Monday, March 13, 2017

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.

38 comments:

  1. What a nice color!
    And, as always, you sewed it beautifully. I like Your precision. Congratulation!

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  2. that does look exactly like real suede - and it looks great for spring, lovely.

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  3. Wow... nice dress. Very good precision and great colours.

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  4. Perfect color for you and great and precise topstitching. Hello... spring... you can come!

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    1. Right? Everything is already greening up around here. I love it. Thanks Enri!

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  5. Lovely sewing and attention to detail, as always. I really appreciate the time and effort you put into expert sewing.

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  6. Amazing Amanda! So Pretty! I Love the color!. I will be doing the sew along with you for the overalls! Glad they picked you because your clothes are always made so nicely! I made mine when the pattern was released and found some issues. That's OK tho, I love them and I want another pair!

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    1. Yay! Glad you're joining in!! I actually volunteered to do the sew-along, and I'm beyond flattered that I was chosen. Thanks for your lovely compliments!

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  7. It's MAGNIFICENT, Amanda! Love the simplicity of the lines, the fabric and the color! Truly a 10!!!

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    1. Thanks Tany! I had to fight myself to leave it so plain - I really wanted to add metal studs to the neckline to fancy it up. This one was all about the color and the texture, though, so simplicity won in the end.

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  8. Beautiful and the top stitching is perfection! And I must say that the color is so lovely with your complexion. Karen

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    1. Thanks Karen! I'm hoping to make more garments in green or turquoise. I love it but I rarely sew with it. It's hard to get out of the color rut!

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  9. Lovely, and I am going to visit Mood to look at this fabric. One question, is the finishing tape some you made of Snug Hug. I know you use a lot of Snug Hug and wondered if this was it in use.

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    1. Hmmm, not sure what Snug Hug is. I used prefabricated seam binding for the neck and armhole finish. In the past I have used a lot of seam binding, but it's really not my go to anymore. I have a ton of it, and am happy when I have the proper color for a project I'm working on. HTH! Thanks for your comment.

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  10. Beautiful, your pattern choice with the fabric are PERFECT...you do a very good job sewing, loved seeing the inside of your garment....I've never worked with faux or real leather/suede....you make it sound easy. Did you make a muslin first? Love all the top stitching, and your belt choice.....going back to study the pics a bit more, can't keep my eyes of this great garment of yours!

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    1. No, I did not make a muslin. Since this pattern had cup sizes, I felt more confident that it would fit. Usually I adjust a pattern for a small bust, a wide waist, and a long torso. I pinned the pattern front to my dress form to check the torso length and didn't need an alteration. This fabric wasn't as difficult to work with as a shifty silk, for example, but it was thick and the pins had to be forced through. It didn't want to iron flat so I had to topstitch each seam on both sides. It has zero give so the sleeves I wanted to attach made me feel like I was wearing a straight jacket. It's manageable, that's what I would say, but probably not for a beginner seamstress. Thanks for your kind comment!

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  11. Stunning dress, and that topstitching is perfect!

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  12. Supremely done! The dress looks wonderful, and the color is so pretty and perfect for spring.

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  13. It is gorgeous and what beautiful topstitching!

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  14. Such a pretty colour! Beautiful topstitching really makes the dress special.

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  15. Looks great and of course sewn with a lot of care, well done!

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  16. I love this version – and the way you've altered the neckline makes it so much more wearable.

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    1. Yes, especially if one doesn't like the choked feeling. I find myself doing this type of alteration a lot. Thanks Janet!

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  17. In a million years I wouldn't even think to make a faux suede dress. Nor would I think it's even washable. Which all pains me greatly now because I would kill in that color :-D. Impeccable, as always.

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    1. Well, you could always make a skirt maybe. Which is what I originally was going to do because - who makes a suede dress?! Lol. Thanks Renee!

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