Thursday 14 July 2016

Liberty McCalls 6696





This is my third version of the ever popular McCalls  6696, and it is certainly the best fit.    My choice of fabric is nothing new, Roisin has made a sleeveless version and Gertie's shirtwaister in her first book used the red version of this fabric.  The fabric is Liberty Carline and before you think I have spent a fortune on this dress, this fabric was one of my bargains from Standfast and Barracks in Lancaster who sell Liberty seconds.  This cost £6 per metre and I used just under 2 metres .... a bargain.



So to the fit.  I love this pattern because it has different cup sizes and I went for the C.  My last 2 versions I cut a 14 at the bust and graded to a 12 at the waist, but this time I just cut a 12 in the bust too.  I took 5/8" from each shoulder for my narrow shoulders and raised the waist by 1" overall and then by 3/8" extra at the front centre (because I noticed that the waist appears to droop a little on me).


 
The pattern illustrations do not show a back view of the dress and I think that is probably because the models have the problem of "poofy" backs.    I took a whole 2" out of the centre gathers.  Even so there is still a bit of "poof" and what I think I need to do is to also take 3/8" from the back centre line (like the front).
 
 
Insides; French seams everywhere except for the sleeve attachment (where to be honest I couldn't be bothered!)

Not much more to say about this one, except I must try the straight-skirt version some time!  I'm sure this won't be my last.



I had the most lovely Saturday when I met up with Ruth from CoreCouture and we had a lovely shop in Minerva.  I really enjoyed watching Ruth shop, she has such an eye for combining patterns and colours and I ended up totally copying her with the berry coloured fabrics below.  This whole haul cost £45 which will make 2 skirts, 2 tops and one pair of trousers.  I think I am usually a bit of a fabric snob, but Minerva does have some lovely fabric at really low prices.

12 comments:

  1. Very Lovely! The fit and fabric are splendid :)

    ReplyDelete
  2. Thanks Kirstie. It's a great pattern.

    ReplyDelete
  3. This looks wonderful on you. The pattern works so well in Carline. In regards to the back, I eliminated the back gathers all together, and redrafted the back bodice to have the darts from Simplicity 2444

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks Kaitlyn, yes I think the back would be nice without the gathers, I might try this next time.

      Delete
  4. Hi Mags, gorgeous fabric and put to a very good use. The straight skirt version will be very smart too. Lovely to meet you too.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks Ruth, with 3 of these still being worn I think the next one will need to wait. X

      Delete
  5. Loving the Liberty with this pattern and such a bargain, wish I lived near there. I've made this once and removed the gathers but it turned out too big round the waist so feels frumpy on.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks, I think there is a lot of ease in this one I ended up making a size smaller than usual.

      Delete
  6. Lovely dress and fabric. I'm attracted to the straight skirt version. I have the pattern; thank you for pointing out about the pouffy back. I'm not ready to make it yet but will or a bit to remind me.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks Anne I'll look forward to seeing yours. Are you going to the meet up at Linton in September?

      Delete
  7. It's quite a busy fabric but it's also rather fabulous and goes so well with the pattern. As usual you have a knack for matching fabric to pattern. xx

    ReplyDelete
  8. You look so beautiful in that dress

    ReplyDelete