Retro One-Shoulder Dress

This dress this dress... let me start with the good.

When I saw this pattern, I knew this dress was for me. I love a retro dress and an off-the-shoulder look, so I immediately knew it would be on my sewing table very fast. I love the Ankarah fabric that I used and the fit is spot NOW but to get to this point that you see in the picture took a lot of work. So let's go!

The instructions for this dress are the original instructions. When I looked at the instructions, I immediately sat down and thought of women like my mother. If these were the instructions they had to follow when making Big 4 patterns they deserve a freakin medal. At this point, I tried to encourage myself and keep it moving.

I think the finished garment measurements for this dress were a little off in my opinion. This is another note that I would keep in mind when you make this dress. With that being said, I cut a 22 for the 38 waist-finished garment measurements. I finished the top portion of the dress and did a fit check and the top was way too big in the breast area. I made the needed adjustments and moved on to the skirt portion. The waist was too bit and I graded that down and got a decent fit. I was not totally happy with the waist because I like a snatched waist and this was not giving me that at all. Once I got the fit I was happy with, I decided to make an OBI belt thinking that it would bring in the waist a little more...and for the most part, it did. However, once I added the zipper with some adjustments, I had a better fit and the dress was complete.

Now my top is much smaller than my bottom hips. I have always had to put skirts on over my head to get a nice fit in the waist. The dress fits perfectly but for me to get in this dress is an act of congress.

"The Dets"

The Changes that I would do if I remake this dress:

The top: Perform the tissue paper fit and go from there.

The pocket: Scrap the pocket and just use the traditional pocket that we are used to making.

Zipper: I would eliminate the pocket zipper and use an 18-inch zipper that would go from mid-hip to under the shoulder. This would allow anyone that has a small top and a large bottom to get into this dress comfortably.

McCalls 8380

My Body Measurements - Bust - 38-40 | waist - 38 | Hips 55

Keep Creating,