Ok so my sewing mojo is slowly creeping back and I am so proud of my latest project!!! I have had McCall 5972 in my stash for a few months now contemplating what to do with it. I knew I had to make view C but that was a far as I got. I love the gray color trend right now so I decided to try something along those lines. I searched and searched and couldn't find a gray fabric that I liked and then there was the issue of a fabric for the contrasting ruffles. I knew gray on gray would be depressing, so what was I to do? Well walking through the store recently I spotted gray sheets and an idea was born. I had read reviews where sewers used sheeting as fabric for a dress so I knew it was totally doable. A little more searching and I found a sheer black window panel on clearance and I was off!
Pattern Description: Fitted dress, with lined bodice, darts, neckline variations, waistline seam, back slit opening, side zipper closing and above mid-knee length. I made view C with the contrasting neck ruffles.
Pattern Sizing: Available in 6-20. Based on finished measurements I cut a 16 in the bust and graded to an 18 in the hips
Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it? The drawing yes, the photo no, lol.
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| Completed dress |
Were the instructions easy to follow? Very good and well written.
What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? I love the end result but didn't like how the inside was finished. I would have liked to not have to use bias tape on the armholes especially since the bodice was lined.
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| Back view |
Fabric Used: A gray sheeting fabric for the bodice and skirt and a sheer window panel for the contrasting ruffles. The weight of the panel fabric was heavier than that of most sheer fabrics and brought a nice balance to the dress. I feel like it was also easy to work with as it was less slippery than the chiffon I have worked with in the past.
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| Back ruffles |
Pattern Alterations or any design changes you made: As previously stated I used contrasting colors for the dress. I finished the ruffle edges with a rolled edge on my serger which was a real time saver. Also because of the thin weight of the sheeting I doubled up on the fabric and lined the skirt. I could have used a lining fabric but in retrospect I am so glad I didn't. The two layers of sheeting was much easier to work with than the lining fabric I used on the bodice. The skirt is essentially straight but for a woman with a few curves I didn't find it flattering. I cut the skirt with room for the hips and to add more definition to the waist. I accessorized with a skinny black belt to bring balance to the ruffles as well as break up the gray.
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| view without the belt |
Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others? I am thinking of making view B but that remains to be seen. I do recommend this to others. It makes a fabulous party dress.
Conclusion: I am thrilled with the end result and it was perfect for dinner out. I had intended for this to be my anniversary dress. Technically it still is/was although I didn't wear until a week later when we actually got to celebrate our anniversary. Also this was also the first piece I made that included my labels! Double the excitement!!
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| My Labels |
Bottom Line:
Fabric: Twin size Gray sheeting: $4.96
Sheer Black Panel: $2.00
Notions: thread from my stash; I used my bias tape maker and leftover sheeting to finish the arm holes and stitch witchery for the hem
Total: $6.96
