The weather is heating up and I have finally been able to wear this dress which I made weeks and weeks ago in anticipation of summer.
The back is pretty simple – a couple of long darts, an invisible zip, and a centre vent.
It is McCall’s 8233 – a 1996 pattern that I found (when does a pattern become vintage as against simply old?), and I made version C. The only problem is that mine is a size 14 – 18 and I am a size 8, so this was my first attempt at serious pattern grading.
If I say so myself, I did ok. I probably need to rework the bust darts a bit. Everything fitted pretty well, I put it all together and then realised that I hadn’t graded the sarong part – duh! So, I took it apart and redid the front.
I bought the fabric at Potter’s and it languished in my stash for about a year before I decided that this would be the perfect dress. It is a crinkled cotton, or something, (no ironing – yay!) that is light and cool although slightly diaphanous.
By the way, this is one of the dresses that I have seen for sale in Country Road. Their version has an elasticised waist and the sarong part is caught up on the waist. I do like this version better!
Apologies for all the shadows – I have to take these photos before leaving for work so the sun is busy doing its thing!
The details
Fabric is a crinkled cotton from Potter’s
Pattern is McCall’s 8233
Shoes are Camper from Ricarda’s
Necklace is pearl and amethyst bought in Tanzania.
Perfect for this gorgeous hot weather! It’s been so nice lately, a great time to be making some cute new frocks. Have you had a haircut? your hair looks really lovely 🙂
Thank you. I actually had my hair cut about four weeks ago, but am only just getting used to it.
Another success Sue! the crinkle cotton is really cool and looks good in this design. Love the colour!
Yes, thanks Rachel, I do love a bit of purple.