I’m trying so hard to get my groove back!!! Goodness! It’s not just sewing that’s wavering at this time. My whole life still feels off! I know what I want and need to do, but honestly, I just don’t feel like it sometimes. One day I’m all excited and working it out, then the next I just feel blah. The grief process is a monster. I’ll be okay though, so don’t worry about me. It’s just part of the process and I’m moving forward, even in times like these. I will continue to share when my heart needs to because it’s therapeutic for me.
Now that I have that off my chest, let’s get into why you’re here. Honey, honey, honey! I’m kinda feeling a little sassy in this dress. I love the fit, neckline, and contrasting stripes on the upper sleeves, side panels and hems. However, this one did not come without drama.
I chose to sew View C because I was drawn to and inspired by the look presented in the illustration on front of the envelope.
Usually, when I’m in a sewing funk, I try to find my groove with very easy projects. Upon first glance at the pattern, I thought this one would be a breeze, even with striped fabric. I figured that the contrasting direction of the stripes would make it easy because I wouldn’t have to match the pattern, except at the center back seam, which is pretty easy, especially since I omitted the zipper. The seam connecting the front and back under-sleeve needed to be matched also, but I totally missed that and cut without paying attention. I’m fine with it though since that seam doesn’t show much.
OH MY WORD!!! The sleeve construction on this dress wore me OUT!!! I seriously almost quit three times. For the life of me, I couldn’t figure it out. I read the instructions over and over, but nothing was making sense. As usual, I had already searched Pattern Review before starting, to see if anyone else had sewn the dress. There was only one other review, with no mention of any issues.
It wasn’t until I returned to the line drawing on back of the pattern envelope that I realized what I had missed. There’s an extension on the upper sleeve that extends to create the neckline for the back. Wah-Lah!!! Mystery SOLVED!!! Without the line drawing, this dress probably would have ended up in the trash.
Lesson learned: Pay attention to the line drawings EVERY TIME! If I had looked closely at the back before starting, I would have seen that extension.
PATTERN DETAILS
The pattern is MCCALL’S 7652 and there are nine pattern pieces for View C. I rate this pattern Intermediate. An advanced beginner may have success, however, if you’re a new beginner, stay far away from this pattern until you have some experience under your belt. The side panel insertion and sleeve construction may confuse you. Just in case you’re wondering, I will not be doing tutorial on this dress. I don’t want to sew it again. Hahaha!!!
FABRIC & CUTTING DETAILS
I used a thin rib SWEATER KNIT that I picked up from the Loft at Michael Levine’s a very long time ago. It’s been sitting in my collection, waiting for the perfect opportunity to shine. I cut a size 10 for the bodice, sleeves and facings, then graded to a size 12 at the hips. It’s available in sizes 8 — 24W. I pegged the hem to a width of 35″ from the 38 1/2″ measurement designed for size twelve.
PATTERN ALTERATIONS
Initially, I added 3″ to the length of the dress, but ended up removing it because I discovered, during construction, that I forgot to add the extra inches to one of the side panels. Uggghhh! I hate it when I do that. Therefore, the finished length was too short for my comfort. To fix the problem, I added a 2″ band to the hem which gave me an opportunity to add more directional contrast to the stripes. I carried the same detail to the sleeves by removing 2″ of fabric from the end and replacing it with a band of the same measurement. I didn’t worry about seam allowances taking up more length because the sleeves were longer than I needed.
After under-stitching the neckline facing, it still rolled out a bit, so I inserted a topstitch almost the full width of the facing (1 1/4″). This corrected the problem and the neckline lies nice and flat against the body all around.
I’m pleased with the outcome and very happy that I didn’t throw it out. I used the scraps to make a beanie hat, but thought it was too much at first. After getting dressed and trying it on with the finished garment, I decided it didn’t look too bad. I traced one of my old beanie hats, then added seam allowances and the band to match those on the dress. Tell me what you think. Is the beanie too much? Does the dress look better with the felt hat in the photos below? I actually like both. Which one would you wear?
I plan to wear this as a casual dress most of the time, but it can certainly be dressed up. I wore it last night to dinner with my sons to celebrate the 21st birthday of my youngest.
The dress would look really cute with a pair of sneakers for running errands around town or high heels for date night. I also love how it looks with my knee-high boots. Throw on a warm coat, gloves & scarf, and you’re ready for a cold day out.
This entire dress, with the exception of darts, was sewn on the new Vibrant Serger.
VIBRANT SERGER FOR BEGINNERS
If you haven’t already, go to my YouTube Channel to hear all about the new Vibrant Serger from the Baby Lock Genuine Collection. I’ve started a mini series there to tell you all about the serger, and at the end there will be a GIVEAWAY. If you’re a beginner, you may want to get subscribed to my blog now so that you don’t miss any future updates. Click on the photo below to watch the latest video in the Vibrant Mini Series.
Thanks for stopping by!
I really admire your sewing you are that classy lady I’m so sorry for your lost glad to see that you are finding your way back slowly. One day at a time is all that you need God will not put anymore on you than you can bear.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this sad time,but I can tell your a strong woman and with your faith I know you will pull through and be all the more stronger,God bless you and your family I am fairly new to sewing so your tutorials are brilliant for me as you explain everything so clearly so can’t wait to see the next sewing lesson,take care xx
Pingback: Remixing Butterick 6330: Girls in the Garden for The Day and Night Dress Challenge 2019 - Elizabeth Made This
Love it….either hat would work depends on how you feel that day….
Well that dress and accessories is the cutest look-SO FUN. Loved seeing the photo of you with your boys too!
Prayers
Thank you so much, Cheryl! It was fun to make.
Anita, personal I like the Beanie, It goes well with you outfit.
yes the grief process is a monster. We are blessed because at times
like we can go to our father for comfort.
Yes, indeed, Gale. Our Lord is always there for us. Thank you.
The beanie is cute but the felt hat is so sophisticated! Great to see it styled both ways. Well done on rescuing the project!
Thank you Elinor!
I love that you share your process. Our path from conception to finished garment is never straight. Just like everything else in life. You are such an inspiration for so many reasons. Happy Birthday to your son!
Thank you, Sue. Isn’t it the truth about the process? I love it because there are always learning opportunities. ALWAYS!
I really like the sweater dress the beanie you made goes great with the dress like you said it’s a little flirty in it looks good on you. Keep up the good work.
P.S Some times grief is hard when you lose someone you love it makes you feel like you have no directions, quilting is one of the few thing that picks me up and I’m not thinking about anything putting that quilt together. Keep seeing
Be Bless, God has you in his hands,
Anita
Thank you so much, Lana! Yes, sewing is my therapy and I love it so much. Grateful to God for giving me something I can focus on and be happy with. You be blessed too,.
Dear Anita,
“The grief process is a monster.” So true. So true. You, beautiful lady, are going to come out the other side, some day. Changed, yes, but you will come out strong. You are such a natural light. Continue being kind to yourself, honoring your process. Blessings to you, blessings.
Delamarie
Oh Delamarie! Thank you so much for your encouragement. Yes, I’ll never be the same. The strength of the Lord is incredible.
Anita,
the struggle was worth it!! You nailed it!! You look great!! So cute and it’s amazing how supposed mistakes really contribute to the making of a masterpiece because the contrast on the hem really sets the dress off. Love both hats but the beanie is so adorable. Again, you look fabulous!! 🙂
Thanks Yvette! I agree! Some mistakes really do lead to masterpieces.
Love this dress and what you did with it. Not really being a hat fan I love the beanie. Awesome style you look great!
Thank you so much Ginger!
Love it! The only thing I don’t like is that you didn’t make one for me (wink). I will continue to pray that God’s love and mercy will provide you comfort during the grieving process.
Hahaha! Thank you Belinda! I really appreciate your blessings.
Although the hat looks good with the dress, that beanie just slayed it Sister girl. You did a great job on the dress, I spite of all the issues you had. Maybe one day in the future you’ll change your mind about a tutorial, at least I hope so?
Hey Deborah! Hahaha! Maybe my heart will soften one day. Thank you so much.
You are such an inspiration. Love love love the dress and the beanie. I always look at the line drawing to see the details first, because I have missed so many small things when I’ve gone from the cover photo alone.
Thanks Yolanda! Yes, you are so right. I learned my lesson real good this time about jumping in too quick.
Your post underscores why I was ranting last week. I was going to buy a pattern (Indie) but there was nary a tech drawing to be found. No, no, nope. I need to see everything and a photo doesn’t show that!!
I love the matching beanie and immediately pictured it with a sleeveless trench or other duster/topper. I just love this dress! It fits so well and the stripe play is always fun.
Hang in there <3 I'm so glad you all have each other to lean on.
See, if you think it’s important, then I KNOW, the line drawings must not be ignored. Oh gosh, I just put a duster on the table to start working with next. It’s gray and black (more stripes, LOL) so it would either go well with this or clash. I shall see. Yes, I’m so glad I have my sons. They’re my rays of sunshine everyday.
Love both hats…depending on your mood. The floppy is s little flirty, where the matching one is rather sassy. And, hang in there with the grieving. It hasn’t been long, so let yourself go through the process. You’ll be stronger for it in the end.
Hey Tammie! Thanks for your feedback. And yes, allowing the process to take it’s course so that my future will find me healthy and whole.
Oh wow, too cute! I love both looks!!!
Thanks Alethia!
Anita you look Wonderful! Both the hat and dress look very nice! Thank you for sharing and God bless Your family!
Thank you so much, Dara! God bless you and yours too.
Hi Anita! I love the dress and the beanie. The outfit looks complete when you add the scarf, gloves, and tall boots but you wear everything well. You’re so right grieving is a process; therefore, it takes time. I lost my mom last month while still grieving my dad from May of last year. The best news is God is with us and He will never leave us or forsake us. He is our strength, comfort, and peace when we abide in Him. I must say. Your young men look like twins in that picture. Have a beautiful day in Jesus!
Oh Peggy, I’m so terribly sorry to hear about your parents. Please accept my condolences a you navigate this winding road of grief. Yes, God is our help. I feel His presence so strongly, no matter my emotional condition at any given time. I am able to keep moving because of His strength in me. Thank you so much for your encouragement.
Anita, I love sewing with sweater knits. Your dress looks good! You have a lovely figure.
Thank you Gwendolyn! I love sweater knits SO MUCH!
Very impressive!!
I just got a Baby Lock serger. You have inspired me to sew with knit fabric!
Yaaayyy!!! Go for it Kaye! I’m a slow sewer and proud of it because I like to take my time and do it right, but the serger really does cut down on the time it takes to put a garment together too.
Your such a cutie. Hang in There with the morning process! It’s the trying that will get you through.
Thank you so much Kay! I’m hanging in there.
Those boots. You look great my friend.
Bernie
Hey Bernie! Thank you sister!
I love everything about this dress. This is my type, casual and dress up. You look great also. I’m trying not to buy patterns but this one must be bought, lol.
LOL! Okay, Angie, I’ll give you a hall pass on this one.