Pattern Review: McCall’s 6069

I just put the following review up on Pattern Review…

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McCall’s 6069

Pattern Description: Misses Dresses and Sash: Pullover, above mid-knee, semi-fitted straight dresses. A, B, C have elastic waist casing, stitched hem and bodice variations; dress A is sleeveless; dress B has three-quarter sleeves; dress C is sleeveless with self sash; dresses A, B, C have optional back strap; optional purchased belt.

I made View A but used the front pattern piece of View C for my back to make it more work-friendly and easier to wear.

Pattern Sizing: A5 (6, 8, 10, 12, 14) I made a size 12 with smaller seam allowances for the skirt to add a little ease. If I hadn’t… Well, let’s just say there would be serious mental stress for anyone who saw me.

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it? Yes, except for the back.

Were the instructions easy to follow? The instructions were very easy to follow. No surprises. It’s a very simple dress.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? I loved the drape neck. I loved that I didn’t need to do an FBA; the bodice had enough ease in it for the “girls”.  I can’t believe how simple and yet how beautiful this dress is. It’s great drafting. I also like how the facing edges at the shoulder are incorporated into the hem of the armscye opening. It helps to keep them from flipping out.

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Dislike would be too strong a word, but I am not fond of the fact that the directions leave you with an unfinished seam allowance at the waist after inserting the elastic. Not sure how you would do it differently.

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Also, I am just not a big fan of the facing for the View C front pattern piece. Maybe I’ll bind it instead next time?

Fabric Used: A beautifully soft rayon lycra knit from Fabric Mart which Carolyn bought on my behalf on her vacation buying trip.

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made: I measured the pattern pieces and made the following changes:

• Since I am long-waisted, I added 2 inches to the bodice at the lengthen/shorten line on both front and back pieces.
• I thought the skirt would have sufficient ease (1 inch), but I took smaller seam allowances and added about an inch more after trying it on and finding things to be a little hoochie mama. I’ve already learned my WAFBS lesson people — don’t need another one.  My sister confirmed today that this dress is ready for work time prime time.  ;)
• In further efforts to wear this to work, I lengthened the skirt by two inches as well. I see in these pictures though, it looks a little on the long side. I may have to raise the hem a little. We’ll see how bothered I am by it though as I wear it.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others? I would definitely sew this again. I think in another print, it would look like a different dress, especially if I use View C as the front or add the sleeves.

Conclusion: This is a great pattern: It’s well drafted, works well for larger busts, is easily lengthened. Just make sure you measure well to choose the right size and know what kind of ease you like in straight skirt dresses. This dress is very simple to make. I heartily recommend it to beginners and advanced sewists alike!

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Here’s some snaps of the finished dress.  I love it.  I actually think it’s more flattering in person, but whatevs.  First up is Katie and me in our Easter finery.  We both felt extra special today.  :)

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Not sure which project is next.  I will see where the sewing mojo takes me.  Happy sewing everyone!