Marine Green Faux Suede Dress

I purchased this fabric from Moodfabrics.com a few years (!!!) ago because it was on big-time sale and I thought the color was pretty. The quality is really nice and you can NOT tell it's fake except that it comes out of the laundry looking exactly like it went in. I lamented forever about what I wanted to make it into. I really wanted a skirt but thought the color would give me trouble when having to pair up with a matching top. McCall's 7466 was recently released with the envelope drawing showing a view in suede, and I knew instantly what my fabric wanted to become!

This pattern has cup sizes and a lot of seams to adjust for the perfect fit. I cut the size 12 everywhere except through the waist where I graded out to a 14. I prefer my dresses with a little bit of wearing ease through the waist, but I also have a very square shape. The neckline is SUPER HIGH as drafted. I cut 5/8" off before sewing the neck binding, and it sits right atop my collar bone. I have a fear of being choked by my clothing so if I'd left the neckline that high, the dress wouldn't get worn.

My intention was to make the sleeves, pockets and belt exactly as view C appears. However, the pockets did not want to cooperate, the sleeves were too tight, and I decided I prefer to pick a belt from my somewhat extensive belt collection. This dress turned out to be kind of a blank slate to which I can add any number of accessories or toppers.

I did quite a bit of topstitching to tame the fabric into submission as it doesn't like to keep a crease. Any heat effected the suede pile, if there is such a thing, so I could only iron on the reverse. The pattern calls for a back lapped zipper but I installed an invisible one instead. I finished the armholes and neckline with bias binding instead of the facings included with the pattern. In any other fabric I'd most likely use the facings, but with this suede I didn't want to add any bulk.

This pattern makes the perfect day dress for me. It's fitted but not constricting, and the skirt is wide enough to sit on the floor in (a must since I have little kids), but not too wide as to get in the way. I also highly recommend this fabric. It was easy to sew with and will be a breeze to launder. Mood currently has it in stock for the sale price that I got it for.

Dressform pictures:

I always enjoy topstitching and for the first time was able to topstitch along the edge of the zipper.

I happened to have the perfect color bias tape in my stash for the armholes and neckline.

I trimmed the fabric close to the topstitching lines on the inside to keep it nice and neat. The hem I machine stitched in place, both at the top of the hem and along to bottom to keep a tight edge.

Both the color and texture of this garment scream spring to me, and I am thrilled to have it finished so early in the season. Expect to see this pattern again soon. I'm in love with view D and can't wait for the chance to source some second hand denim for it.

Note: This fabric was purchased with my Mood Fabrics monthly allowance, as part of my participation in the Mood Sewing Network.