Here's what the girls wore to school today--new play dresses I made this weekend from McCalls 5419.
I made Audrey's first and followed the pattern exactly. It fits Emma pretty well too, so I made one for her next. But this time I modified the pattern a bit. Audrey's swings out kinda wide--a little too triangle-y, if that makes sense. So I folded the sides of the pattern in a bit to make it have a straighter skirt. And I put in a regular hem instead of bias tape on the bottom (because I ran out!). And I like it better.
After seeing Audrey in hers again this morning, I think I'll redo hers to make it a bit straighter too. I suppose a more fluid fabric would hang less stiffly and be swishy-er, but I really love 100 percent cotton prints. So I'll stick with the modification.
This was such a simple pattern--two pieces, two seams, and bias tape. If you're looking for a summer play dress or tank top, I'd recommend it!
(You can click on the photo and then enlarge to see how the bias tape edge and straps look.)
Cute dresses. I might have to pick up that pattern next time at the fabric store.I've been using the same dress pattern on my four year old for long time. I think it's time to move on.
-Sara
Posted by: Sara | April 30, 2008 at 11:24 AM
So very cute!!! I like the modifications you did, as well. These also would be cute in a soft eyelet. Although you always have to line eyelet... If it's just the two pieces, it would be easy to line with a thin light pink or aqua too, without much effort. Am rambling now.... but thanks for the pattern review! xoxo
Posted by: miss chris | April 30, 2008 at 11:44 AM
Cute! I'll be the girls love them. My sewing skills match my cooking skills (in other words... HELP!) but I've had this yearning to sew lately. And I saw the cutest pattern at Wal-Mart (WAL-MART!) and have the urge to try it. Am I pregnant or something? Where do these crazy thoughts come from?!
Posted by: Angie | April 30, 2008 at 02:50 PM
I have this exact pattern! I have it all cut out and ready to go. Thanks for the thoughts about how the dresses fall. I will have to check that out. Maybe I will make mine a little straighter as well. :)
Posted by: Solidia | May 01, 2008 at 04:24 AM
I just had to tell you that these dresses are so in: ) I have seen this shape and style on many woman and children in magazines and TV shows in just the last week. Hurry, get more fabric, because you are on to something! Just had to share. As always, very cute!
Posted by: Erin W | May 02, 2008 at 09:44 AM
Can I just say, you are uber-cool?!! I may have to try it...after all, I did some sewing on my last scrapbook page...:-)
Posted by: Jessica | May 05, 2008 at 03:07 PM