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SEWING MY STASH | NEW LOOK 6372
Okay, now it’s time to get back on track with sewing my stash. Just in case you don’t know what I’m talking about, I set a personal goal to sew 23 patterns that I already have in the year 2023. This beautiful halter maxi dress is from New Look 6372 and it’s my third time sewing a dress from the pattern. But I just realized that this is only the 2nd pattern I’ve sewn from my stash this year, and we’re already in the month of June. YIKES! I’ve got to get busy. Take a look at Pattern #1 Here.
PATTERN INFORMATION
New Look 6372 can be worn as a cocktail or casual dress. Views A and B have a key hole neckline with maxi or short lengths, while Views C and D are halters. The maxi length has a back slit. The pattern is rated as Average, and I believe it’s because of the neckline on Views A and B. It’s currently available in sizes 6 – 18 by paper pattern only.
Inside the Garment
I used my Baby Lock Soprano sewing machine to sew the dress, and my Baby Lock Vibrant to finish the seam allowances. Instead of sewing the front loop down by machine, I secured it by hand for a cleaner finish.
Fabric Options
The fabric suggestions on the pattern envelope are: Batiks, Charmeuse, Cotton Lawn, Cotton Types, Crepe, Crepe De Chine, Lightweight Linen Types, Silky Types, and Voile.
I made the dress for a dinner party, so I used a Ponte Knit to give it a dressy look and feel. The pattern is designed for woven fabrics but it’s okay to substitute knits (but never use wovens when the pattern suggests knits). Ponte Knit is a more dressy knit, when compared to Jersey. I’ve had this Ponte fabric in my collection for years. It was purchased at Michael Levine Fabrics in Downtown, Los Angeles. They are no longer in business.
Alterations Information
I made several, simple alterations to get the look I wanted.
- I lengthened the dress because I wanted it longer in case I decided to wear heels to the dinner. I ended up wearing flat sandals and the dress length was perfect.
- Although I added 5/8″ to the side seams for more room, I took it out after my first fitting. I thought it would be too tight because the Ponte has less stretch than the Jersey I used to make this dress the first time.
- The straps were too thin for the look I wanted, so I increased the width. I wanted wider straps for comfort around my neck. I’m not a big fan of halters, mostly because I don’t like that tight strap on my neck. So using a knit fabric and increasing the width helps to alleviate that problem for me.
- Finally, I raised the side seams by 3/4″ for more coverage in the chest area.
Notions Information
Single Fold Bias Tape was suggested for all views. The neckline closure for Views A and B require two 1/2″ buttons. Views C and D require 3/4 yard of 1/2″ elastic which is inserted in the casing across the upper back to hold the dress up. Also, you can use a 1/2″ link chain as part of the ties on View C.
Styling Options
I wore the dress to the dinner party with 3-tier drop earrings, a cuff bracelet, matching ring, and silver, flat sandals. Here, I’ve styled it with the same jewelry but added a pair of high heel sandals, and a chain belt.
I was very happy with the fit.
Dinner Party Photos
Here are a few photos of me wearing the dress at the dinner party. It was so comfortable and I had a great time.
New Look 6372 - Previous Designs with the Pattern
These are the other two dresses I made with New look 6372 in the past. The first animal print dress with chain was sewn in 2015 before I launched Anita by Design. The second dress is View A and I made it for a trip to Punta Cana or Jamaica (I don’t remember which one) in 2016. I still have the blue floral dress, but gave the animal print version away.
Thanks for stopping by,
Anita Morris 💕
Don't Forget your Sewing Project Checklist
Did you know that I created a Sewing Project Checklist to help you stay organized while sewing your garments? If you missed the video where I shared 3 Steps to Time Saving Sewing for Beginners, check it out to learn how you can streamline your sewing process. Tap the link below to get a Free PDF copy of the Checklist.
Links to Products, Posts & Tutorials
Here are links to products, blog posts, and tutorials mentioned in this post.
- Pattern
- Fabric Option
- Sewing Project Checklist
- Learn to SEW Course
- Baby Lock Soprano
- Baby Lock Vibrant
- Baby Lock Euphoria
(DISCLAIMER: This blog post may contain affiliate links, which means that if you click on one of the product links, I’ll receive a small commission on qualifying purchases. All opinions in this post are my own.).)
This Post Has 35 Comments
Thank you for this post, I wanted to use a Coral color Ponte De Roma material. Since it didn’t say “stretch”, I was afraid to use it. Your dress looks beautiful.
Beautiful!!!!!
Thank you Delores!
SOOO beautiful!!!!!! I’m going to enjoy my jealousy :). Funny, I had fantasied about going backless, braless, haltertopped all through my cancer treatment but in the end, I scraped through barely breathing, no longer a surgical candidate for mastectomies. Pisscht. Pfffft. I still live with my giant bazoombas and gratefully so, but giving up that freedom from straps Fantasy was for real.
Jeanne, I celebrate your healing with you. I laughed while reading your post about the braless fantasy. LOL!
I continue to be blown away by your style. I to am not a fan of halter tops, but just the little changes like making the strap wider and the fit makes it elegant and even modest. Thank you for explaining each section of the project, for instance pointing out that you hand sewed the front and bringing attention to the elastic area in the back, yes we see it however by you pointing it out just makes it clearer on how the fit is achieved. Loved this dress.
Thank you so much, Monica. I’m so glad that you appreciate the details I share in the posts. Thank you for reading and enjoying.
I like the blue dress, it is a beautiful colour. However I like the neckline better on the animal print one. Whatever you make always looks fabulous on you.
Thank you Barbara! 💕
Hello Anita! I love the animal print dress! That’s me all day!
Thank you Gwendolyn!
Such lovely dresses. For me, my hesitation with the halter style, is about wearing a bra. How did you solve that issue?
Thanks for sharing you wonderful creations.
Hi Dela! For sure the bra issue is an ISSUE! I wore a strapless bra, but they never stay up all day. At least I haven’t found one that stays in place. (Sigh)
Absolutely beautiful!! And I love the previous versions too!! ❤️❤️
Thank you Lisa!
What a show stopper! The previous sews are also. I expect an animal print to set its own pace but that print is holding its own. It’s super how you get the various looks by changing the necklines, fabrics and accessories. You will definitely have fun wearing your latest sew this summer. It’s so classy!
Thank you De! I’m gonna get a lot of wear from this dress. It’s such a great casual piece and that’s how I plan to wear it most of the time.
Stunning, as always. Like the blue ones best.
You always look so elegant. I’m starting to think you could make a garbage bag look glamorous.
Thank you so much, Marita! 🤣
Love the color & the fit. Ain’t know how to sew & modify patterns grand?!
YES, YES!!! It’s a great skill to acquire and master over time. I love trying different methods and choosing what works best for me.
Beautiful!
Thank you LaNetta!
Just gorgeous! Love the last blue one too. But all are stunning and so are you!!!
Thank you, Nancy!
These dresses are beautiful… that animal print is “giving me life”! <3
Thank you, Aisha! I wish I still had that animal print dress.
Gob. This dress is beautiful and it looks perfect on you. Keep up the good work and many blessings.
Thank you Rosa!
All the photos of all you gorgeous ladies and your outfits are stunning. My favorite thou is the last one. The beautiful blue and green print. I l like that design as well. I do wear halters in the summer usually around the house, because well, going out I have to wear a strapless bra. I find them so uncomfortable so I tend to just wear them at home.
Great job Anita.
Your sister in the Lord Jesus and sewing sister
Vickie from NY
Thank you, my SEW Sister in the Lord. I totally understand about the strapless bra, Vickie. If only they could make one that stays in place so you’re not constantly having to tug at it. LOL!
Beautiful. Is there a sew along for Thai dress in our future?
Thank you, Kim! Hmmm… I’m not sure if there will be a sew along for this one.
Amazingly lovely, as always!!! Looks like a refreshing, cool blue pool – perfect for the summertime!
Thank you Mary Jean! Yes, it’s perfect for summertime! 🤗