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McCall's 6923: The Running Errands in the Hot, Hot Desert Dress

On my apparently never-ending search for the perfect hot weather dress, I decided to whip up McCall's 6923 which is now out-of-print.

This is a very simple dress with a lined bodice and back zipper.

I used the fashion fabric for the lining and an invisible zipper.  The finishing work on the bodice was done by hand--I was babysitting one of my granddogs and wanted something to occupy me while he snoozed.  But then he woke up, so I topstitched the hem on my machine.

The fabric is a batik cotton from Mill End Fabrics in Reno, Nevada.  It's lightweight and opaque, but a bit stiff.  I had hoped a run through the washer with extra fabric softener would make it a bit less crunchy, but any improvements were negligible.

I don't know that this is the kind of summer dress that Mehetabel had in mind, but I think it'll work well when she just wants to throw on something cool--perfect for a trip to the farmers' market or other errands.

The dress went together quickly.  As I mentioned, this is a simple dress.  Two darts (four, if you count the ones in the lining 😉), a zipper, and a lined bodice.  As 6-year-old me would've said:  "Cinchy!"

For seam finishes, I serged the seam allowance edges prior to sewing the seams.  I  chose to use an invisible zipper which changed the sewing order a bit.  I also managed to have the dress twisted when I sewed in the invisible zipper.  What?!  How'd I do that??  Oh well, judging by the amount of time I spend with it, my seam ripper and I must be very good friends.

After Mehetabel tried it on, I wound up taking the dress in about one inch at the side seams, for a reduction of almost four inches.

The dress is high-waisted and not too fitted.  I hope that translates to loose and cool which is just what is needed in our hot, arid, high desert summer.

What's next?  I was going to make a shirtdress, but instead I'm going to sew another sleeveless sheath.  Perversely, what I really want to do is sew winter wardrobe pieces!