McCall's 5613 Pattern Review - Girls Summer Dress
You can read my full review here. This was a nice change of quick and easy. I have been sewing things that have been taking all day long to finish, so when this dress only took two hours, I was so happy.
Fabric Used:
For the bodice, I used Sew Classic Bottomweight Rodeo Cotton Solid Fabric from Joann's, color name is very berry. $2.00/yard (on clearance), used about 1/2 yard.
For the skirt, I used Doodles Twill Ladybug Blue Fabric from Joann's, $2.00/yard (on clearance), used 1 1/4 yards.
I used fabric flower buttons on top of regular buttons.
Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:
Not really alterations, but I changed the steps in the directions. Instead of sewing up each side, I only sewed one side, THEN I sewed the bottom seam using a 1/4" rolled hem foot, then I sewed where the bodice meets the skirt using a stitch-in-the-ditch foot rather than hand-sewing, then I edgestitched the bodice. Then I sewed the other side.
Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?
Yes, but with alterations. I used size 7 on my daughter. Her chest measurement is 24". She normally wears RTW size 8. The underarm area was a bit snug while the sides were a bit loose. The skirt was a bit short for my taste. It makes it look like she's wearing a dress that is too small.
Next time I will use size 8 but take in the sides a bit and lengthen the skirt.
I don't think the bottomweight fabric for the bodice was a good choice. It is rather stiff.
Also, I think the elastic in the back should have been a smaller piece, perhaps two inches shorter.