McCalls 3650 - fabric

It's been hot, until Christmas and now it's cool but humid. I've been wanting to make up this fabric all year because the cream lace is sewn onto the fabric. When I saw it at The Remant Warehouse I just saw it as a lovely piece that could possibly be anything. It's soft, drapes well, provides the opportunity to use just the base and it's a strong red base. I also liked the fact that a rolled hem on the overlocker was the best hem finish idea.

Last year I bought some red lace on ebay and it's a perfect match for this fabric. Believe me there was no planning regarding either the lace or fabric purchase.

I've used french seam finishes on the side seams. The sleeve hems are overlocked as are the sleeve and neckline hems. I've used the wider swimwear elastic because it's clear but strong. The red lace has been used on the sleeve and waist elastic casing on the rightside of the top.

I did have to loosen the elastic gathering all over the top so that it didn't look too much like a clown top. The neckline has some depth to it without looking too frumpy. I've also used a rolled hem on my overlocker (remove the left needle thread).
I'm not sure when I'll wear this. I do have plenty more of this so I might try a soft skirt/top or try a '40's style dress.

Maxi dress or Muu Muu?

This dress is again a top that I've extended into a dress. The aim was to make this up in time for our weekend away in Newcastle. We had the option of living next to the V8s for 3 days or getting away, so Newcastle was the answer, but I digress and the dress wasn't finished on time. Life goes on...

McCalls 3650 is a handy top that I've made is soft cotton fabrics as a top and being a shorty, this style is a bit too puffy for someone my height to pull off. This pattern isn't available anymore, but it's a peasant style top with lots of room and elastic, so there's no need to make too many adjustments.

What I did was line the front and back with a similar fabric type for the front and back views. The hems are overlocked in black. I've used a cream stretch elastic that I had in my stash to show what waist I have but the dress is still muu muu like (aloha). I'll use this as my "off to the beach" dress.
I used french seams where possible and swimwear elastic around the neckline and in the waistline casing.
I might use some pink ribbon around the neckline to draw the eye away from my waist.

(5 minutes later)

Ok, I couldn't wait, so I added the ribbon, put on some heels and wore my hair down. I think this is now just a dress, so I'll keep it :)

I can relax now and dream of my next creation. At this stage it's the red version of this pattern but it will be a hip length top. You'll see what I mean with the fabric I'm using (from the fabric remnant warehouse).