Tropical Print Dress x 2: McCall's 6915 & 8215
Here are my last makes for the summer for my niece and me. Don’t worry; this will not be our last coordinating look for the year. I already have another project planned for her this month, and it will match an outfit you all have seen me in before. Now let’s get into the featured garments.
I used McCall’s 6915 (review here) to make my niece’s dress. For the tulle overlay, I added 1 1/2 inches to the hem and 1 inch to the side seam of the tulle skirt. I used the main skirt piece to slightly gather the tulle skirt by stretching it as I attached the tulle skirt along the waistline. The hem of the tulle skirt was finished using twill tape.
I made a few adjustments to my dress. First, I did one of the skirt’s front pieces in a solid coordinating color. I have to be honest with you all; the design decision was made by force, not choice. My niece saw the tropical print fabric right before I started cutting my dress and asked me could she also have a tropical print dress. I bought this fabric in April and only got enough to make my dress. So to make sure she got her dress, too, I decided to sacrifice one of my skirt panels. Second, I removed 2 inches from the length of the dress and raised the slit. Lastly, I cut a size 10 at the shoulders and graded it to a 14 at the waist. I had to take in the waist, so I probably should have graded it to 12 or cut a straight size 10. There were only a few dislikes. First, I don’t think the back bodice piece offers enough coverage in the back for bra straps. I tried the dress on with three different styled bras, and the strap peeked out for each one at the back. If I make this dress again, I will raise and widen the back bodice piece for more bra-strap coverage. Also, I wouldn't say I liked cutting the dress, which isn’t in the pattern designer’s control. I think cutting the pieces took longer than sewing it, but that’s to be expected with a lengthy and voluminous skirt. I really love the slit, pockets, and volume, so it was worth it.
My dress is paired with my cork wedge heels and bucket bag purse. My niece is wearing her Nike Sunray Sandals. If you would like to see our dresses in motion, here’s a quick video.
