Neck Tie Pencil Dress

I can’t begin to tell you how much I love fall and making cool weather clothes.  If I could get away with wearing wool dresses and coats year round, I would.

Because I hadn’t made or worn a fitted dress in what seems like forever, I knew when I snagged this plaid wool just what I had in store.  This is a great wool perfect for dresses and skirts because of the 2-way stretch. It sews nicely and irons easily.

The dress was lined with a silk charmeuse which is a fabric I use frequently to line fitted pieces.  It’s comfortable and doesn’t change the fit.

How I made the dress:

Used the bodice of McCalls 5927 with the following alterations:

-Created an mock collar/neck tie by cutting 2 pieces of fabric 8″x25″ fold the fabric in half attaching one end to each side of the neck meeting in the back and connecting with a slide closure.  The front hangs down and ties

-Added a 4.5″ wrist cuff

-Attached a self drafted skirt with a back slit.

-Added an exposed zipper

This look can be achieved by using the same pattern and removing the pockets to get a more structured fit.  You can also make it even easier and create a oversized faux bow by cutting 1 piece of fabric 8’x50″, tie a bow and secure the bow to the neck of the dress.