McCall's 5752 - Black knit dress

Have you ever had something waiting around in the pile of things to make that you never seem to get around to? Even though you know it would get lots of wear and be relatively easy to make? That is how it was with this dress. I kept seeing people make it up with great success. And I really needed a LBD as I feel it's a wardrobe staple that I was sadly lacking. I just couldn't force myself to make it. Black is great and goes with everything, but I really don't love sewing with it. I get so bored - I like color and I like print. And it's hard to see, especially at night. Did I mention hard to photograph?

I finally dug in my heals and clenched my teeth and just did it. I loved this design the minute it came out last year. It's a knit, has ruching and a wrapped bodice. What's not to like?

You better believe I'm working the spanx with this dress because that ITY black knit is thin and the ruching stops just above the belly button.

SO, this pattern is called "The Perfect Knit Dress", and has added fitting instructions for FBA, broad/narrow back, sway back, and full arm. I think they forgot to include a SMA (small bust adjustment) because this dress is definitely made for someone with bigger boobs. Check out the super floppy gathered back-of-the-neck area:

And very droopy and baggy front wrap area:

Fortunately, I didn't have to think about this for long to come up with a solution. And it was relatively painless to boot. I ripped out the back neck piece and gathers and ironed it flat. Then trimmed it starting at 1/2" on the side to 1 1/4" in the middle, and back to 1/2" on the opposite side. Put my gathers back in, s-t-r-e-t-c-h-e-d the back to fit the collar which was now a full 1 inch shorter, and stitched.

Aaahhhhh, much better. Fitting issues are always SO much easier on knits, don't you think?

New far less droopy and now flattering neckline:

This is a close-up of the ruching at the side. Gathers are not my favorite thing to do.

I did my usual french seams where possible (but not at the underarms) and folded the seam allowance back at the collar and slip-stitched in place. Oh, and did a twin needle hem instead of the double turned under skinny hem per the instructions. Those always look wonky IMO.

It's finally done and I can stop staring at it and thinking I really need to make that but just don't want to. Next up is another blouse for my wardrobe contest entry, BWOF 10-2008-113B.