Red Flounce Dress - McCall 6988

I have wanted to try a flounce dress ever since my favorite sewing blogger, Mimi G, completed B5985 back in February. I just loved the little swing at the bottom. Even though I didn’t love the overall dress (because I don’t like long sleeve dresses) I went out bought the pattern. I even bought some blue ponte fabric specifically for that project. Somehow along the way I got offset in my plan and it got put on the back burner.About a month ago Mimi G reviewed another flounce dress, this time it was M6988. I was in LOVE with not only the flounce but the front yoke and princess seams PLUS it was sleeveless. I was determined to take on this dress. It had to do a little searching for the pattern as I wanted both sizes, one smaller for knits and one larger for wovens. What can I say?! I knew I would love this dress and I will make a couple (or few). In addition to the pattern itself I was thrilled about this red scuba knit I stumbled upon at Hancock Fabrics. When I asked the manager when they started carrying scuba knit she informed me they have had it in black and white all summer but that the red was new. I have no idea how I missed it all summer.  I've heard so many good things about neoprene and its close cousin scuba knit from all my sew sisters. I was thrilled to find it locally and at a great price. I couldn’t wait to work with it and knew I wanted it for this pattern.I ended up loving the pattern and the fabric as much as I had anticipated.  The scuba knit had a great smooth feel to it almost like an ITY but with a ponte thickness. It has a nice stretch and was a great choice for this dress.McCalls 6988 Pattern ReviewPattern Description: Semi-fitted dresses have self-lined yokes, princess seams, and back zipper. A and B: flounce and narrow hem. B: front overlay. B and C: below elbow sleeves. D: short sleeves. Separate pattern pieces are included for cup sizes A/B, C, D.Pattern Sizing: 6-14, 14-22 (I graded from a 10 bust to a 14 waist/hip)Difficulty: 3/IntermediateFabric Used: Red Scuba Knit from Hancock FabricsDid it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it? Yes. I completed View AWere the instructions easy to follow? Yes. They were straightforwardWhat did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? EVERYTHING I loved the flounce bottom and the princess seems and the fitted bodice. I dislike circular hems, but thats sorta necessary for a flounce skirt. I attempted to do a blind hem stitch on my serger. It didn't turn out perfect but its wearable.Pattern alterations or any design changes you made: I followed Mimi G’s lead and omitted the hand sewing by cutting an extra front yoke out of the fabric along with the other lining pieces. Before sewing the back center seam I sewed the front and back of the facing together at the shoulder seams. Then I laid the facing down (right side down) over the dress (right side up) and attached the front and back facing with the little armhole pieces. (Next time I will all this to either the front or back facing piece). Next I stitched around the neckline and then the arm holes (RST) to attach the facing to the dress. Then I just pulled the dress through and installed the zipper in the back seam. I also omitted interfacing and added clear elastic as the shoulders for stabilization.Would you sew it again? Yes, likely in a winter suiting and maybe in a ponte. I want at least one with some color blocking and one without the flounce.Would you recommend it to others? YesConclusion: I love this pattern. I think it will become a go to.Total Cost: $14.91Pattern                                             $ 1.99Red scuba knit        $5.96* x 2yd = $11.92Invisible Zipper             $1.00 x 1 = $1.00*I really scored this particular day. I had a 50% off coupon and they were running $10 off when you buy $50. This fabric is regularly priced for $14.99/yd