Vintage McCalls 8826 and McCalls 6844

*Disclaimer- the color in these pics is nuts. I tried to adjust to make the dress color true, but my skin paid the price.

I’m a bit of a fabric collector. I don’t want to use the word ‘hoarder” because that makes it sound like I don’t want to use them. Quite the contrary- I want to use them all and I want to use them all right now. This Pucci-esque fabric was a remnant I bought from Emma One Sock shortly after I started sewing. I just had to have it. When it arrived, in all it’s liquidy, colorful goodness, I just couldn’t stomach cutting into it. At that point in my sewing, the ratio of wadders to winners was not great. I saved it until my skills improved and until the right moment. You know The Moment, right? The one where you literally get an invitation in the mail that says Please Make a Fancy Dress Out of a Gorgeous Fabric. Ok, most of you call that a wedding invitation, but not me. Oh no, not me.

It didn’t take me long to find the right pattern. I had narrowed it down to a few on Etsy. I knew that I didn’t want the fabric clinging to my body, so I decided to search for a trapeze style dress. I found this vintage McCalls 8826 pattern and it fit the bill nicely.

The dress was a fairly easy sew. The neck was interfaced to keep it upright. I think I used the wrong interfacing though. I used something that I had on hand and it turned out a little too stiff. I finished the hem with an iron-on hem tape. Even though I don’t wear many dresses, I would consider making this one again. It is just so darn comfy!

You may recognize this jacket as McCalls 6844. It was one of the top patterns on Pattern Review for 2013. I had a heavy, ribbed fabric (like corduroy, but not) from Mill End in Beaverton, Oregon. I know many of you have heard about Mill End in Portland, but I had limited time and was out in the suburbs so I stopped by the Beaverton location. I can’t say enough good stuff about this store! The staff was incredibly kind. I ended up having to nurse my crying baby to sleep, then I held him while I finished shopping. A sleeping babe in arms will not keep me from fabric shopping! After paying, the cashier offered to help me out to the car since I was still holding my sleeping little guy. Wow! That was so thoughtful and helpful. Not only was the service great, but the selection was outstanding! Yes, I know it is not nearly as big as the Portland store, but it is well curated and chock full of high quality fabrics.

I was pleased with the jacket and it works well for fall/winter professional attire. I feel like no one is really wearing brown right now though. Is that right? It’s a good color for me (unlike the dress) so I am going to wear it despite the trends.