Bed, Bath, & a Dress

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. 

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.

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.

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.

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!!

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