, how you can just throw it on and be well dressed.
Fabric Used: 2 3/4" yd Plaiditudes Brushed Cotton in Blue, Green and Brown, $4.99 per yard from Jo-Ann Fabrics; Gutermann 100% polyester thread in Green #748 and Deep Turquoise #630; Gutermann topstitching thread in Cranberry #435; four 5/8” buttons from La Mode in red #4359 and two 5/8” teal buttons from my late mother’s stash.
Pattern Alterations or any design changes you made?: The only difference is that I decided to eliminate the shirt-tail hem and just take it straight across.
The instructions called for interfacing in the placket, tabs, and collar. I put together the tabs first without interfacing and liked the thickness. I did choose to use it on the front placket because it would be buttoned and unbuttoned continuously. However, I decided to cut new pieces after realizing the fused fabric would be too stiff to turn them inside out, despite it being a light knit interfacing.
The placket instructions were simple and clear. The only problem I had was my own fault. The plaid on the placket piece did not match or complement the front of the dress. I totally missed the fact that I needed to add plaid match lines to that pattern piece too. Unfortunately, I didn't have enough fabric to reposition the piece or cut it on the bias so it looks a bit weird and interrupts the matched plaid that I do have from the front pattern piece. I did however; remember to cut the front breast pockets on the bias.
The biggest problem I had with this project is how easily this fabric distorted and the plaid would get off grain visually. I had to sew the pockets on twice despite having already basted them in place first. Because of the aforementioned problems with the plaid and distortion I chose not to use the red topstitching thread on the placket and pockets which would have highlighted the irregularities.
I was quickly moving along on this project until I noticed that the sleeves looked a bit narrow. Trying on a basted sleeve confirmed my fear... it WAS! Even using a 3/8" seam allowance, it was snug for normal arm movements and definitely tight if the sleeves were rolled up to use the tabs. I was not excited about creating a sleeveless flannel dress for winter. In addition, after noticing how the fabric frayed easily, I took apart the sleeves and completed them in tiny French seams.
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| Flat fell seams at shoulder and side seams |
There was also a bit of hand-sewing (which I love!) included in this project, the inner seam of the collar, the plackets, and the sleeve and skirt hems.
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| Forgive the wrinkles! |
Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others? I may, only if I use a solid fabric, and I would go up one size for the sleeve pattern piece.
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| Perfectly accessorized with a earlier handmade cowl. |
Conclusion: I was immediately attracted to this view when I first saw this pattern but I didn't think of making it in a plaid flannel until I saw this shirtdress by Grainline Studio and became obsessed. Now, I have my own because of the power to make your own clothes!
