Hi Friends,
I don’t tend to wear that much black. I know lots of you love it. But I can see the value of having a great LBD in your wardrobe, so I thought I would try my luck with McCalls 6988. I didn’t want something too evening-ish, but I didn’t want something boring either. I am going to be honest…I am not sure about this one.
I think the uncertainty is partly to do with the fabric. This is a (I think) wool viscose crepe fabric which, sadly, does tend to crease quite easily (and doesn’t like to be ironed that much either). Also, I didn’t line this dress (the instructions are for an unlined dress) and so I am wearing it with a slip underneath. Further, the sleeves are cut from a piece of silk georgette I had, and I messed the hem up first time, and ended up cutting them shorter that I would have liked. Sigh.
Here’s the back view (dislike. No amount of pressing/ steam will eliminate those zipper wrinkles – also need to add a hook to the top):
Pattern Review
Pattern Description:
Semi-fitted dresses have self-lined yokes, princess seams, and back zipper. A and B: flounce and narrow hem. B: front overlay. B and C: below elbow sleeves. D: short sleeves. Separate pattern pieces are included for cup sizes A/B, C, D.
Pattern Sizing:
6 – 22
Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?
Yes.
Were the instructions easy to follow?
Yes.
What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?
I don’t think it’s the pattern I dislike. I think the pattern is essentially ok. I dislike my fabric because it didn’t press very well and creases easily; I think I wish I had lined it, and I messed the hem up on the silk georgette sleeves so they are shorter (and possibly tighter) than I would like. Nothing to dislike about the pattern.
Fabric Used:
I think it’s a wool viscose crepe with silk georgette for the sleeves.
Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:
I removed a total of about 0.5 inches in width from the front and back necklines to get it to stay on my shoulders.
I made a narrow 5/8ths inch hem on the flounce.
I added 2 inches in length to view B.
I did a 1 inch sway back adjustment.
I omitted the facings and substituted in bias strip facings.
I used an invisible zip.
I think I shortened the sleeves by about 3 inches.
Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?
I don’t know and yes. I think it’s the fabric and lack of lining in this particular case which have put me off this dress a little.
Conclusion:
Hmmm…well, I made this a few weeks ago and I have not had an opportunity to wear it yet. I think my quest for the perfect LBD continues….
We are going to India in a month or so for almost 5 weeks and I am frantically sewing up stuff for then. I also have a school PTA ball to attend in less than 3 weeks and have yet to make a dress for it! I don’t know how frequent the blogging will be in these parts for a while, but hopefully see you all back here soon. Until then….
sewmanju 
I think it looks fabulous on you.
Thanks dkswife
The style really is really flattering and in black too it looks a really versatile dress. Though the back us a little wrinkled when you look at the back of most ladies clothes they’re always a bit wrinkled and no one ever notices. I’d wear it with pride – it really is lovely on you 😀
Thanks Ali. I will give it a spin at least once before deciding if it’s a wadder or not. I think remaking in a nicer fabric maybe the way forward.
This dress looks gorgeous on you!
Thanks candice
wow I think it is really pretty. very elegant and a nice fit. I always like a dress with a flirty flounce 🙂
Me too Beth 🙂 sucker for a flounce.
I say meh. But I think its because I like you in colours so much more. You did a nice job on fit. I think the sheer sleeves make it more eveningish than you may have wanted. And I can imagine your frustration at the zipper puckers. But I like that the dress has some style interest with the bodice seam lines and flounce.
Thanks Suzanne. I do fancy making this in a red or a bright blue but I do think a black dress would be useful.
I think this is a lovely pattern for you. It really looks good on you and, I think, the only reason you’re on the fence about it, is the fabric. Consider this one a practice piece. Personally, I think you would be happier if you make this dress again in a lovely crepe or some other lovely fabric. It really is a beautiful style on you.
Yes I think I am convinced about trying it again.
Marvelous!
Thanks faye
Beautiful fit! And it looks so versatile.
Thanks La Vonda C!
See, Im lovin’ you in this! Its simple & understated chic….but I confess, I am a huge lover of wearing black 🙂 What I love about it is that you could wear it alone or pair it with any colour. Shoes, accessories, cardi’s – the sky really is the limit. x
Thanks Ange. Finding the perfect LBD…harder than one thinks!
I love this dress on you. I think the style and fit are lovely. However I agree that the fabric isn’t doing it justice. I’d say definitely make it again…but perhaps a lightweight wool crepe with a lining.
Oh, very yes! The silhouette is very flattering, and draws attention to your pretty legs. Call it a “wearable muslin” and then don’t feel guilty when you pass it along later, after you’ve made a version that you adore.
I think that this particular black is a light-sucking color, because of the weave and fiber content. A smooth, finely-woven shirting might make you happier with the dress, even in black. Photos are so hard to use for judging skin tone: do you look better in warm (yellow-based) colors or in cool (blue-based) colors? Blacks come in all sorts of hues and shades. Find one that makes you happy and re-make this dress.
Thanks Lin b
Thanks pendlestitches I think wooł crepe maybe the way forward!
I think this dress is really flattering on you, especially in black.
Thanks H moore
I understand your gripe about the wrinkling fabric but, honestly the dress looks great on you. A perfect LBD in my opinion. Great job.
Thanks natisha.
This looks great on you! Too bad about the fabric though because this is a wonderful LBD. I second the suggestion that you should make it again 🙂 Black neoprene could be cool
Thanks Carrie I think I am convinced about the trying again. I have discovered not all neoprenes are the same! Wooł crepe maybe ok?
I agree with the others. Make it again. The style looks really good on you.
Thanks roberta
I love the dress–you did a great job with the seaming and the fit. It would probably feel better if it was lined. But from the photos, it looks good.
Thanks robindrush
This is a chic LBD, and it fits you well. I really like the multi-panels (I made a multi-panel Vogue dress). You could make another dress in different colour panels. The peplum makes the dress look more interesting and feminine. It suits you.
Thanks Caroline.
I say, Wow.. nice dress! You do look better in colour but a LBD is always handy to have. How about your beautiful silk dress for the PTA affair, or is it a really posh ball which calls for Taffeta in great lengths and a splendor of colour?
The silk dress is my back up plan. I am going floor length chiffon and lace (if it gets done in time!)
I love your silk dress!!!
Yes make it again, as the color is useful and the style is flattering. It would also add a lot to wear a bit of color in the form of a necklace with colored stones or a scarf.