Saltspring vs. McCalls M6744

I came across the Saltspring pattern from Sewaholic right after starting my McCalls M6744, and it was love at first sight! The pattern was similar to the McCalls pattern I had already fallen in love with, but so much more. I'd call it the fancier, big sister to 6744 (view A). I love top of Saltspring - the outer fabric is longer and sewn over a shorter lining, causing magical blousing without having to fuss with a belt. The skirt is also flared, instead of the more dirndl skirt style of 6744.

Both View A's are similar, but designed for different fabrics. McCalls calls for a stretch knit while Saltspring is for lightweight, wovens.

I also found the PERFECT fabric for my Saltspring. Or more accurately, I found the perfect pattern for the beautiful Thakoon silk paisley print that I have been lusting over for months online at Mood! There are not enough exclamation marks in the world to describe how much I loved and wanted this fabric. This new sewing pattern combined with me needing a serious dose of retail therapy after my move from hell sealed the deal.

The color is a bit off and I didn't take time to straighten out the pattern, but you still get the idea of how awesome this is!

But, there was no way I was going to use up my $50 silk on an untried pattern.  I recently purchased a very large rayon dress from my local thrift store that will serve as the basis for my wearable muslin. I was in a "must have a Hawaiian print fabric" phase, and I got lucky!

 

My first time sewing 100% Rayon.  It's so soft! I'm in love.

I'll have to make some modifications because I won't have enough fabric to make the flared skirt, but my main concern is testing out the fit of the top. Let's see how this goes! 

Woo Hoo...I'm Back!

I'm back!  Wow, it's been a while. So much craziness has happened since my last post!  I've endured the move from hell, had a virus knock me out of commission for a few weeks and dealt with pet drama.  I also haven't been able to reach my sewing machine since the move until recently! So many boxes.

Someone's getting settled in at our new diggs. It's temporary, but don't tell her that.

While I haven't been sewing for over a month, I've been lurking on everyone's blog and living vicariously through the sewing projects of others. Thank you all! If I can't sew, at least I can admire those who can.

I've also been acquiring fabric. My hording abilities haven't been hurt by any of the above! It's quite therapeutic really, and I've picked up some awesome stuff that I can't wait to show everyone!

Last week I finally felt well enough, and was finally able to clear up enough space to sew again! It felt so "right"!

My project was McCalls M6744.  Full disclosure: I was heavily inspired/blatantly stole this idea from Gail's blog.  I love her version, and came across it when I was looking for a perfect summer dress.  I wanted something simple, lightweight and fuss free.  Something that I could make 10 of and just throw on in the summer.

Pattern: McCalls M6744, View A.

Size and Modifications: I cut a Small at the top and graded to a Medium at the waist.  The only other mod was to shorten the strap. I didn't realize it needed to be shorter until I had finished the neck and armholes. No matter, I folded the strap older and top stitched. It's not perfect, but I'm the only one who will notice. I'll need to shorten it further for my next version.

Fabric: Jersey from my favorite jersey source - the Vogue Fabrics remnant pile!

Final Verdict: I really like this. The elastic waist is actually my favorite detail. So simple, but I just think the casing looks great!  I made a minor error on the casing. When I finally figure out the instructions, I was half way through my own method. It's not bad, just a bit different.

Funny thing, shortly after I started this (I actually started before the move), I discovered Sewaholic's Saltspring dress.  Both have the shape I wanted (blousy top and flowing, loose skirt). Saltspring is next up in my queue, so we'll see what happens.