Vogue 8706 - Red doubleknit dress w/ asymmetrical neckline

This pattern came out in early spring and I instantly loved it. It's fitted, has interesting design lines, a fun piping finish to the armholes, and would look great in a doubleknit - all elements I adore. I obviously also liked the red dress on the envelope, seeing as mine is identical.

This fabric is a pontaroma knit purchased from Hancock fabrics. I bought it half off with a coupon but I've noticed they've since raised the price by a few dollars. It must be popular stuff.

I had very minimal fit issues with this pattern. Based on the tissue printed measurements, I cut a size 12. I added 3/8" to the hips at each side seam, for a total of addition of 1.5" in that area. The printed bust measurement for a 12 is 34", which should have given me only a few inches of negative ease. However, I had to take out at least another inch from the side seam with the gathers, as it was way too big and ballooned out. Also, the left front underlap was really snug and positioned too far down for me. Raising it 1" took care of the problem. I also raised the gathers on the right side to just below the armpit. Anyone with a fuller bust should really like this pattern, just be aware that you might want to cut the front underlap (piece 2) longer where it joins the side seam.

I'll not be eating any big meals while wearing this. I got out of the habit of wearing Spanx when I was pregnant and now find them terribly uncomfortable. Maybe after the weather cools off I'll change my mind.

I love that the dress is form fitting but has a high asymmetrical neckline and modest length skirt. Contrasting design elements are pleasing to the eye, don't you think?

This is a detail shot of the piping finish along each armhole. The facings are cut as one with their corresponding outer piece, so the only edge that needs to be finished is the armhole. What an interesting way to finish off an opening! The piping pattern piece is included, so there is no guesswork needed.

Here's what it looked like before I pulled in the front piece at the right side, raised the gathers and repositioned the front underlay - way too voluminous for my small girls.

Two posts in one day - am I a crazy productive blogger or what?! Haha. We are going to Lake LBJ for the weekend for some jet skiing, fishing, swimming, family fellowship and, of course, fireworks. I wish all my fellow Americans a fun and safe Independence Day!

July Burda picks

Well, I've had a dress finished for several days but keep forgetting to take any pictures before twilight. Hopefully I'll get those taken tonight and posted before we are off to the lake for July 4th. In the meantime, here are my favorites from this month's Burda.

One of my favorites is top 105. I like the front folded ruffle-type treatment and that the bottom and skinny strap are made from a solid color. It's not that fitted but is sheer so that some body shape can be seen through it.

Dress 122 is a simple jersey style with cinched waist. I bought a really fun belt from Target several months ago that needs a simple solid colored dress to wear it with. The armholes of this dress have two different widths of bands - each folded together so that the unfinished edges are not showing (hard to explain) - but I'm wondering if 5 layers of fabric might be too thick in one area.
This next one is blouse 113B. The sheer fabrics along the neck, sleeve edges and ties are left unfinished. I like it - it's different and interesting.
Okay, so I love the IDEA of dress 130 - the colored lace, unlined sleeves, piping down the sides forming the outsides of the pockets. Theirs is too boxy for me and the neckline too high. I might decide to use this design with a more fitted pattern.

I've already seen dress 131 made up on patternreview.com with piping along the neckline and sleeve edges. LOVE! What a cute square neckline and cap sleeves!

Five designs that I really like from one month's offerings is great for me. I also appreciated their organza butterfly DIY instructions as well as the fabric necklace shown on page 58. (Am I crazy to like it? Would you wear something like that?) The preview for next month doesn't look too promising but maybe Burda will surprise me again.

New fall patterns from McCall's!

I received an email from McCall's this morning advertising their new fall lineup. In the last year or two, they haven't released much that I've been super excited about. I have bought a few here and there, but most of it has looked very 80's to me. However, these new fall patterns look really fresh and modern, and I'll be snapping them up at the next pattern sale!

This first one is 6396. Now it's been a long while since I've worn a jumper, and it might be too young of a look for me, but I really like the plaid view on the left. Especially with the tights and booties they've styled it with. I have several shades of booties and TONS of tights. What do you think? Is it too young of a look for a 34 year old woman?
Several of these new designs combine pleather and fabric, which I find texturally interesting and different. I'll be using my stash of black lambskin instead of pleather. 6397 is yet another jumper. I LOVE the first design with leather bodice, tweed skirt and exposed zipper. I'd add the pockets from the other views.
Top 6401 has a long sleeve version, but I prefer the sleeveless one with shoulder tabs over gathered "sleeves". The collar looks to have a stand which is a necessity for me in shirtmaking.
Skirt 6402 has another leather/fabric combo that I like. The other views are great too, and I usually prefer to have a waistband on a skirt.
The stretchpants resurgence still looks 80's to me, but I adore these from 6404, with leather insets sewn down the legs. They're a little hard to see in this picture, so I've posted the line drawing as well.


Check out this little shrug/cardi/jacket design from 6407. It's super chic in the stripe and contrasting bias along the edges. The back is cinched in so it's got some shape back there. My only problem will be finding the perfect fabrics to make it up in.


Lastly is cardigan 6408. There are several views that I like. Check out the back of the longer version with asymmetrical hemline - so pretty and cozy for winter!

Anyone else excited about these new offering like I am? Did I miss any of your favorites?