McCall's 2853 from 1971: Long Colorblock Dress

I like Simplicity's instructions better, but maybe I'm just used to them
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Looking pissed, I don't remember but I'm sure something shitty had just happened
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Before I joined the skirt and bodice
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Okay...um...I'm a little embarrassed to say this, but what the hell, I'll never have to face any of you in person so....I have a backlog of six---yes, SIX-- projects that I need to post about. I do have an excuse though...I swear! I swear! I had to work 30 days straight this month, trying to fill orders for our holiday sales. And did I mention that I HATE working. Yes, I absolutely hate it. Even though I get to do it from home, I still want to claw my eyes out. Well, that's another blog.

So, this particular dress that I'm posting about was made in early or mid- November I believe. And I'm happy to say that the results are good. Now, I know this is technically an early 70's pattern, but with the colorblocking on it, I couldn't resist. I tried to make the dress exactly like the pattern envelope picture. Color scheme and all. I think the results are pretty close.

Presenting McCall's 2853 from 1971 (Version A) highlight reel:

1.) FABRIC: Few problems with this cotton/poly blend from Joann's. It could hang a little nicer. Not sure if that's my fault or the fabric. Okay, I'm sure it was mine.

2.) ZIPPERS OR LACK THEREOF: I have been "okay" with zippers ever since I learned how to install invisible ones. Although, I often don't like the way they feel against my body. Not sure how to explain, but they feel a little too stiff. They feel like they don't really "go" with the soft and stretchy cotton/poly blends I've been using. So, this time around, I bought a zipper but ended up not using it. It seemed like it would be okay, since the fabric was so stretchy. Surely I could get it over my puny little Nordic skull (ha!)...or not. I guess sewing in the facing made the neck hole less stretchy. Luckily, I had a small 4 inch (non-invisible) zipper on hand. So, I pulled out some of the back seam and inserted the zipper. Success! My head finds a new home.

So, should I have kept this as a hat? Honest opinions, please.
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3.) CONSTRUCTION: This was the first time I put together a dress with a separate skirt and bodice that needed to be sewed together. Not too challenging. Although, I did have to make sure each piece fit separately and then luckily neither one was too big for the other. I really hate it when I'm trying to ease something together and end up with puckers.

Rear View
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4.) IRONING: Still hate it.

Before hemming-- photographic evidence of my hatred of ironing
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5.) CLUMSY: Only had my iron for a few weeks. Already broke it. I dropped it once. Then my husband dropped it. The plate has a piece missing at the end. That's how we roll.


So, that's about it! And more to come very soon. I hope to post a few times this week, so that I can catch up on the backlog.

Happy sewing!
Astrid