McCall Pattern 2681

A Turquoise Dress | McCall Pattern 8621…

Dressing Your Truth Type 1, McCall's Pattern 8621, Over Forty Personal Style
Dressing Your Truth Type 1, McCall's Pattern 8621, Over Forty Personal Style
Dressing Your Truth Type 1, McCall's Pattern 8621, Over Forty Personal Style
Dressing Your Truth Type 1, McCall's Pattern 8621, Over Forty Personal Style
Dressing Your Truth Type 1, McCall's Pattern 8621, Over Forty Personal Style
{My DYT Type One Style  Turquoise Gingham Dress  – McCall’s Pattern 8621}
 
Today I am participating in a sew-along.   Project Sewn is an online sewing competition that I stumbled upon a few weeks ago.  It is a four week sewing competition comprised of six designer/seamstresses.  Each designer sews a garment based on the week’s theme.  After photos are posted, the competitors score each other’s garments and readers vote for their favourite as well. The results determine who gets sent home, and who is the winner.   After the photos of the competitors’ outfits are posted, a sew-along party opens up for anyone to join in.  I missed out on the first few weeks, but I am excited to be sewing for this final week.  The theme is Signature Style.  I think if someone were to ask me what my signature style is, I would look a little blank, not quite sure what to say.  Do I  even have a signature style?  I  bounce about between different looks; I’m not attached to any particular era, and I am not firmly rooted in either the casual camp or the fashion forward atelier.  Huh, I needed help, and where better to look than my previous posts.  
Well, it appears that I like my outfits to have an element of playfulness, and, this is so obvious, I am drawn to bright and cheery colour.  I adore polka dots, I’m not afraid of pattern mixing, and I shine with a little sprinkle of sparkle.   I don’t play favourites with either dresses or pants, and let’s not forget, I’m a big fan of thrift shopping.  So, what did I come up with?  Well, I found a large piece of  turquoise gingham fabric in my local Salvation Army about a month ago.  Um, hello!  My McCall’s pattern #8621 is also a thrift store find.  Unused and my size. Cool!  I decided to try and work some magic using thrift store materials.  I have to tell you, I’m over the moon with what I’ve come up with. I made a few small alterations to the pattern.  I added some detail to the neckline with a quasi-collar and decorative buttons.  I also added piping to both the neckline and the armholes.  I made the back neckline higher, and I fully lined the dress.  A little bit vintage feeling, yes?  I felt it was what the gingham would have wanted.   I’ve done minimal accessorizing.  With the sash detail at the waistline, and the buttons at the neckline, I felt extra jewelry would be distracting.   The sparkly shoes you’ve seen many times before; hey, I gotta have me some sparkle, and I adore these shoes.  Sadly, polka dots didn’t make it to the table today, but if ever I find a colourful polka dot cardigan in complementary colours, you know it’s mine.  At the end of the day, this feels like me.  How do you think I did?  
 
One of things I have found challenging about sewing garments for myself, is how I feel once I’m wearing the final outcome.  A fabric store can be overwhelming to me….so many fabrics in pretty colours, gorgeous prints, and an endless selection of sewing patterns available.  In the past, I have sewn garments only to find that as pretty as the finished outfit looked, sometimes the design lines weren’t truly me, or the fabric didn’t feel quite right.   I have to say that Dressing Your Truth has really helped me to make better decisions.  I have a clear understanding of what types of fabric I feel better in, and I know what design lines to look for in a pattern.  
*Voting is now closed.  Thanks so much for your vote.  I placed 8th!*
The voting for the sew-along participants is now open and I invite you all to pop over to Project Sewn to check out everyone’s signature looks, and to cast your vote for your favourite look.  If you are visiting me via Project Sewn’s link-up, or any of the other link-ups, welcome!   
 
Linking up with:

Lindsey of The Pleated Poppy for What I Wore Shana of ColorBlind for Thrifters Anonymous
Patti of Not Dead Yet Style for Visible Monday
Project Sewn 
Claire of Clairejustineoxox for Creative Mondays
Jenny of Plane Pretty for Sunday Style
Karen of Sew Many Ways for Sew Darn Crafty
The Train To Crazy: Make It Wear It Thursday
Sherry of The Life of the Party for Fashion Informant 
Amy of Coffee Beans and Bobby Pins and Face It Catalog for Fridays Five Link-Up

86 Comments

  • Reply Flo May 31, 2013 at 3:15 am

    Oh my gosh Sue, I love it! That turned out great and I LOVE the fact that the fabric and the pattern were thrifted 🙂 I hear you on the whole “finished product” thing too, I've had several things I've made in the past that didn't feel quite right due to my fabric choice. It's hard sometimes to tell how they are going to work out, the recommendations on the pattern aren't always all that great.

  • Reply thisblogisnotforyou May 31, 2013 at 3:37 am

    Stunning dress, Sue! I love the pattern and the fabric, both looks really good on you!

  • Reply cindy the cottage chick May 31, 2013 at 3:49 am

    Ah.mazing. You look adorbs. I want to be you when I grow up.

  • Reply Megan May 31, 2013 at 4:38 am

    How fun! You look beautiful and I love the dress. I wish I was better with my sewing machine – so far I've only ventured into making aprons. I need to get more acquainted with what fabrics I like and what patterns would be easiest to start with.

    Have a great weekend 🙂

  • Reply Karen from Sew Many Ways... May 31, 2013 at 4:51 am

    Hi…thanks for stopping by my blog and commenting on the earring organizing post. I hope the idea will work for you too!! I also wanted to stop by here, because I wasn't sure if you knew that your blog comments are set to “No Reply”. This means there isn't an email address attached to your blog account and there isn't a way for anyone to respond back to your comment. If you ever want to change that, there is a tutorial on my right side bar labeled “Are you a no reply”.
    Thanks again for commenting on my blog and have a great day,
    Karen

  • Reply Suzanne Carillo Style Files May 31, 2013 at 5:30 am

    You sewed this? WHAT??? I am so jealous! Wow. I just love all the details, the fabric choice…I love everything about it! This really looks like a vintage dress I'd buy.

    A-ma-zing job!

    bisous
    Suzanne

  • Reply KellyLeaSews May 31, 2013 at 5:44 am

    It's really pretty and I love your sparkly shoes! How cool that the fabric and pattern were both thrifted 🙂

  • Reply hostess of the humble bungalow May 31, 2013 at 5:52 am

    What a great style and the colour suits you. It would make a great dress for a dance!
    Enjoy

  • Reply Olga (Kid Approved) May 31, 2013 at 7:06 am

    Very pretty! Fits you well too!

  • Reply josep-maria badia May 31, 2013 at 8:04 am

    I really love my your dress, it's beautiful. I love the print and I love the design. You are a great seamstress, is a very nice piece. The vintage feel is fantastic.

  • Reply ~T~ May 31, 2013 at 8:21 am

    Cute dress! I love the collar and the twirly skirt.

  • Reply sabine May 31, 2013 at 9:16 am

    Hello Sue,
    I'm impressed. You are a perfect semstress. The dress is adorable and so are you!
    I love the color, the pattern and the 60s style. It's a dress for rock'n roll. How cute that you add a bunch of marguerites. I like these flowers, remind me to my childhood where the meadows in summer were full of them.
    Have a great weekend my dear!
    Sabine xxx

  • Reply Lili Morton May 31, 2013 at 9:55 am

    Pretty dress and great fit!!! xoLili

    http://www.satinandscotch.com
    http://www.keatonrow.com/stylist/lalili

  • Reply Marjorie N. May 31, 2013 at 11:00 am

    I voted for you – this dress suits you so perfectly!

  • Reply amy mayen May 31, 2013 at 12:27 pm

    Sue, when I first stumbled upon your blog, I was hooked on your sweet personality and vibrant style. I didn't know that you could sew back then. I remember thinking that I wish you did. My dreams have come true! I'm so glad you've been sewing away! You're dress is lovely! I voted for you at ProjectSewn. You need to shamelessly elf promote- I want you to winsoooobad!!

  • Reply amy mayen May 31, 2013 at 12:27 pm

    Err, self promote. Not elf. Elf promotion would be a whole different thing…

  • Reply Sue @ A Colourful Canvas May 31, 2013 at 12:52 pm

    Oh My Goodness, that is so cute! xo

  • Reply Sue @ A Colourful Canvas May 31, 2013 at 12:54 pm

    Aw, thank you Amy…I'm so happy you found my blog. Your blog has been very inspirational to me! You're a gem!

  • Reply Sue @ A Colourful Canvas May 31, 2013 at 12:54 pm

    Thank you Marjorie!

  • Reply Sue @ A Colourful Canvas May 31, 2013 at 12:55 pm

    Really?! I consider this to be the highest compliment! Thanks Suzanne! xo

  • Reply Sue @ A Colourful Canvas May 31, 2013 at 12:56 pm

    I know, standing in a mirror in the fabric store with a bolt of fabric only does so much.

  • Reply Sue @ A Colourful Canvas May 31, 2013 at 12:56 pm

    Thank you so much!

  • Reply Sue @ A Colourful Canvas May 31, 2013 at 12:57 pm

    Oh Cindy, do we type ones ever grow up?

  • Reply Sue @ A Colourful Canvas May 31, 2013 at 12:57 pm

    Aprons are a good start, and I just know you have the talent for anything you choose Megan.

  • Reply Sue @ A Colourful Canvas May 31, 2013 at 12:58 pm

    Thanks so much Karen. I've popped you a quick email.

  • Reply Sue @ A Colourful Canvas May 31, 2013 at 12:59 pm

    It was serendipity finding that fabric. I don't know if I'd ever looked at fabric in thrift stores much previously, but now it's the first aisle I head to.

  • Reply Sue @ A Colourful Canvas May 31, 2013 at 12:59 pm

    And it makes me want to twirl!

  • Reply Sue @ A Colourful Canvas May 31, 2013 at 1:00 pm

    Thanks Olga. I had to accept my pattern size is so much larger than my clothing size….size 14. Yikes! But it works for me.

  • Reply Sue @ A Colourful Canvas May 31, 2013 at 1:00 pm

    Thank you Josep. I know you have an eye for detail.

  • Reply Sue @ A Colourful Canvas May 31, 2013 at 1:00 pm

    Twirly is indeed the word.

  • Reply Sue @ A Colourful Canvas May 31, 2013 at 1:01 pm

    Thanks Sabine. Your comments on using your dining room table for all manner of things spurred me to keep going with my creative stuff.

  • Reply Sue @ A Colourful Canvas May 31, 2013 at 1:01 pm

    Thank you Lili.

  • Reply Shirl May 31, 2013 at 2:29 pm

    Again, with the good thrifting. Pattern plus fabric! This is quite lovely on you! Love the daisies too! And those twinkling heels…..

    Shirl

  • Reply Sonia May 31, 2013 at 2:49 pm

    Beautiful fabric, beautiful fit and beautiful pictures! A triple threat 😉 I love this on you and you've secured my vote! 🙂

  • Reply Sacramento Amate June 1, 2013 at 12:21 am

    How clever to be able to make such a magic dress, and wear it with such a panache, my dear Sue.
    Happy weekend.
    XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

  • Reply ann wood June 1, 2013 at 5:07 am

    Hi Sue! This is a great dress, I love the fabric and design. The spirit of the dress matches your happiness in these pictures. Beautiful!

    blue hue wonderland

  • Reply Lisa June 1, 2013 at 7:17 am

    What a great little dress…..I need to remember how to sew!

  • Reply Happiness at Mid LIfe June 1, 2013 at 10:40 am

    What a great dress! Stopping by from the Life of the Party blog hop.

    Alice
    http://www.happinessatmidlife.com

  • Reply Crystal Hammon, ABC, MLS June 1, 2013 at 5:37 pm

    Oh, goodness, what a fabulous job you did on this dress. It's absolutely lovely on you. I love the vintage flair. And the details on the color–extraordinary. This is what's missing from so many ready made garments today, Sue.
    I'm going to have to check out Dressing Your Truth. For me that's the most challenging part of dressing–because I must consider a) what would look best on my figure and b) what I feel comfortable in. Averaging those two things is hard sometimes. Splendid post. Thanks for the inspiration of sewing. In the summer months, I switch from sewing and reading to golf as a hobby. There's only so much time! Happy weekend!

  • Reply Carelia Moran June 1, 2013 at 6:50 pm

    Are you kidding me? Great minds think alike!!! You just commented about my vintage purchases and THAT was exactly what I bought…a 1950's gingham dress in red. But that's the difference between you and me, you are talented and sew your own. Wow!! What amazing work. I love the color and that length on you. Blue is beautiful with your skin and hair color.

    Mysmallwardrobe.com

  • Reply Jean at www.drossintogold.com June 1, 2013 at 7:14 pm

    Sue, this is so inspiring!! The dress is perfect on you, and then to find out: a) you made it, b) you thrifted the fabric, and c) you also thrifted the pattern!! I'm a very impatient sewer, and consequently I'm really in love with your workmanship and attention to detail. I also love the way you thought about your own personal style and how to best reflect that. XXOO

  • Reply Emily June 1, 2013 at 9:45 pm

    What a perfect dress! So fun!

  • Reply Ann June 2, 2013 at 1:34 am

    That dress is gorgeous
    looks so good on you and I love the color.

  • Reply Emalina June 2, 2013 at 3:18 am

    Such a beautiful dress, well done you! I love the gingham and the cut, plus that colour is wonderful on you!

  • Reply Julye June 2, 2013 at 10:16 am

    Love the pretty blue dress!! So stylish 😉

  • Reply popcosmo June 2, 2013 at 11:34 am

    So impressed that you can actually make such a gorgeous dress! I understand getting overwhelmed by the fabric choices, but you made a fabulous choice and this suits you just perfectly. Love the dress and what an accomplishment. Totally, absolutely impressed 🙂

  • Reply Franziska June 2, 2013 at 11:38 am

    sue you MADE this?! It looks absolutely amazing on you. I can't believe you even thrifted the fabric. You are such an inspiration!

  • Reply Clairejustine oxox June 2, 2013 at 1:08 pm

    Love your dress, the material is lovely 🙂

    Thanks for sharing with us at Creative Mondays…

  • Reply Lady parisienne June 2, 2013 at 1:22 pm

    oh I love your dress!!she is so lovely, love the blue vichy 🙂

    http://www.ladyparisienne.blogspot.fr

  • Reply Ariane Lasalle June 2, 2013 at 2:01 pm

    This is a stunning dress Sue, the style, the color, the fabric just perfet !

    Ariane xxx

  • Reply Paula Ruta June 2, 2013 at 2:09 pm

    So Cute Sue!Gingham is big this year. I had a gingham dress that I dyed last year, but I still dont wwear it. Maybe one for the recycle pile!

  • Reply Applebypie June 2, 2013 at 2:27 pm

    Gorgeous – just made for twirling in!! X

  • Reply sewbon.com June 2, 2013 at 3:07 pm

    Love it! Just cast my vote for you! 🙂 Good luck!

  • Reply Ofelia June 2, 2013 at 4:18 pm

    You look beautiful and the dress fit is amazing! A sewing-job well done!
    I'm with you in adoring polka dots, pattern mixing, colors and sparkle.

  • Reply Marla Robinson June 2, 2013 at 4:35 pm

    I always wanted to sew. What a pretty dress!

  • Reply Lisa June 2, 2013 at 4:49 pm

    You sure are handy with a sewing machine! Love the color of these checks. Neckline and waist are fab too.

  • Reply Leslie McCain June 2, 2013 at 5:12 pm

    Would love for you to share this at my up where we pin all those who join to our party board http://myfashionforwardblog.com/2013/05/30/all-things-pretty-10/

  • Reply Patti June 2, 2013 at 7:23 pm

    Love, love this dress! It swirls! You did a wonderful job, and thanks for sharing with Vis Monday.

  • Reply Anne M Bray June 2, 2013 at 8:33 pm

    Your dress turned out beautifully! Gotta go click on over and vote for you now!

  • Reply Schulz Family June 2, 2013 at 8:53 pm

    Visiting from sew many ways. This is absolutely gorgeous. A total standout.

  • Reply trina June 2, 2013 at 10:12 pm

    Sue, even before I read your post, my first thought was, “this is so Sue”. So, my answer would definitely be hands down your a winner! Wish I had pulled this up sooner so I could have voted for you. Gingham alone just says, I'm fun, to make an enitre dress out of it is delightful. I sure wish I had your sewing talent. At least I get to enjoy seeing it through you. If you ever need another model, I would be more than willing to have you make a dress for me (haha).

  • Reply Mrs C June 2, 2013 at 11:26 pm

    Hats off, Sue! A person that sews her own clothes has my utmost respect! Plus you are good at it, this dress is stunning, full of character! I love the bit around the waist 🙂 8th place or 1st, you are one super talented lady!

    GREETINGS FROM DUBAI
    MRS JACK OF ALL TRADES (a fashion and life-style blog)
    http://mrsjackofalltradesdaily.blogspot.ae/

  • Reply Sherry June 2, 2013 at 11:59 pm

    WoW!! This is a fabulous dress and you look amazing in it!!!!

  • Reply Annie June 3, 2013 at 2:54 am

    I can't believe you made that dress Sue…it's SO cute! And it fits you perfectly 🙂

    Annie
    The Other Side of Gray

  • Reply Ira Kharchenko June 3, 2013 at 7:36 am

    Fabulous look! I love the pics:)

    http://www.bloglovin.com/blog/3880191/

  • Reply Amber King June 3, 2013 at 7:55 am

    Glad to see you linked up with Friday's Five linkup!

    Amber
    Lace Statement Necklace Giveaway this week!

    Enter the Friday Link Up!

  • Reply ThriftyGirl51 June 3, 2013 at 8:51 am

    I really like the dress and the fabric, gingham is so summery! How brave to sew with checks, it seems difficult to line everything up right. Great job!

  • Reply Georgia Rose June 3, 2013 at 2:16 pm

    Woah, I can't believe you found the supplies in a thrift store. The oppies here are chronically devoid of good fabric and patterns, so I am super envious. I love the colour of that gingham too.

  • Reply Imogen June 3, 2013 at 2:40 pm

    This is a beautiful dress. My favourite style and I adore the print; I always wish there was more of this around. I was totally amazed by your dress the moment I saw it and then even more impressed when I saw that it was DIY. It is my goal one day to be able to make a dress, I can only just manage a simple skirt at the moment. Really pretty lovely shoes too.

  • Reply Jan Graham-McMillen June 3, 2013 at 3:42 pm

    How cool is this adorable dress you MADE, you sly thing! You are one of the most talented women I know, and I enjoy every post you write. And you look great in it. Perfect choice in the sparkly shoes …. homage to Dorothy of Oz?
    Have a great week, Wonder Woman!

  • Reply Kellie June 3, 2013 at 6:42 pm

    Oh my goodness, this is The Bomb! You're too adorable! Amazing work. I'm in love with gingham and you're rocking it!
    –K
    Accordion to Kellie

  • Reply Simple Simon and Company June 3, 2013 at 9:09 pm

    This dress is absolutely adorable!!! I love it!!! The style and the fabric. It is perfect! Thank you so much for linking it up to Project Sewn!
    -liZ

  • Reply dan June 4, 2013 at 10:56 am

    Your delightful dress looks great on you, and the idea of the competition very nice. In my opinion your outfit is the best!

  • Reply Kezzie June 4, 2013 at 2:59 pm

    Oh my goodness Sue, this is totally awesome! This dress is gorgeous and especially beautiful on you! PLus you added daisies- WHAT'S not to love!!!x

  • Reply Val Sparkle June 4, 2013 at 6:02 pm

    I can tell by the number of comments that this a a winner!!! This dress is adorable, and I bet it's really fun to wear – the swirl, the color, the details. It definitely does have a vintage feel, but still looks as fresh as the beach right there behind you. You are amazing!

  • Reply Laurie June 5, 2013 at 8:16 am

    Sue, you talented woman you. I read this with awe and envy. A few small alterations?!? Good grief. I have trouble figuring out how to get the pattern out of the package. Those look like major alterations to me. And it looks wonderful and it looks good on you. Triple-super-accomplishment there. Totally a winner!

  • Reply Dressing Up For Me June 5, 2013 at 12:39 pm

    It´s such a pretty dress, you´re such a great ¨dressmaker¨! I can darn but I always fail with sewing even if I use an electric sewing machine. 🙂

  • Reply The Style Crone June 5, 2013 at 7:10 pm

    Gorgeous dress Sue! I love you twirling with the blue sky as background. I am so impressed with your talents and the fact that you made this dress from thrifted fabric and pattern. Brava!

  • Reply Rachel June 6, 2013 at 4:29 am

    That dress really is gorgeous, and you look so comfortable in it! You really chose a great pattern. I'm currently sewing a dress, but I have no idea if it's going to turn out well

  • Reply Marci McNair June 6, 2013 at 5:39 am

    This is a great dress on you. It really flatters your waistline and I love how it is so feminine and pretty!

  • Reply Clairejustine oxox June 9, 2013 at 12:49 pm

    Thanks again for linking up, featuring and pinning your beautiful dress this week 🙂

  • Reply Sue @ A Colourful Canvas June 9, 2013 at 4:06 pm

    Thank you so much Claire! What a thrill to be featured. Sorry, without google +, I can't seem to comment on your blog.

    Sue xo

  • Reply Alexandra Marie June 10, 2013 at 1:17 pm

    Literally my first impression when I saw this: How cute is she!? I love how you rock that vintage style!! Found your blog through the link up- following via Bloglovin' <3 Alex

    http://www.bloglovin.com/blog/4239571/into-the-woods

  • Reply versatilestylebytracey.com June 26, 2013 at 7:13 pm

    I really love this entire dresss.. the material, color, addition on the collar and the sash waist detail is divine! Wonderfully done and looks like you feel Flirty and Fun wearing it!

  • Reply Tamera Beardsley July 1, 2013 at 8:35 am

    I saw this on Fabulous after 40… and had to come see for myself. Gorgeous my dear… truly vibrant and gorgeous! Big Kudos!

  • Reply Lynneb July 8, 2013 at 8:58 am

    Asolutely adorable dress. Well done, Sue! Happy Sewing from one sewing sister to another!

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