Wednesday 29 December 2010

Hot weather dress McCalls 5177 variation

Every time we have extremely hot, humid weather, I do not seem to have suitable clothes. This may because any clothes feel far too warm, but is probably because there are weeks and weeks of this weather every year, and the clothes are not only lightweight, but worn and washed to death in a short time.
Last year, I threw out a voile version of McCalls 5177, after it ripped right up the back with fabric fatigue. As soon as the hot weather started this Summer I missed this dress a lot, so have made a replica version in quilting cotton, lined with cotton batiste at the bodice.

SAM_3042

It is not quite as good as the last one. I did not read my fitting notes from my previous versions, because I thought I remembered them. I was wrong. Voile version here, linen smocked version here
I used piping in the bodice seams, so could not make fitting changes post construction. This meant that I had to fiddle quite a bit to prevent underwear display. I shirred the centre front. I should have started with a smaller bodice size. It is also a little heavier to wear, not being voile, but this is a self inflicted problem.
Next I will make something in voile, and will aim for handwashing only....

10 comments:

Gail said...

Summer has hardly raised its head in Sydney. Went out last night in a jumper! I'd love to be able to wear a gorgeous sundress like this.

Gay McDonell said...

A perfect summer dress - we can't see the imperfections - so enjoy feeling cool!

Debra Martin said...

It looks beautiful. You look beautiful. Your clothes always fit so well. I like the styles you choose for yourself.

Gardams said...

Your dress is lovely, it fits like a dream and the print is perfect for this season.

Vida Costura said...

Hello, I read your blog whenever you update ha, I love the clothes that you do and how they are beautiful. It's a beautiful dress congratulations, here in Brazil we have to wear clothes well throughout the year, hardly gets cold and when it does not even come close to the cold that you have there.

Hugs

Eilan - Brazil

(PS - Sorry an error, do not speak your language and I am using a google translator.)

SewRuthie said...

Pretty! (it got above freezing yesterday but now is foggy).

Sharon said...

Beautiful summer dress and yes jumpers are still the go in Sydney.

velosews said...

Great dress and the fabric choice really works. It really suits you. I hear the heat is about to set upon us too.

Joy said...

Ooh, lovely dress. I have a weakness for the small florals. I really like the wide straps and the interesting bodice.

Allison said...

This looks like a very pretty replacement for your old dress which committed hari Kari.

Have you tried sewing with linen? I find it cool and comfortable when the weather is hot and humid. Of course, it wrinkles like a bear and you have to be able to live with that.