McCall’s 5971
Fabric: 1 yard 60 inch wide striped stretch cotton bought at the FIDM Scholarship Store in L.A. $2
Pattern: McCall’s 5971, bought at Joanne’s pattern sale $2
Notions: White bias tape bought at a thrift shop $.25
Total Cost: $ 4. 25
This is a basic pleated straight dress with cute pleated cap sleeves and a set in waistband.
I sewed the cheat version of this dress. No facings, linings, or zipper.
I had a stretch woven blue and white striped cotton and didn’t bother to add any linings because the fabric was a decent weight on its own and lining stretchy fabrics is a pain. I don’t like cutting out facings very much either so I faced the neckline and armholes with white bias trim instead. I also didn’t bother with the back zipper! The stretch woven fabric was stretchy enough that the dress just slips right over my head.
Don’t get me wrong, I don’t always take shortcuts. I know how to innerline and organza face necklines and hand pick zippers too, but I don’t think it’s necessary for most everyday garments. When you have little kids, a house to take care of, teens to drive around, exercise to try do, and side sewing and painting jobs, you need all the help you can get just to finish a project sometimes.
Notice the lack of a zipper? Stretch wovens often can be sewn without one.
This dress needs a belt and next time I use it, I’ll wear one. I recommend this pattern because it has different cup sizes on the bodice and I didn’t have to adjust the fit at all. The skirt pleats also hide a little tummy.
A detail of the pleated sleeve .
Can you see how you can omit facings and use bias tape instead?
Have a nice weekend !
oh wow what a great job you did with this fabulous dress, really love the pattern and colour!!!
love and kiss,mary
http://maryloucinnamon.blogspot.com/
What a fresh and lovely looking dress! I’ve got to say that you have such a great figure and gorgeous hair too, I always think it but don’t think I’ve said it before ;o)
Oh I love that dress.-Have a nice weekend.
I love your take of this dress! So cute and fun! :]
Thanks Marie, that is so sweetof you! Off to visit all your blogs.
amazing dress. and it fits perfectly! I also skip the zipper a lot, as long as I’m flexible enough to get myself in the dress 😉
The dress looks great on you! I hate facings and often use bias tape instead, too.
I’m so glad you stopped by my blog so I could find yours! I LOVE the look of it–I’ll be back often!
I’m so glad you stopped by my blog so I could find yours! I LOVE the look of it–I’ll be back often!
I love your choice of fabric. Much better than the pattern choice. It makes the dress more wearable for every day.
I love this dress! and it looks great on you. Thanks for sharing. Ms.Rose from Texas.
Gorgeous! I have to say I was admiring your hair too (like Marie), truly beautiful tresses. 😉
That dress is beautiful! You look like a mix between Dutchess Kate and the danish princess Mary!! But I fell in love with the cute girl outfit, is that something you have sewn as well, and if you have, what pattern did you use? I’ve been searching through your blog to see if I could find it 😉
monicaandco@gmail.com
What a fabulous dress! It looks great on you.