Red, Polka Dots, and Panels

So, this dress was supposed to be finished back in September to wear for Mr. Social's birthday. And, yeah, that didn't happen. But I did get to wear it today!

I've made McCall's M6741 again, this time without pockets, or adding a collar of my own. I kinda love this pattern, and expect I'll end up making it a few more times, as it's a super simple dress that can work in any fabric and for any occasion. The cut is flattering for a number of body types, and the skirt has a perfect amount of flare.

The one thing I will do the next time I make this dress is make it a wee bit longer. I made it the length of View A without the bottom panel, and it's.....really short. I'm a short person and didn't expect it would be that short, but hey, live and learn. It's not so short that I can't wear it, but just short enough that I will never be able to bend over in public while wearing it :P

Until soon! xoxoxo

Goth Cupcakes? Is that a thing?

Apparently, it is! And what a perfect print for my birthday dress!!!

I was browsing for fabric online a few months ago, and came across this super fun Michael Miller print and just had to have it. I mean, how could anyone possibly resist this dark but whimsy goodness?

With my birthday coming up, I knew that this would become my birthday dress. I figured I'd try out McCalls M6741. While the dress was in progress, I tried on the dress and thought it was cute, but it needed a little something extra. So I drafted myself a little Peter Pan collar and am pretty pleased with the results.

One additional change I made is to move the pockets. I don't think that pockets in the princess seams would be flattering on anyone, so I stuck them in the side seams instead (I gotta have my pockets!). The skirt was pretty full to begin with, so it didn't add too much in the way of additional bulk/width. 

One thing I wish I had done different is to not cut it so short. I wanted to go a little shorter than I normally do, as I knew this dress would be worn with tights, but I completely misjudged how short it was when cutting. OOPS. Oh well, my bum is covered so I'm not all that concerned.

Sadly, I didn't get to celebrate my birthday this year on account of being sick, but I wore the dress to school this week, so that's got to count for something, right?

OH! Did you notice my hair? I had a haircut go wrong recently, so I'm rocking a short 'hawk now for a bit of a change. What do you think? Have fun with it for a while or grow it back out?

This time I went girly...

In this next installment of my adventures in repeatedly making the same dress over and over and over again, I decided to push myself out of my comfort zone and go girly and floral. I've been really trying to change things up in my wardrobe, and get more colour in there. I found this super pretty floral cotton voile on super sale at Fabricland (I think I paid something ridiculous like $2/meter) and decided to give it a go. Everyone needs a light summer dress, right?

Once again, I used McCall's M6646 to make this dress, but this time I kept the fluttery sleeve thingies. I also added an inch to the bodice length (I may be short but I have a long torso), shortened the hem a bit and added pockets. I think all dresses should have pockets. Not gonna lie, they do add a bit of bulk to the already full circle skirt, but I needs me my pockets!

Sadly, I didn't get any twirly pics of this dress. There were too many people around in The Secret Garden to have room to twirl, and you have to keep your eye on the big cats in there or they will mark you as their territory. Not even lying. I saw a tiger spray a kid last time I was there. Eeeew.

Until soon. xoxoxo

What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas...

Except that I got married y'all!!!!!

While I didn't make my own wedding dress (I got talked out of it by my Mother, and the RTWfaster folks approved of the decision not to make it if I chose not to), I still loved my dress very much. I took it as an opportunity to finally get a dress by local designer, Pam Chorley. I've loved her stuff forever and ever! A whole crew of us descended upon Las Vegas and much fun was had.

That's my awesome yellow dress!

While I didn't make my wedding dress, I did make the dress I wore later that night (I didn't want to spill on/rip/ruin my wedding dress before the reception back home). Also, a shorter, cotton dress was much more temperature appropriate (although it was still way too damn hot for my taste).

This was my final (for now) version of McCalls M6646, although you'll see a few more of them in upcoming posts. I've made this pattern what feels like 847 times now, and am pretty sure I am producing more of them in my sleep. I love that it can be dressed up or down depending on fabric and embellishment choice. For this dress, I went a little more casual using a quilting cotton that someone gifted me forever ago. It's red and black gingham, and I had been holding on to it for something special, and I think wedding night dress certainly fits that description.

And look, it's awesome for twirling!

Mr. Social even wore his awesome plaid shorts that night so he could be part of the me-made fun.

They look great with his Giant Pompadour

Good thing too as it was hotter than Hell when we visited the Neon Graveyard. Gross!

Until soon!
xoxoxoxoxo

Always a bridesmaid....

...except in less than 2 weeks, I'll be the bride!

In the meantime, I also had the honour of standing up for some dear friends of mine on their most special of days. When I asked the lovely bride if I could make my dress she was all for it! RTWfast FTW! She wanted us girls to wear a simple strapless LBD, so I went to my current go-to pattern McCall's M6646. (You'll see why it's my current go-to pattern very, very soon....just need to get a few more pics taken).

The only problem I have with this dress is....I made it 2 weeks ago and it fit like a glove, when I wore it

this past weekend it was too big! Now I know this isn't the patterns fault, methinks it was just a quick weight drop on account of wedding stress.  

Circle skirt = TWIRLING!!!

This dress was also the first time I've ever used boning in a dress, which was WAY EASIER than I expected it to be. But since it was too big the boning didn't help support the dress much....let's not talk about my near-nip-slip mmmmmmmkay?

More pics? Why not!

Me, the Groom, and the lovely Ms. C

The wedding party - photo by Lor/Madness Inspiring Images (check her out, she's amazeballs!!!)

Mr. Social and I

That time I found the Bride's tiara sitting on a table unattended...

And a super fun group shot, also by Lor/Madness Inspiring Images

The next 2 weeks shall be a terrifying whirlwind of last minute wedding stuff, but I also have 2 more dresses to make before we head off to LVNV!

Until soon....xoxoxo