I love this Edwardian style corset from Angela Clayton . . . but do I need another costume pattern to add to the growing collection? Probably not. But this is beautiful.
I was excited to see the interesting design lines on this dress (the ruffles outline the curved seamlines). Although the reason I was first drawn to the dress is the floral print, which is not a good reason to purchase a pattern. But there are some definite possibilities here. And goodness knows, that fabric is probably made of polyester.
Normally, I am a huge fan of cold shoulder designs. And I want to like this. The ruffles, the seamlines, they are all wonderful. But something about the wide straps with the small cutout on the shoulder makes the feminine design look mannish to me. Something about the proportions are off. I am trying to decide if it is worth a little work to figure out the problem, or if I should just move on to the next design. Maybe the sleeve is too long or too wide?
The second, McCall 7896, has a very distinctive prom feel, but this cold shoulder silhouette is something I can get behind. I really do think my issue with the Nicole Miller design above is the wide neckline. As for the rest of the dress, that trumpet skirt screams Barbie prom dress, but this one might be worth it for the bodice pieces alone. I see it paired with a full pleated 1960s skirt that balloons out from the waist and stops at the knee.
And I just wanted to share this one because it sure looks like there is no facing under that front and center button and loop closure?! I can't quite tell in the model shot, so I am going to have to investigate when the pattern finally show up at JoAnns. There must be an underlap or facing, right? But this technical illustration is really confusing me.
What do you think? Any new favorites to add to your collection?
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thank you for making these pattern recap posts! love always reading your thoughts
ReplyDeleteMcCall 7896 would make a sexy wiggle dress if you chopped it off above the knee.
ReplyDeleteThere is something about M7897 that looks strange to me. If I remember correctly, in the original pattern, the draped skirt, in View A, is the same length as the fitted skirt beneath it. In the photo, it looks 5-6 inches longer than the skirt. I wonder why they made it that way. But both views look costumey to me: maybe it's the fabric or the youth of the model, who looks like a 17 yo playing dress-up.
ReplyDeleteOnce again, thanks for this 'service'. Nobody else seems to do it anymore. I finally picked up 7124 (the crazy handkerchief prom dress by David Tutera) to read the instructions. And only for that. Funny what pricing at $1.99 will do (it's cheaper than a magazine or a paperback).
ReplyDelete7890 caught my eye, for the bodice shaping, and I will be happy to change the button placket to an ongrain version. It has been a test of my patience in terms of buying it. Joann's in Ballard/Seattle has it in the drawers, as well as the new book on the counter, but they aren't in the system (it kept trying to ring up at $40). I went to another Joanns in town, and they didn't have any of the Spring bits out. I think they are waiting to take the McCalls off the deep sale discount. And then, only then, will it be Spring at Joanns.