Wednesday, September 30, 2009

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.

21 comments:

  1. Nice job! I never would have thought to do that with the back neck piece.

    ReplyDelete
  2. This is such a great dress - it may have been a bit of a chore to make but the end result is fantastic and really suits you. It's the kind of dress that every girl needs to have in her wardrobe and can be dressed down or up to take you anywhere.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Very cute! Great wardrobe staple. Thanks for explaining how you fixed the neck/bust situation. I would have never thought to do that. :)

    ReplyDelete
  4. Wow! Beautifully done, as always!

    ReplyDelete
  5. Love it! I have had the same problem with this pattern. I traced it, laid out the fabric and that was that. It's....only God knows where right now.

    Great adjustments, too!

    ReplyDelete
  6. Great looking dress and thank you for the adjustment tips.

    What a shame you didn't make it today as it would have been the perfect dress for the LBD contest on PR.

    ReplyDelete
  7. That is so beautiful!! I have that pattern in my stash to sew at some point.

    ReplyDelete
  8. Great LBD, it looks fantastic on you

    ReplyDelete
  9. Fabulous, you will get so much wear out of this dress. I wish I had your fitting problems!

    ReplyDelete
  10. Wonderful dress and great save on the neck area! I'm sure you will wear this often!

    ReplyDelete
  11. Great save on the neckline. It looks fabulous on you, very very flattering.

    ReplyDelete
  12. Great dress, looks fantastic! I think I will have to add this pattern to my collection - I can imagine it would be really versatile and would look great in a print too!

    ReplyDelete
  13. Beautiful. I love the ruching and the wrap top. Very flattering.

    ReplyDelete
  14. Dress looks great....good job on the alterations! Is this your going-out-to-dinner birthday dress?

    ReplyDelete
  15. Lovely dress, Amanda! Nice thinking on the alterations.

    ReplyDelete
  16. That's a nice dress. And it looks really lovely on you!

    ReplyDelete
  17. Just perfect! Well done, Amanda. And, hey, where did you find that awesome houndstooth in the drawer?

    ReplyDelete
  18. That's really pretty - you look so nice! I also like your hair that way!!!
    http://puppydogtails-marybeth.blogspot.com/

    ReplyDelete