McCalls 6501

 E choose McCalls 6501 for me to make for her.  "Sure, no problem" I said.  It says "easy".  Well, this dress kicked my butt.  It must have been the fabric I chose.  I mean its not like I am an inexperienced seamstress, but this whole project was a pain from start to finish. 

 The flounce was the biggest problem.  Making that tiny hem along the edge was not fun.  I do know that the best solution would have been a rolled hem with my serger.  The two problems with that are: I didn't have the right color thread, and I don't feel super comfortable with the machine.  So, I got the flounced hemmed, basted and then sewed the seam.  See that picture on top?  Somehow I didn't catch one piece in the seam.  Grrr.  The fabric is too fine to unpick all that sewing, so I made a tiny little gathered piece to cover it up.

 It turned out OK.

 I did lengthen the dress by 9 inches as well.  This probably wasn't the best style for such extreme lengthening, but E says she loves it and we had to meet dress code standards.

 The arm holes ended up a bit too deep as well, but a cute sweater helped with that problem.  I also ended up lining the dress, which isn't called for at all in the pattern, but the fabric was just too sheer and lightweight not to.  The lining actually worked out really well.  I just made a second dress, with out the flounce and did a shorter, regular hem.  I attached the lining at the under arm seams before the neck band was attached.

 My best discovery?  I used a thin piece of ribbon as a hem tape and my hem turned out pretty well. 

E is happy, and that's what matters most!

Dress & Capris Simplicity 2469

 I actually made this dress up for E for Easter, and she did wear it.

 I just never got around to photographing her in it.  I'm not sure she loves it, since I had to get her to put it on so I could take pictures.

 I also made the capris from the same pattern. (dramatic, no?)

The fabric is a Lissette that I got from Joann's last year.  And incidentally, I made the ruffle tank for her last year, too.

Easter Dress - Simplicity 6307

E's Easter Dress was finished well in time for Easter.  Friday night, even!  I did make a matching purse Saturday, I'll post it tomorrow.  

 I ended up making a sash to go with it.  The lace is pretty 'heavy' and I thought it helped break it up a little.

 The pattern was fairly easy.  It was even labeled as 'Jiffy'.  It would have been much faster if I hadn't essentially made two dresses.  There was also a lot of basting to make sure everything lined up.
I even thought ahead of time to use the finished edge of the lace for the bottom - so no hemming.  I only then had to hem the bottom edge of the sleeves.  A couple months ago I invested in an invisible zipper foot for my sewing machine.  One of the best investments I've made in a long time!  Invisible zips from now on!

These pics were taken after church and an hour long ride to Oma's, in a hurry, everyone wanted to go play.  The sash could have used some adjustment (along with some attitude ;))

I'd like to make the pattern again in a more flowing fabric.  Perhaps with the lace edgings.  I'm sure I've got something out in the Stash I could use.  The top might be cute done in a knit.  Putting a back zipper in a girl's casual top seems a little much.