McCalls 6203- A wardrobe from a sheet

First off, thanks for all the feedback on my last dress! It made me really happy!

I started this a week or two ago, but then lost my motivation. 

My pattern is from the 50s/60s. I was amused when I opened it because some later seamstress had altered the pants into bell bottoms. Ha!

 Fabric: a yellow, flowered sheet from the Salvation Army. $3.

Notions: 5 large white plastic buttons that I had, and a zipper I had

 I am surprised, but I actually like the top a lot. The dark jeans calm the craziness down and it fits pretty well.

Time: Not including all the time I procrastinated, just a few hours.

 Cost: fabric, 3; zippers and buttons .25; pattern .25; super cheap outfit.

 It's hard to see, but the shirt has flaps on the sides for some ease.

I also made the skirt which turned out to be huge. I have no idea why when I measured a 34 inch waistband I didn't stop and think. I was too excited about working out the pleats. So, yes, it is about 7 inches too big. I pinned the back for the picture. I think I'll offer it up in my 300 follower giveaway, if I ever get there. Maybe I'll do it for Halloween if not!

 Wearing them together is a bit terrifying.

I am on an exciting sewing quest for the weekend! More news about it tomorrow, with pictures of my muslin. Don't die of shock! I really did make one! It's not even 12/12/12 yet, OMG!

1950s Sun Dress

I got a giant bag of vintage patterns on freecycle.org and miraculously they were all my size! This pattern was adorable, and perfect for summer, so I made it first.




It is an Advance pattern 9077, size 12. It does not have a date printed on it, but it looks very 50s to me.


It was a very simple and fun dress to make. The only confusing part was that the pattern pieces did not say how mant of each to cut, so I wasted quite a bit of time pinning and repinning pieces until it all fit and made sense. I ended up cutting two of everything, and that worked out pretty well.


The measurements say 32-25-34, but I think that would make for a baggy dress. If you made it exactly like it says to, it would easily be at least one inch bigger than your measurements everywhere. Fortunately, the bodice fitting can be adjusted when you put the zipper in the back. The waist fit, but I cinched up the bust so it wouldn't gape.


My only complaint about this pattern is it did not have lines to shorten the bodice. The dress would be perfect if I had attached the skirt about half an inch higher. But I am very short, so that would not be an issue for most people.


Overall, it is a beautiful dress, it fits very well and is perfect for summer here in New Orleans (with the gathered and lined bodice, you can easily skip a bra). I can totally see making this again in a different fabric- easy and cute!



The fabric is a bright purple with tiny white polka dots, not blue like in the pix.

I have bought the fabric for my next dress- and I think I will start it tonight.