Finished Black Eyelet Dress

A summery LBD! This little number was made from McCall's 5845, with inspiration from a Nanette Lepore dress (blogged here). The pattern is out of print, but I found a copy on eBay for a couple bucks.

It's a fab pattern, totally fun and easy to sew. I took my chances and didn't make a muslin since I've had good luck with McCall's sheath dresses before. I made a 14, tapering down to a 16 in the hips and it fits wonderfully. I did add about 3 inches of length to the hem as well.

The dress edges are bound in some Wrights double bias tape and it was a cinch. Seam finishing requires a little forethought on eyelet, since it's sheer. I ended up zigzagging my seam allowances together with a wide stitch and trimming them down. It worked perfectly.

The pattern calls for the waist darts to be stitched on the outside, which I thought was a fun touch. (Though it was a pain to pull the thread ends in to the wrong side.)

I didn't line the dress at all. I'm wearing a bustier bra underneath and I'm digging the look for a night out. I have an event to go to on Friday that I'm told will have a rock and roll vibe.

I made a black crepe de chine slip to wear on the bottom, from my easy-peasey slip tutorial. Seriously, I think I made this thing in 15 minutes. I simplified it even further by only having one seam up the back. I used a French seam, which is a nice touch.

The dress sans model and lingerie.

The belt is made from wide poly grosgrain with a silk camellia pinned on. I bought the flower at M&J about a year ago because I loved the Chanel-ness of it.

I inserted a godet into the back slit to avoid my slip peeking out. It's just a simple triangle. I think I'll do this more often on pencil skirts.

I'd love to made another one, maybe in white or pink eyelet. I think for the next one, I'll make the neckline a smidge lower and wider in front, for more of a boatneck look.

Thanks to the readers who suggested this pattern to me!