Review: McCall's 6348 | Cut it out!

12:00 AM

The cutout trend is pretty big this season.  There are slivers of skin peeking out in every direction (i.e. back, waist, midriff, chest and probably the easiest -- the shoulders).  
For my way of embracing this trend, I decided to go with McCall's 6348, view A.  Which seemed an easy enough way, because this dress is no more than a strapless dress with a shoulder attachment... in my opinion.   
I used this great jersey fabric from Mood.com that's medium weight yet drapey and has a pretty decent recovery.  For a woman that used to fear color and floral prints, I'll say that I stepped WAAAAAYYYYY outside of my comfort zone with this.  A "daring" design and an explosion of color!
McCall's 6348 is another one of those awesome patterns that has the cup sizes.  I cut the size 14 D at the shoulders and graded to a size 16 from the waist down.  I probably could've gone with a full 14, but I didn't want the dress to be scandalously clingy.  And I added three inches to the length.  Being that the dress already had a good deal of exposed skin on the top, I didn't want it to be a mini.  Got to know when to say "when".

To prevent any gaping, I stabilized the hems at the cutout.  And I also tacked the front yoke to the bodice at the points where they meet.  I wasn't convinced that it would stay in place without me doing so.
The front of the dress has horizontal dart and the back has a yoke and princess seams. 

For an extra touch of pizzazz, I added an exposed zipper using this tutorial at Threads magazine.
And FYI:  this dress is "bra-friendly".  But I found that a demi-style bra worked best for me.  A regular cut bra peeked out.

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113 comments

  1. Wowza! Love that print and the style on you! Fantastic!

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  2. Really like this alot! The exposed zipper is what makes it go into 'wonderful territory' for me!

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  3. The printed fabric you used here is fabulous, I love it with the cut out! Good idea with stabilizing the cut out shape, droopy is never fun! I'd definitely add to the hem too to balance it out!

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  4. This is a superb dress, so flattering on you. what a great fit and inspired fabric. I am definitely going to make a note of this number!

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  5. This is just stunning on you - I too would probably shy away from such a bold print, but seeing this dress on you could really tempt me.

    Thanks for the link for the exposed zipper - I really want to have a go before they go out of fashion.

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  6. Love the bold colors of this dress, and that back photo showing the exposed zipper is so fierce!

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  7. Love every single thing about this dress, from the print to the cutout to the exposed zipper! This is a definite showstopper!

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  8. I love this dress on you! Everything is spot on. The print, the fit, the smooth construction. You look *amazing* in this dress.

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  9. Absolutely LOVE this, even with the fabric alone, I was like WOW. This fabric is just up my street. GORGEOUS. Did I say this dress is da bomb?

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  10. Beautiful dress, fabric and fit!

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  11. Yet another winner!

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  12. This looks fabulous. To be honest, I didn't even notice how loud the print was until you mentioned the fabric. It must be because that's what we're used to seeing all around us: bold prints. But I know that when you're sewing with such a print, it's always hard not to be just a little scared.

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  13. Anonymous7:00 AM

    Gorgeous! I love the print, and you're totally rocking this style!

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  14. Anonymous7:11 AM

    I wouldn't think to do a cutout on a patterned dress but it works!

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  15. Gorgeous dress.

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  16. That fabric just makes that dress POP!!!! Looking good diva! And I love the cute and tasteful cut out!!!

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  17. You look cool and confident in your new summer creation. Love the bright print and the perfect fit.

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  18. Better late than never - Erica you are working this dress! I love the style and fabric on you!

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  19. Wow, you look fantastic in this style and print! Love the added touch of the exposed zipper.

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  20. Very beautiful color, thanks for making my morning, I saw this beautiful colors opening my computer this morning...It's a start of great week...

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  21. This is stunning on you! Everything is working here. Nice job, Erica!

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  22. Love the bold print, you choose a winner. You look great!

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  23. Oh my, that jersey is fabulous! I love everything about this dress. Well done.

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  24. HHHHHot, smoking, the exposed zipper just makes it extra special.

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  25. The print is lovely! the dress fits perfectly - great job!

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  26. Your dress is lovely. Love the print and the colors....

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  27. LOVE! the dress is way cute. I have been eyeing that pattern that has been sitting on my table for weeks, lol but the print and color choice is fabulous!!

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  28. Luving the dress, the exposed zipper, and the fit!

    It looks amazing on you! The print truly adds additional appeal the this dress.

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  29. Two thumbs up & a twist, Erica B :)

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  30. what! That exposed zipper is the business!.

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  31. Wow, that dress is gorgeous. You look fabulous in it.

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  32. Beautiful work, love the dress!

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  33. This is a very feminine look for you, and it looks good!

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  34. That dress and the shoes are bangin!!! Love the outfit. Beautiful job.

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  35. OMG that is sooo sexy and the fabric print awesome!

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  36. Anonymous9:26 PM

    That's a cute dress. The print is gorgeous!

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  37. Beautifully made, fantastic fabric.... But hmmm.. Not sure about the gap!

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  38. Really, really, really pretty Erica! I especially love the "Pzazz" in the back!! :)

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  39. aieeeeeeeee! that gorgeous dress fits you like a technicolor glove! (but yes, a polite and gentlemanly glove.) and the zipper. she is a perfect waterfall down your back.

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  40. The print of your dress to the lipstick--amazing and beautiful!

    xoxo
    Stella

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  41. Since I cannot figure out how to get to the blog form, I will put my comment here. Great job on your new page showing the different items you have made go from one to the other.

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  42. *DROPS JAW* That fabric is STUNNING!
    Love the new format of your blog too. I LOVE your banner!!! LOL

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  43. Wow this is beautiful! It fits you amazingly. Don't know why you feared color because It works well with your skin tone.

    Love It!

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    Replies
    1. Black use to be my favorite color! I'm glad I got over that! Thanks!

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  44. Beautiful dress! Love the content and the new look of your blog. You offer style inspiration and sewing inspiration. It is a treat to visit your blog.

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  45. I am so impressed by every single thing you make! Everything always fits so perfectly and looks amazing! this dress is no exception.

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  46. Love that floral dress on you, so pretty!!

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  47. Stunning dress! Fuschia is really a gorgeous color on you, and I agree with the others, the zipper really brings a somethin somethin to it.

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  48. Beautiful dress! I love all of the little features such as the front opening and the exposed zipper in back.

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  49. Anonymous5:24 PM

    I have been keeping an eye on your blog for a while and this dress isn´t so bold after all - it is just all those bright colours that look amazing on you, worn together! A really nice dress!!

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  50. Wao, this dress looks fabulous on you!! Love the print an cutouts!

    www.thejoyoffashion.blogspot.com

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  51. Woe Erica, that dress is gorgeous. I love the print and the colors especially the pink accents and love the pink bag you paired with it.

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  52. Woah! At first I thought these were store bought clothes & continued reading to see you make these beautiful creations. Go girl!

    http://diaryofyoungdesigner.blogspot.com/

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  53. Sometimes it's just not worth the aggravation, especially when you have fabulous clothes that you have ALREADY sewed. You were working that look for sure!

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  54. I will definitely be making this one. Just love it! Thanks for all your sewing advice!

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  55. I actually stopped sewing because I was so disappointed with the fabric stores around here. The closest Hancocks is about 45 miles away and t both Jo Ann stores do not carry anything that really catches my attention. I have ordered the same fabric from the Mood link you posted. I am really excited about that. Right know I am working on a jacket I saw on Princess Kate.

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    Replies
    1. Lupe, I hope you enjoy the fabric as much as I did!

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  56. Fantastic dress and great fabric choice - so vibrant and colorful!

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  57. Any suggestions on how I can get Vogue oop pattern 2973? Beautiful work!!

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