Have you ever had a dress that looks great in the mirror, but in pictures, makes you look like a lumpy ham? That is this dress for me. I swear, I thought it was flattering. Whatever, I’m still going to wear the hell out of it anyway!!
The pattern is McCall’s 6956, and the fabric is some random Robert Kaufman tulip quilting cotton I’ve had for ages. I opted for version B of the pattern, with the a/b cup sizing. I love a good strapless dress, but I hate pulling up my dress all night. Since this dress has tons of boning, you actually DON’T have to do that, it kinda stays up on it’s own. I added cups, just for extra stability, and I also added some ruching to the bodice, just to help adjust the fitting a bit. Other than that, it pretty much fit straight out of the package.
Top is fully lined, while the skirt is unlined. With that, boning, and the heavier weight cotton, the dress still felt cool and comfortable, even in yesterday’s heat. The boning gave me a bit of grief, but that could have just been me misinterpreting the instructions. As I understood them, the boning was to extend past the pleating, which was a headache. I decided to just end it at the pleating, and from there it was smooth sailing. I left off the bottom band on the skirt, only because it made no sense with my fabric pattern.
Honestly, I love a well fitted dress and I think I’ll wear this one quite a bit, even if it has reminded me to lose 20 pounds 😉 It’s such a fun party dress! I hope all your summer sewing is going well, happy sewing 🙂
This dress does look better in person, it could have just been the photographer lol.. Oops. But anyways, it looks good! I’m surprised you didn’t mention the unpicking fun 😛 I like the dress – it’s fun!
I swear it really does!!! Lol my photographer was fantastic 🙂 OHHHH THE UNPICKING OF THE BONING, it haunts me so.
Hey there I am currently trying to sew this pattern and I’m new to dresses. I cannot get the bodice to fit rights they hve a major point look going on. How did you line up the bodice pieces?
What’s the fit issue? Just points or something more?
It’s hard to say, but there are a few things I’d try. Make sure you clip your seams close around the curves (I use pinking shears), try also pressing it a on a curve. I use my tailor’s ham. For this dress, I also preformed foam bust cups to give shape and support. Hope this is helpful!
Yay for strapless dresses that stay up on their own! Unpicking boning sounds like a nightmare, but the dress fits really well and the bodice is really well done.
*sigh* it was, but definitely worth it. Thank you! Sewing compliments are the best kind.
Lookin’ pretty hot, not hammy. After all that work to get the bodice perfect, you should be wearing the stuff out that dress.
Lol well thank you!! I have to say, this is probably the best bodice fit I’ve done
i think it looks great! It’s nice to see dresses on everyday people instead of models.
Thanks 🙂 I think I’m just having an “I’m turning 30” crisis lol.
Gorgeous dress! I love the vintage vibe! Makes your cleavage look great too- which is always a bonus! 🙂
Thank ya!! I love a vintage-ish look. Lol well I wanted something that would make the girls look good but not require the dreaded strapless bra, so…success there!! 😉
I think that’s one excellent dress, really well made and you look like you could take on the world. BTW, I’ve noticed I always look about 20 pounds heavier when my pictures are taken outside in sunshine. It has a kind of magnifying effect. You’ll probably find you look just perfect, once the spotlight isn’t on!
Oh well thank you!! I really put the work in on this one. Oh yeah??? I’ve never even thought about that, I’m definitely blaming the sun 😉
Cute! SSB https://www.facebook.com/SassySewingBees
Thanks 🙂
I bought this pattern and I’m missing pages 1-2. Would you happen to have a copy? This is my first sewing project and didn’t notice it was missing the page until after I cut my fabric
Oh I’m not sure, but I will check for you when I get home!! If I do, I’ll send them to you!
I just bought the pattern today. Debating opting out of using the boning because I plan on making option A with straps. Is this feasible?
I don’t see why not!
I’m cutting out this dress to make a Kentucky Derby Party dress. I’ve chosen to use seersucker material, and yes, I’m very southern, from Birmingham, Alabama. I’m nervous about getting g the bodice put together right. Im going to line the entire dress since seersucker is SOOOOO thin, like see thru thin. I’d live any pointers you can offer on this dress!! Yours LOOKS FAB and you look FAB in it!!!
Kate from Birmingham
I think that will be really cute!!!! I LOVE seersucker. I would suggest making a muslin, or if you can’t do that, make the lining first. Baste it together, check fit, make alterations. I’m sure yours will be beautiful!
I just bought this pattern today, and plan to make the halter/strappy version. Thank you so much for your photos, review of pattern, and helpful hints. It looks amazing on you!
Oh well I hope you like it!!! You are too kind