A Christmas Dress New Look 6335

I’ve always had good experiences making New Look patterns.  I consider New Look a sleeper pattern company among pattern companies in the sewing community. You often see them on those little circular racks and Wal Mart or Joann, and since they’re only about 3.99 each, one might assume that the quality might be low and the fit might be off. But actually, New Look patterns have always pleased me with their excellent fit and instructions. New Look 6335 was no exception.

At ten, Gigi is now long and lanky and almost too old for these types of little girls dresses that I love so much. I was pleasantly surprised when she agreed to let me make her New Look 6335, with it’s classic little girls bodice and Peter Pan collar and gathered skirt. Lately, she just wants to wear sparkly pink things with unicorns and emoji symbols. She also agreed the fabric I had in mind for the dress, a vintage fabric, one of my flea market finds, was acceptable. So I was gung ho to make my last little girl a very traditional little girl’s Christmas dress. I even made a bow and belt!

Being basically a long and lean type at this stage in her life, Gigi’s measurements corresponded to the size 8. But although her measurements fit the largest size included in this pattern, she’s almost five feet tall. The pattern was designed for child 6 inches shorter. So I slashed the pattern bodice at the waistline and opened it and added an inch, then patched it with tissue paper. I also added three inches to the skirt. The fit was perfect! Usually store bought dresses on her are much too short waisted.

The instructions were very good, so I just followed them instead of doing things my own way, which was relaxing. It’s nice to be able to just trust a pattern and not feel that the instructions are subpar. I know that sounds arrogant, but so many Indie patterns are just are so bad. And if you don’t sew much you might blame yourself and not know it’s not your fault. You just have a crappy pattern.

I added the petticoat which was made from some silk organza yardage I’ve had lying around forever. I actually bought his silk organza when I went to that week long Susan Khalje Couture workshop in Texas about six years ago. After that work shop I was convinced I was going to start making lots of couture dresses and everything was going to be underlined in silk organza. As they say, the road to hell is paved with good intentions. I was tired of having that organza basically yelling at me each time I would come across it. Just put the damned thing in the kids dress already and be done with it! Life is too short to feel guilty about not using a piece of fabric!

The lining was some old black cotton and even the zipper was from my stash. I really love how clean and professional the finish looks inside and I especially love the fully lined sleeve. Since I’ve had the pattern a few years too, I bought nothing new for the dress.

The centered back zipper was made with a method I’ve never used before. I usually baste the center back closed to insert a zipper, but the instructions had me sew each side separately.

All in all I found this to be a very elegant pattern which is ironic since I bought it at Wal Mart! So the moral of this sewing story might be to never judge a book by its cover.

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