Fabric suggestions on patterns, use something else?

[kjh9835]

Bought this pattern yesterday, McCalls 6027 http://mccallpattern.mccall.com/m6027-products-10725.php?page_id=108&search_control=display&list=search to make a dress for Joe's Christmas party that is Dec. 10th. Fabric suggestions include: stretch wovens, lightweight linen, lightweight pique.

I want to use red crepe back satin but the only patterns I found for that fabric were special occasion (ie: too fancy) patterns and a few blouses but I really like to wear dresses to his work party. I called mom and she said she did not know why it wouldn't be an appropriate choice so I'm asking here before I purchase/get started.

I plan to make view "B" which is the white dress on the far right. It has godets in the skirt for fullness/flounce but view "D" does not so I could make that one instead. I don't know if the seams of the godets in the skirt will look odd if I use crepe back satin?

Kathy

[Mom of Six]

I think it would work fine. I would go with view D but just because I don't like to sew that many points together.

[DorothyL]

I think it would be fine. Just be sure you cut all the pieces in the same direction.
Dorothy

[bridesmom]

My thought exactly! Satin has a nap to it and you need to cut all the pieces running the same way or it will look strange.

[lendube]

I made a black satin floor length skirt with multiple godets about a year and a half ago. I have to say (keeping in mind the cutting advice) it turned out beautifully. The light hit those godets in such a pretty way and it flowed beautifully. It wasn't for me but for a 15 y/o girl who was traveling to Washington DC to play in an orchestra there. Bassoon, I think, so the skirt had to be long.

[Mule]

Just be sure to use the "with nap" layout, and be really careful to have smooth seams. I think it would look great!

It's kind of fun to dress up for a party. I worked in an office for 10 years where we had a semi-formal or formal Christmas party each year. I enjoyed the chance to get and wear something long or sparkly! Now I work at an office where we just do something during our regular lunch hour. Not because our employer is too cheap to do something nice in the evening -- he's offered -- but because no one wants to be bothered going! DH works all by himself, so no party there....

Well go and have a great time in your beautiful dress. I'd love to see pictures!

[MartySews2]

Kathy, make sure that you check the drape of the fabric with those princess seams & godets. I would wash the fabric with warm water & dry on a regular heat to remove all sizing before cutting. Suggested fabrics to me are just that ... suggestions. It's not an iron clad rule. The advice on cutting & on your seams is right on. You should look lovely. Working for state government, we never had Christmas parties. Hubby also works for state government so there's none there. Our SS class has a Christmas dinner & my mission group plus guild have Christmas luncheons but no one dresses up.
Marty

[kjh9835]

This is a Christmas dinner and dance. The first year I worn a dress of Kristin's as I did not know what everyone wore. It was kind of plain but ok. The next year I wore a purple shimmery blouse and slacks, last year Joe picked out a dress that was dressy but not over the top. I did not like it but he did. The pictures they take (free 5x7) were good except last year I was leaning back against him and the dress was sleeveless with a high neck so my arms look huge and a high neck, IMO, is not favorable for my shape/short hair.

Some dress way up (saw one lady in a formal gown), others just sweaters/slacks or nice jeans. Most of the guys are in dress shirts and nice jeans. I hate to buy another dress that I won't wear but a few times if I can make it cheaper and to fit better.
I did all those bridesmaid dresses in crepe back satin and it's not too difficult for me to work with and I like the shimmer so it's a go. I read the pattern reviews (4) and no one really had any issues. I'm going to do a practice one first for fitting then make the real one. I'm sure I'll be posting as I go.

Kathy

[sewingmom]

The last time I made something in satin I cut it on the bias. It worked out well and had a beautiful drape.
Just a suggestion. Cut any way that dress will look great in satin.

[DorothyL]

DH works all by himself, so no party there....

Well Beth, you'll never know!!

Dorothy