McCalls 4440 in Rayon Batik

Let's call this McCalls 4440, part 2 (part 1 is here).

While I was sewing this, I told Hubs we need to go on a cruise.  This feels like a cruise dress.  Of course, that hasn't stopped me from wearing it around town for everything else.

 I used the same pattern view as the denim dress.  It has the crossover bodice.  Unlike that one, though, this one is nicely finished inside with a blue lining.

 I'm wearing this one with a cami underneath for comfort for everyday, but I can also pop on the strapless and get a little crazy.

 The fabric is rayon batik, which I purchased at the Bernina Sewing Center (where my husband got my Bernina).  They usually only carry (very nice quality) quilting cottons, so this fabric was a nice surprise.

 These photos aren't my best effort.  We've been getting so much rain lately.  It was actually raining when we took these.  We just stood on the front porch.  :-)

If you can handle an F-bomb or two, check out my friend's hilarious burlap wreath tutorial.  I'm going to try it, definitely.  This is the childhood friend who commented on my TNT pants, and I quote, "I can see why they call these TNT pants... because your butt looks DYNAMITE in them"  Love you, Shirley!

McCalls 4440 in Denim

I've been enjoying my denim skirt so much that I wanted a denim dress, too.

I used McCalls 4440, which is super old and out of print.  I'm not sure how long ago the pattern was released, but I do know I used my copy to make this dress 6 years ago (which I still wear regularly, though I recently had to replace the fraying straps with ribbon).

(By the way, those photos of my now-7-year-old are KILLING me!!)

Ok.  On to the new dress.  I'm getting definite '90s vibes from this one, in a good way.  This is the exact same fabric I used for my recent A-line skirt.  It has just a tiny bit of stretch.

 I'm modeling the dress with a strapless bra here, but I've also worn it with a contrasting cami underneath for a little more comfy, casual vibe.  I really like the effect of the beige top-stitching.

 It's a bit rumpled from wearing.  I've been wearing it a lot.

 Getting the top-stitching to work with the zipper was a bit tricky, but I managed.  I'm happy with how it turned out.  This dress is unlined, and the inside is not pretty, though.  I like the breathability and ease of no lining in this dress, but I do wish I had a serger  for the seam finishes inside.  Of course I could have done zigzags or a hong kong finish, but oh well.

 I'm happy with the outcome, inside not withstanding, and this is already a workhorse in my closet.

Next time, another dress from the same pattern, using rayon batik!