I was really in the mood to sew a dress several weeks back. As it goes with creative projects, sometimes you just have to let the spirit lead. This beautiful fabric was at Hobby Lobby and thought it would make the perfect Red Roses Dress for Valentine’s Day. It is a bit seasonal, but I will be able to wear it all through the winter holidays.
As I’ve been learning more and noodling on the concept of “slow fashion” part of my approach is sewing a few of my own clothes. My sewing machine comes along with us to every movie set we’ve lived on and I always found myself in the middle of little sewing projects to help pass the time and bring some familiarity and creativity in the middle of the chaos.
Red Roses Dress with McCalls #7740
Pattern: McCalls #7740. Version A-B. Lined dress with fitted bodice and tie at back. Straight skirt with darts and invisible zipper.
Sizing: I chose a size 12 for the bodice and a 14 for the skirt. I reconciled them as I went along.
Skill Level: Moderately easy. This dress has a lining and an invisible zipper.
Fabric Used: Red Rose brocade and universal black poly lining. (Not the most sustainable fabric choice, but I needed several yards for this dress.)
Alterations or Design Changes: I hate hate hate bust darts. They never work for me on the first go ( I know, I really need to practice). I ended up having to alter the bodice from the back, creating a little pleat near the skirt dart. I think it looks fine since there is a dramatic detail with the bow (which I made fro reversing the main fabric to the lighter, pink side). It made just enough of a pull from the back to smooth out the bodice and make a clean look from the front. I also always cut extra length at the bottom and then hem to my desired length.
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