Sew: McCalls 6559 Maxi Dress

I'm back. Again. After being home for three days, I went to Cairns for a work conference. I had a fabulous time with interstate colleagues. But after 4 days of sitting in lectures, networking and partying, I am absolutely shattered. Inspired and enthused but exhausted.

On to my next sewing project! You may remember I made an Alexa T-top out of this knit and absolutely loved the fabric. So when Lisa from Tessuti said they had just 2.8m left, I quickly bought it all. It is nice and thick and washes beautifully. But don't despair, Lisa informed me today that they have more in stock. Hop to it! Actually don't, I want it all for myself.

Back to the dress! Before we left for the States I was very keen to make a midi dress out of this fabric. There was much internal debate about what pattern to use. I was tempted to make a fitted dress with a scooped neck and half sleeves but I kept coming back to a singlet based dress. I thought a singlet dress would be more versatile. Cool in hot weather but easily layered with a cardigan and scarf. It was a perfect travel dress. Great for the plane, exploring San Francisco and playing at Disneyland. 

I did my standard sway back adjustment and removed 3cm from centre back neckline. The length is halfway between the short and long length. I like this length better than a maxi length for practicality reasons. I don't trip on it!  

I finished the neck and arms by using a 5cm wide strip of fabric. I turned it in and top stitched down. The top is fitted and I left the waist and hips loose. 

 

 

Mater!! 

 

Excellent stripe matching. 

There's still a bit of fabric pooling in my lower back but I can live with that.

Project Details
Pattern: McCalls 6559, view D, size 16
Fabric: Yin and Yang Ebony (viscose spandex blend) from Tessuti
Alterations: Graded in to size 14 at bust, shortened to a midi length, used bands to finish neck and armholes.

I still have a bit of this fabric left. I'm thinking a loose, boxy tee.

I really love this dress. Simple and classic. 

L x