Creative Thursdays - McCalls 6379

This was my final project of 2012 I call it my Ladybird Dress.

I actually bought this pattern to use with some beautiful fabric Leonie gave me in the advent swap but the fabric she gave me is really beautiful and the pattern envelope only has sketches and no photos so I didn't want to risk ruining my lovely fabric if the pattern didn't work. (The illustrations are always fashion sketch style so the proportions of a 'normal' person aren't necessarily adhered to and the fit is always perfect!)

I included this photo for your pleasure - a village somewhere is missing their idiot!

I made a 14 in the top and a 12 from the waist band down. It fit perfectly. I have long given up measuring myself and choosing a size from the back of the pattern - I am always at least 2 or 3 sizes bigger than regular and if I make the size my measurements suggest it swims on me??? Just a wee trick if you are planning to start making clothes any time soon!

The fabric is taffeta I bought for cheap a while ago with the thoughts of making a dress of some kind. It felt like a good choice for the pattern. Some sew-ers (most call themselves sewists I guess to avoid accidentally referring to themselves as a sewer!) make a pattern first in a muslin and fit off that - I'm too lazy for that so this way if it works I have a new dress instead :o)

I put an exposed zip down the back which looks off centre but it's just my posture I assure you. I like it but I mainly did it because I didn't have any other zip option. And I lined the bodice section in plain calico because I find silky lining just makes me sweaty.

I'm really pleased with this dress and so pleased with the fit of the pattern. You'll be seeing this pattern again this year for sure.

Today I'm joining in for show and tell Thursday and creative spaces if they are operating...

And happy birthday to The Atlas - coolest man I know xxxx