Hello everyone!! Here follows another rendition of New Look 6000, as the title suggests. This is the first dress I’ve made for…..months.
Remember I said I was suffering from Not Enough Dresses Syndrome (aka NEDS)? Well this is my first month’s cure. I am allowed to make one dress per month & so fell into good ol’ New Look 6000 since it:
- Doesn’t take much fabric if you use the plain unpleated version (possibly 1.5m of 44″ sorry, mixing my units there – I have a mental blank about what the metric width is!)
- I’ve made it before so fitting is nearly (but not quite) right
- It has longer sleeves, which make it a better winter dress
- It’s quick to make
I did select a handful of other patterns though, willing my fabric to be long enough, but it wasn’t. NL6000 it was to be. The fabric I should add is brushed cotton (nice & warm!), a Rose & Hubble design which I bought from a fabric shop that was moving & had discovered hidden bales in the deepest darkest depths of its storeroom. NO IDEA what era it harks back to. There was something about the poppies & vibrant colours that drew me to it. It was going to be a possible Ginger skirt, or a gathered full wintery skirt to wear with boots that would take me back to the 1980s. However, NEDS won & I felt that all last year had stocked my wardrobe with plenty of wardrobe staples & it was time for some “frosting”.
I said that this was nearly a good fit. Remember this version here? Well it’s funny that the last time I looked at its back in the mirror (when wearing it) I realised that I needed to take out yet more of a wedge from the centre back. Needless to say I haven’t worn it since, & it is decorating my ironing pile. However, I did remember to remove a wedge from the CB when cutting out this latest version.
So I said that I only had about a metre and a half of this fabric, but that gave me enough to make the dress (but without the vent extension) plus my own version of cuffs (didn’t quite have enough to make the decorative cuffs with pointy sticky out edges) as well as enough for the collar. I did not cut facings as I wanted to use bias – & you’ll see how that benefitted me later down the line. But I would have had enough if I wanted to- just. NB using bias is not suitable for all fabrics & you’re probably going to get a more predictably sound finish if you use a facing….you know, the neckline might be more prone to gaping …
I steamed on with the sewing, using an invisible zip (purely because that was all I had in the colour) & machine basting the sides to try on for fit. What a good idea that was – I needed to narrow the hips a bit but apart from that it fitted fine, including the back – no gaping this time.
I had initially planned to make the sleeves a simple 3/4 length & hem them, but the more I thought about it, the more I thought they needed a cuff of some sort. Not having enough for the complete cuff that came with the pattern I made them to fit the end of the sleeve with a simple slit opening. I think this will work well for squirrelling away inside a cardigan, better than the pointed fancy cuffs methinks.
Sewing everything else was fine, as you’d expect, but shall I tell you about the time saving bias neck facing? Well! First of all you need to know that I started to make the collar (because it is simply adorable isn’t it?) But due to the wild crazy madness of the fabric’s pattern I thought it was a detail that would probably get lost. This dress needed a simple shape, simple clear lines so that the fabric did the shouting. When I had finished the dress – the sleeves were in, cuffs attached, skirt hemmed, neck finished, I tried it on. This dress’s neckline is quite high cut, not as wide as a boatneck, but that high.
Looking at it on me, it was too much – more skin was needed near my face. So I re-cut the neckline & as it was only faced in bias that did not involve having to recut a new facing – woohoo!!! It took about an hour to revise. And fancy a clever lazy tip ? (I swear being lazy is often a sign of intelligence, pity I am too guilty to ever carry it off successfully, but my cat? He’s got it sussed)
Anyway – lazy tip – I kept the scrap of fabric I cut off from the original neckline & have now stuffed it into the pattern envelope with the pattern so that I can use it as a template to amend future versions should I so wish. Quick & easy.
So the dress is dying to get taken out. I think it is another schizophrenic dress – it will be good for work or play. I like making such dual use clothing!
So, this month I will add it to the New Look 6000 gallery, & take the opportunity to update it with others that have recently been showcased here & here. As I see new versions popping up on the internets, I will continue to populate this gallery with links back to original blog posts. If you want me to link to any of your versions, please let me know in the comments & I’ll update it. Can you tell I still love this pattern? But I still NEED to make the gathered version! So far I’ve only made the simple sheath dress due to fabric limitations, but the gathers are lush!
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It’s gorgeous! That might be the loveliest version of NL 6000 that I’ve seen. Could be something to do with the fact that I’ve been craving navy and red floral fabric recently and can’t find anything anywhere near as nice as this.
The fabric is pretty, & such wintery colours. It was a gem of a find…
Oh my god I just LOVE that fabric Winnie! The amended neckline is very flattering – you’re right, you need more flesh on display amidst all thse poppies! And the cuffs are a triumph. Fab, fab, fab! x
Thanks Jane, I’m aware high necks aren’t really my thang & I agree, it’s too wild to be that close to my chops. I’m glad I left off the collar as that would also have been higher again ….suffocation by poppified fabric
Your new dress is lovely Winnie, and every time I see another 6000 I like the pattern more and more
It’s a great pattern, once you get the fit sorted. But there are also similar New Looks that also channel the 60s, which need making up too…..it’ll be interesting to see if the centre back of those starts the same….
FAB dress pretty lady! Everything from the brushed cottonness to the lack of collar to the cuffs to the amazing print say warm and cozy and classy frock. Nice job!
Coo, thanks Michelle, it’ll get road tested soon to see how it stands up to some snow ….that’ll be proof (or not) of its cosiness!)
Wow! This is a fabulous version – the fabric is just so yummy. I love sheath dresses as they are so simple they make a chic statement. I’d love to see the gathered version made up too.
I agree, sheath dresses are simple & can be elegant can’t they. Thank you Shelly
Love the poppies, and the new neckline is much better!
Oh it is isn’t it! I was being strangled by the original neckline!!
That neckline facing tip proves you are an evil genius….in a gorgeous frock!
An evil genius with a white cat ….now there’s a thought!!
Lovely dress! You have me convinced that I need that pattern. I also like the cat foreground shots
The cat has a knack of being in the wrong place (or right place according to your outlook) at the right time. He is a dude. (Except when he brings me cat-gifts)
Why did I think this pattern was for stretch fabrics only?
Lovely! So how many bales did you buy?
If only…then I could have had the 80s gypsy skirt & the Ginger as well!
This is lovely – very frosting! I love the colours on you and I think the next time I make a NL 6000 I will use bias for facing as well – it seems so neat and handy
Thanks Roisin, it does work on this particular fabric, although I guess there are times when facings are better – possibly if the fabric isn’t very robust? Facings are so tedious though I find, extra work with interfacing & joining, understitching & the rest. Gosh, my true lazy character is on stark display in this comment!! Yikes!
It’s lovely! I really like the way you did the cuff.
Thanks Jamie – I must say it was an “on the hoof” design decision. I think without a cuff the sleeve would get wrinkled up cardigans, or through the day’s use.
Gorgeous, gorgeous, gorgeous Winnie! I love the fabric and I’m soooo tempted by this dress. Each version I’ve seen, including all of yours, is just lovely!
Marie, thank you
Yay for a lovely dress that alleviates the boredom of January! I really like your neckline alteration, and it looks great with the cardi!
Thanks Alessa – yes it is going to get worn a lot with this cardi, so it just had to work out!! (I think I like it best under the cardi actually!!)
very cute, reminds me of my 1960′s styles!
It’s such a vintage style pattern isn’t it ? That’s its charm for me too
Very nice. Love the fabric. What a clever idea keeping the fabric you cut from the neckline as a template – I’d probably never think of doing something like that.
You are probably not lazy like me & would take the time to redraw your neckline on your pattern…..I don’t even trace – bad girl I am
Gorgeous!! I love the fabric, and what a great idea re the neckline.
Nice of you to say, Lynne. you know though that it wasn’t planned that way!
Look what you did! Now you’ve made me want to make this pattern too…;)
It’s all part of my masterplan….you’ll be using more rick rack soon too….
I have seen a few lovely versions if this dress and I think yours just may have tipped me over the edge and I may just have to get it before winter.
Thanks Andrea, you go get it – it’s a recommended pattern, but watch out for possible additional width in the upper back. And make the gathered version, for me…please ?…
I have seen a few lovely versions of this dress and yours has just tipped me over the edge. I think I will have to buy this pattern before winter.
I have seen a few lovely versions of this dress and yours may well have tipped me over the edge. I am going to have to buy this pattern before winter.
Sorry about having to leave a few comments – it’s my spam filter – I am having to educate it for what is/isn’t spam manually. You’ll be recognised next time (hopefully)
I have loved every version so far, but this one is really to die for. I think it is the fabric. So incredibly gorgeous.
And when you have something that fits so perfectly, stick with it! Only have three? You should make at least ten!
Hehehe! Very good, I think that means I just *have* to make a gathered version or three amongst the 10!!
Gorgeous! I love this print! It looks absolutely fab!
Great dress. I love the print and this is one great pattern. You’ve gotten your money’s worth, I think!
I think I have – you can tell a good value pattern I think by how fat the pattern envelope becomes from all the folding/ refolding & restuffing of used pattern pieces away each time. This has to be one of my fattest!!
This is such a cute and versatile dress and what a happy print! I really like it styled with that red cardigan, although it also looks great on it’s own with the nice necklace. I’ve had the pattern in my stash for a while… one of these days.
One of these days Andrea? How about February?!
most splendid – plus with the fabric choice, it should take you through early spring and late fall as well. Triple win!
You’re so right Allison, in this climate I think it’ll be in use quite a lot! Loving brushed cotton. Shame it’s not that easy to come by.
Beautiful fabric, and such a classy dress! I love that you can make alterations on the fly like that, I’m always a bit worried they weren’t turn out. This looks great on you!
Alterations are always a risky business when you are as spontaneous as me & in such a desire to finish! I think I sew by he seat of my pants sometimes….not always the best quality!
Niiiiiice!!!!! I love the colours in the fabric, and brushed cotton is just yummy at this time of year! It’s a Great fit too, you look fabulous!
Thanks Steph, it is nice to have a fluffier cosier dress, I agree! Glad that it became a dress & not PJs!!
This dress is really pretty! and looks great with your boots. The fit is perfect from my point of view, and it is great that it takes very little fabric to make.
Excellent work on the cuffs!
Thanks Merche, yes, it’s a very economical dress really. I can see more versions being made just because of this!
Oh my, another fabulous SB creation! The dress looks so comfy and chic on you, the idea of brucshed cotton sounds very appealing in this wintry weather, and I like the simple cuffs and new neckline. xx
Thank you Debbie, yes it was warm (with thermal vest underneath, woolly tights & chunky boots!) Hurrah!!
What a great look, and funky too – it looks fab with the boots, but am sure it would look pretty cool with red tights and mary-janes too.
You know as a result of your suggestion red tights have been ordered! What a great idea, thank you
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That fabric is just absolutely gorgeous! Yum. I love it, love it, love it. And I still love the 6000 too. Nice version!
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