McCalls 6689 view C

This next pattern review is a part of the collection I sewed for Abi this fall (2013).  It is a lovely wrap dress; not a faux wrap, but the real deal.

The Review:

The pattern:  McCalls 6689; view C

Pattern source: You may purchase this pattern any major sewing store or buy it online.  

Sizes available:  This is truly a tween pattern; it is sized from 7-14.  It has significant structure to it and is made from a woven fabric.  Thus, it is important that you measure the intended wearer so that you make the right size/alterations.

 Special materials required:  You will need interfacing, a single large button, and a lot of fabric.  This dress is fully lined from the cuffs to the hem so you must buy enough fabric for all that lining.

  

view of the inside

Skill level required:  This pattern is labeled easy but probably is the most complicated McCalls pattern I have sewn.  Though there is nothing super complicated about the construction, it has many pieces and the lining requires a lot of hand sewing.  The reward for all this work is a dress that looks just as lovely from the inside as it does from the outside (if your hand stitching is better than mine).  I do not recommend this dress for someone just learning to sew.  But if you are ready to take things to the next level, it is worth the work.

How I came to choose the pattern: I bought the pattern from Joann for Abi’s 2013/14 school wardrobe.  I figured it would be a nice dress that can also be played in.  I expect I will make the top length view too. 

Did you deviate from the pattern?  If yes, how?  No.  Well at least not purposely.  After the entire thing was done, I was cleaning up my sewing area.  And there was a pattern piece neatly cut out but still pinned to the tissue.  What???? Well, the collar is supposed to have a band between it and the dress neckline.  But, mine does not because I was not going to take the whole thing a part just for a collar band.

Overall pattern rating:  This is a bolt pattern.  It is a pretty dress with classic lines and could work for many occasions depending on your fabric choices.

***UPDATE***  Since this dress is a true wrap style, I recommend that you reinforce the tie seams so as they are tightened, they do not rip.