A wedding with McCalls 5570

One of my besties got married this weekend and I was honored to be a bridesmaid. One of my gifts to her was making the flower girl dress. But after spending countless hours on the dress, ask me how many pictures I took? I'll wait.........

ONE. And it was with my camera phone! So I've spent the morning stalking facebook pics of the wedding hoping to find a few decent ones.  I apologize now for the low picture quality.

Pattern Description: Children's/Girls' Lined Dresses and Sash. So very descriptive right? There are three different bodice variations (sleeveless, cap sleeve, or spaghetti straps) with the same full skirt. The dress is fully lined with tons of ruffles to make the full skirt and finished off nicely with a waist sash.

Pattern Sizing: Available in sizes 2-8. I cut somewhere between the 2-4 range.

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were donesewing with it? Yes

 

Were the instructions easy to follow? Yes they were. After a while the construction started to follow a logical process so I ceased to refer to the written instructions and occassionally glanced at the drawings.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? The dress is adorable, what's not to like? But in all honesty I can't say that I was prepared for sewing through so many layers of fabric. I actually broke a couple of needles which is rare for me. That didn't really have anything to do with the pattern itself which appeared to be well drafted. I do wish they would print finished measurements on children's patterns as it was really tough for me to gauge. I will say that sewing the ruffles wasn't all that fun. Particularly when by the end of the reception they were non existent. Little Missy keep pulling her dress up to make it poofier but hey she's four and she still looked adorable even with her dress dragging the floor.

Fabric Used: For the lining I used an ivory china silk, for the dress itself an ivory slipper satin, for the sash a yellow slipper satin, and for the ruffles a green netting.

Pattern Alterations or any design changes you made: None as far as construction.  I did opt to add a purchased green bow to the back of the dress.  I used it to hold the sash in place instead of tying a bow.  It also really help draw all of the wedding colors together.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others? I would not sew it again but I would recommend it if you have the patience and time to make it.

Conclusion: Very cute dress that was appropriate for the occassion. Though it took quite a bit of time to make the end result was worth it.

Bottom Line:
1 yd of yellow slipper satin = 4.23

2.5 yds of ivory slipper satin = 10.58

6.5 yds of china silk = 13.70

8 yds of netting = 3.54

1 - 14” zipper =1.70

Total=33.75

Quick Update

Is anyone out there? I know I have a few followers and just in case you were wondering what I've been up to I wanted to proivde a quick update. It's prom/wedding season and as we speak my Sister's prom dress is getting ready to be cut out and stitched up. She selected Vogue 2847 to wear to her senior prom. She chose a beautiful turquoise satin fabric for the dress and is opting for black accessories as her escort is wearing a black tux. I found a perfect matching thread but the zipper was another story. Hopefully I will remember to post pics as I go along.

As soon as I am done whipping that dress up I will be tackling my first piece for a young child. A dear dear friend is getting married next month and as my gift to her I am making the flower girls dress. She said she trusted my judgetment and so to make whatever I felt like. I chose McCall's 5570. The dress will be ivory with a yellow sash. I selected a green netting for the ruffles/petticoat as I wanted to incorporate all of the wedding colors into the dress in some way. Alright that's what's going on in my world. So what are you up to?

A Wedding and Vogue 8574

OMG this past weekend was one of the best in a long time! It is Sunday afternoon and I am still recovering from the wedding and reception. It was great in so many ways and it was a beautiful thing to see a union of not just two people but their cultures as well. I have learned that while dancing in 4-inch heels may seem like a good idea at the time, your legs will not like you the next day. Surprisingly my feet are good though. Here is my review of vogue 8574 which is the dress I wore to the wedding. I didn't get a picture of all of my Sorors and I together but one guest dubbed us The Real Housewives of Raleigh. Yes we looked that good, lol.
Pattern Description: Slightly flared, mid-knee or evening length dress has close-fitting, lined sleeveless bodice, neck band, raised waist seam, front and back pleats, side seam pockets and back zipper.

Pattern Sizing: 6-20. I cut a 16 with no alterations and it fit like an absolute dream.

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it? No, it was better!


Were the instructions easy to follow? I personally did not care for the instructions. I read through them and then tossed them aside. The dress was easy enough to figure out construction/assembly but it is because of the directions that I would rate this pattern easy versus very easy. There is such a thing as too much direction I think this was one of those cases in which too much could easily confuse a beginner.
What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? I had so many likes for this pattern! Once I sat down to make this it went together fairly quickly. I absolutely LOVE the pockets on this dress!
I initially was going to omit them but I'm so glad that I decided to keep them. Not only were they a big hit once people realized they were there, but they came in handy throughout the night to hold my camera while I danced. I also had the genius idea to add a pop of color and use a contrasting light blue fabric for the pocket lining as well as for the bodice. I kept this theme going with the zipper as well.
I love the overall effect that it had. I also love the peek a boo bodice.

I honestly have some 'healthy girls' but this dress was sexy yet modest at the same time as I was not worried about them making an unscheduled appearance during the night. My Husband didn't raise his eyebrows either so it passed his test as well. I don't quite understand the need for a center seam in the front but that's just me and pretty much my only dislike.
Fabric Used: The description simply said 'Deco Brown Charmeuse' but it had a hint of stretch to it which was great. It was also thicker than most charmeuse fabrics I have used but that helped add stability to the neckline and it had wonderful drape to it. For the bodice and pocket linings I used a 'liquid satin' that I had leftover. I actually had the wrong side facing out because I didn't like the other side as much as it is shiny.
Pattern Alterations or any design changes you made: I did not make a single change to this pattern as I thought it was great as is. This pattern was very well drafted as I didn't have any trouble getting the neckline to lay flat or anything. I also normally shorten the bodice and hem but I didn't do either in this case. Once I finished the hem it hit right at the knee which was perfect so I am happy that I didn't change anything.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others? It is doubtful that I will sew this again but I highly recommend it to others. I should ammend that to say I won't make it again for myself but one of my Sorors or Friends may convince me to make it for them. I wouldn't label it as very easy like the envelope says but it was easy and it went together without much hassle. It makes a great party dress too!

Conclusion: A fantastic dress that was a hit at the wedding. I'm glad I got around to making it and had such a special occasion to debut it. I highly recommend it!

Bottom Line:
Pattern: $3.99
Zipper: $1.79
Fabric: 2 yds @ $2.49/yd=$4.98
Notions: stash
Total: $10.76