I think this summer will forever be known as the Summer of the Silk Sundress, well, for me, anyway. That seems to be all I want to sew/wear – not that I’m complaining!
So, here’s my newest addition to the closet – McCall’s 6952. I think this pattern is actually from last year, but I only just discovered it this year. As far as dress patterns go, it’s pretty basic – wide shoulder straps (aka BRA FRIENDLY STRAPS), princess seams, and an elastic waist. The dress doesn’t even require a zipper; you can just slip it over your head. And I don’t know what is with me and elastic waists lately, but it’s basically all I want to wear these days. I’m not pregnant or anything. I’m just constantly in search of comfort haha. 
Simple is good, though, if you want a nice plain backdrop for showing off amazing fabrics. Or not even cool printed amazing fabrics – sometimes a luxe silk in an incredible color is amazing enough, you know?
The silk I used here is another fabric gift that I’ve been too terrified to actually use. Sunni sent it to me last year in a big grab box of fabrics – any of y’all who lurk her blog or perused her store (which I’m really bummed to hear about it’s closing!) know that woman has got some taste when it comes to fabric. I believe this silk crepe was actually dyed by her, even. Of course. And she sent me like 4 yards (or something generous like that) and here I’ve been too skeered to actually use it.
This pattern seemed like a good place to start. The dress isn’t super close-fitting, so I didn’t have to worry about fitting issues (other than the length of the straps, which were surprisingly almost perfect for me). I originally noticed the pattern because I really like view A – with the plain front and cut-out back – but I decided to make view B for this dress – with the cool little ruffled boobie flounce. My boobs need all the help they can get, y’all. 
Construction-wise, I didn’t follow the instructions at all. The instructions have you line the dress, but I like wearing as few layers as possible when it comes to summer heat. So I just finished the neckline and arm holes with self bias binding (jeez, I sound like a broken record. I should rename this The Summer of Self Bias Binding haha). All hems are rolled by machine, and the inside is entirely finished with French seams. The elastic casing is a strip of bias binding, with the elastic threaded through. 
And I totally prewashed/dried this silk in the machine so this is some shit that will never see the dry-cleaners. Machine washed silk FTW!
Fit-wise, I only needed a couple very minor adjustments (minor enough where I was able to fit them as I sewed). The shoulders were almost perfect, but I did raise them by about 1/4″. I also ended up taking about 2″ off the hem, as I think the shorter length is a bit more flattering on me. 
I am thinking this will be a good pattern match for the cool fabric that I bought in Peru. The plain version with the cut-out back, I mean. Right?? I better do it before I change my damn mind again haha. 
LLADYBIRD 
how does silk compare to sewing rayon? Easier? Harder?
It depends on the silk that you’re sewing with. Silk crepe (like what I used here) is easier than sewing rayon, because the crepe texture makes it less slinky. Stuff like silk charmeuse, china silk, silk chiffon – I think those are just as difficult, if not more so, than rayon.
Forgot to say — beautiful dress — and flattering.
Thank you!
awesome! really love the dress/style… great job! maybe one day i can accomplish similar… thanks for sharing… 🙂
Thank you! I’m sure you can! 😉
You look like a super chic modern Tinkerbelle! I think the color and the floaty-ness are making me think that. Or maybe because my brain is still on early morning mode.
Man, I love Tinkerbell! I’ll take it! 😀 haha!
This is so cute and I love the color!
Thank you, Carolyn!
That color is a dream! I love this style on you – it’s flowy and fabulous 🙂
Thanks, Meg! I am loving the flowy style too 😀
Does it ever end? You know, you sewing amazing things! I really need to take your tips about sewing small amounts at a time…. Fit it in girl! But seriously, this is gorgeous on you!
Hopefully never! ha! And yes, fit it in with those tiny pockets of time – that’s the best way to get things done (keeps you from getting burnt out and gives you something to look forward to while you’re away from the sewing table 🙂 haha!)
It looks fantastic on you. I really like the shape of the neckline and the flounces.
Thank you!
Super cute dress and beautiful sewing.
Thank you!
Another very cute silk dress! how do you prevent pit stains? Sorry for that decadent question 😀 How do you wash your silk dresses?
haha no worries! I prevent pit stains two ways – one, don’t have sleeves (I don’t get pit stains if there isn’t fabric there to stain!); and two, special non-sweaty deodorant. Not to turn this comment into a huge wad of TMI (but I’m gonna, cos you asked), but I used to sweat a LOT, so I use a prescription deodorant now and that keeps the sweating to a minimum 🙂 And I wash my silk dresses in the washing machine on cold, then hang to dry. As long as you pretreat the fabric the same way (so it doesn’t surprise shrink up on you), you don’t need to dry clean it.
So you get no stains on silk 😉 lucky you! I think I will try dress shields, cos I’m too sensitive for such harsh deodorants, I guess :S
So cute! And that fabric is gorgeous! You’ve made some really cool dresses lately. I would like to have your wardrobe.
Thank you! I gotta say, I’m pretty happy with the direction my wardrobe is going these days 🙂
This is such a pretty dress, you have a great wardrobe of beautiful dresses.
Thank you, Lori!
Ooh, that silk is delish! Love the color and I think you made the right call on the length. I’m totally with you on the elastic waists. There is nothing worse than a rigid waist after lunch.
Forreal! Need some flexibility in the waistband post-lunch, especially if dessert was involved!
Fab colour! Love comfy clothes so I understand your love of elastic waistbands
Comfy clothes for life!
Beautiful. I hadn’t noticed this pattern before but now I want it!
Yeah, it took me a minute to see it too. It’s a good ‘un!
Washed silk is the best. I like that we think of silk as a delicate, fussy fabric, but they used to make parachutes out of it. That stuff can take a beating. Machine wash 4-ever!
You are totally right about how hardcore silk is. I keep thinking it’s sooo delicate, but it’s really not!
Looks wonderful! Could you give me a hint on how the flounces / ruffles are made? Are there 3layers at the neckline? Thanks, Lauren.
The flounce is 2 additional pieces that are cut in a half circle, with one a little bit longer. They are stitched flat to the neckline, so yes, there are 3 layers at the neckline before you finish it (4, if you count the lining or bias facing to finish) 🙂
Very pretty dress, Lauren.
This is super cute! And I never would have noticed this pattern otherwise…the View they feature on the pattern cover is not nearly as interesting as this one. Nice work!
Gorgeous!
Cute dress! It looks great on you and I love the teal color. How do you wash silk dresses? I can’t imagine wearing dresses that I can’t wash at home especially in super humid summer in Tokyo! Any tips?
I always pretreat my silk in the wash (just normal wash on cold and then dry in the dryer) so that i can wash it that way as a garment 🙂
This is super cute! Love the disco ruffle!