The Circus Dress (McCall’s 6952)

The Circus Dress (McCall’s 6952)

This post is just all angry faces.
This post is just all angry faces.

I’ve really been making an effort to sew from my stash. I bought this fabric last year when Joann had a sale on their “silky prints”. While I do love polka dots and red is one of the few colors are wear…I had almost immediate regret after buying this fabric. It’s just too shiny, too red. It looks like clown costume material! I thought about doing a solid black something with the clown polka dot skirt, but I just imagined that as worse…

Hidden bitch face.
Hidden bitch face.

Enter McCall’s 6952. Originally, I had envisioned this in view C, for my maxi dress sew-along but I really just think the print would overwhelming. Instead I went with view A, I love the back detail! Also I’ve been looking for some light weight, flowy dresses for the humid Ohio Summer.

I swear I have eyeballs.
I swear I have eyeballs.

All and all, it was a pretty quick sew. I opted to skip the elastic band, using some ribbon as a belt instead. I also added pockets, because I just really like pockets. I cut a straight 12, but I really think I could have done a 10, even without a zipper. Being entirely honest, I don’t think I’ll be wearing this dress as often as some other garments, but I still do like it. If you’re looking for a quick summer dress, this could be sewn in a day, though I’d suggest sizing down and maybe not using such a blindingly shiny fabric 😉

As for the maxi dress sew-along, I wanted to give you all a peek at what I’m sewing! I’ll be using McCall’s 7119!!!

There will absolutely be pockets on this, too.
There will absolutely be pockets on this, too.

I know I’m all about McCall’s lately, I swear I have other patterns on deck! I’m really excited to sew my first maxi dress, and I can’t wait to see what my fellows sewists come up with! Happy sewing 🙂

Welcome!

Welcome!

Hi!  Welcome to Sewn by Ashley.  I am 29 (yikes!) sewing out of Hamilton, Ohio.  About two years ago, when I couldn’t find the perfect dress to wear to a friend’s wedding, I thought, fuck it, I’ll make one.  After not having sewn for over decade.  So I might possibly be insane?

First dress picture with the bride!  That fit, yowza!
First dress picture with the bride! That fit, yowza!

Insane or not, I was hooked on sewing.  Sewing for me is a bit of a comedy of errors, but I hope to be able to provide some trial and error tips for other sewist (sewers?  I dunno.)  I’ll be posting patterns I’ve done, tips, random freebies, awesome fabrics, and who knows what else.  At the very least, I hope you find it entertaining 🙂

-Ashley